Mannesmann Boosts Vodafone User Numbers
LONDON (Reuters) - Vodafone AirTouch Plc on Wednesday said it added a record 6.6 million mobile phone customers in the second quarter as booming sales at Mannesmann's mobile units made up for slowing growth in Britain.
Highlighting the importance of the Mannesmann takeover, the world's largest mobile phone operator reported its strongest growth at D2 in Germany and Omnitel in Italy.
The two companies, which Vodafone took control of through its 180 billion euro ($172.1 billion) takeover of Mannesmann, added 2.68 million and 994,000 customers respectively in the last three months.
That helped make continental Europe Vodafone's fastest growing division, with 4.38 million new customers. Its total subscriber base rose to 59 million worldwide, including 32.28 million on the continent.
There was strong growth too at Verizon, Vodafone's national U.S. network, with 1.05 million new customers.
But figures for Vodafone's home territory were at the low end of forecasts, with 572,000 new UK subscribers comparing with analysts' estimates of 531,000 to 700,000.
``The customer growth figures we have reported today highlight the importance of being a global player,'' said Chief Executive Chris Gent.
``During the first quarter of our increased ownership, both Italy and Germany have shown exceptional growth. In the UK we have resisted involvement in a chase for customers at any cost, and have adopted a prudent approach to controlling potential pre-pay fraud whilst maintaining the quality of our customer base.''
The new UK subscribers included 75,000 contract customers, which Vodafone said was the highest growth for over a year. It said churn in the UK continued to reduce, but gave no figures.
Vodafone said it added more than 1.46 million new customers in the Americas and Asia Pacific region, taking its total to 16.25 million.
Its newly formed UK, Middle East, Africa division grouping four countries added 770,000 customers. Vodafone has interests in 25 countries on five continents. |
