News
20/07/2007 - Vodafone to start trial of fixed-line services
Jesse Hogan
July 20, 2007
VODAFONE will test a partnership with a fixed-line broadband provider as it moves to end its total reliance on mobiles.
The long-expected move, to begin next month, will if successful allow the carrier to match rivals in offering mobile and fixed-line telephone and broadband services.
Vodafone Australia chief executive Russell Hewitt said the company was determined to become a "total communications provider".
"Our metamorphosis will bring high-value mobile and fixed-line voice and broadband packages to our residential and business customers," he said.
Vodafone confirmed the broadband trial after releasing its latest quarterly financial results, which revealed an increase in overall service revenue but a fall in customer acquisition rates.
Mobile revenue for the three months ending June 30 was up 9.4 per cent on last year, helped by a 36.1 per cent jump in new customers on long-term contracts.
It added 16,000 customers for the quarter, well below the 50,000, 109,000 and 89,000 it signed in the preceding three periods.
Monthly average revenue per customer also fell for the third consecutive period, to $50.50, which Vodafone blamed on a cut in charges to rival carriers connecting calls to Vodafone customers enforced by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
Future revenue growth is expected to be boosted by an access agreement with independent phone retailer Crazy John's.
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