Vodafone Dominates Text Messaging In New Zealand

Media Release 21 October 2000

VODAFONE DOMINATES TEXT MESSAGING IN NEW ZEALAND

Vodafone New Zealand has revealed that its customers send between 500,000 and one million text messages every day.

According to Vodafone NZ managing director, John Rohan, text messaging is a mobile communications phenomenon that has become the preferred mode of communication for an enormous number of people.

"The majority of Vodafone's customers use text messaging regularly," said Mr Rohan.

He credits this success to the fact that all Vodafone customers are able to send and receive text messages.

"Unlike other networks, Vodafone's digital GSM network enables all customers to use our text messaging service," said Mr Rohan.

Vodafone's text messaging peaked during the free texting promotions run earlier this year at up to two million text messages per day.

Text messaging is enjoying phenomenal growth worldwide. Statistics released by the GSM Association show that 9 billion text messages were sent over GSM networks worldwide during August 2000.

This growth has prompted the association to revise its forecast for December 2000 to a projected 15 billion messages per month.

At just 20c per text message, young New Zealanders have embraced the technology as a cool, inexpensive way to communicate.

But texting's benefits are reaching a far greater audience than this.

Massey University's Kids Club in Palmerston North is an excellent example.

Staff at this after-care centre rely on text messaging to co-ordinate the collection of their young charges and to make sure everyone is kept in the loop.

Co-ordinator, Jo Clarke said messages like "I need U 4 2 @ club" ensure that information is passed on safely and cheaply and the Club's resources are used as efficiently as possible.

"Text messaging means we can be in touch and flexible," said Ms Clarke.

About Vodafone

Vodafone New Zealand Ltd is part of Vodafone Group Plc, the world's largest mobile telecommunications company with more than 65 million customers. The company has interests in 25 countries over five continents.

Vodafone New Zealand now has more than 562,000 customers on its fully digital network and provides coverage to 97 percent of the population.

ENDS

For more information please contact:

Alison Sykora Corporate Communications Executive Vodafone New Zealand Ltd Ph: 09 357 5631 Mob: 021 630 782

This media release is not intended for distribution in the United States of America.

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