Vodafone Romania Expands HSDPA Service Coverage

Vodafone Romania has announced the expansion of its 3G broadband (HSDPA) services to 6 new cities, and starting today, customers in Cluj-Napoca, Brasov, Constanta, Craiova, Timisoara and Iasi will be able to take advantage of higher-speed mobile Internet and video calling. The services were up until now only available in Bucharest.

"We are happy to offer 3G broadband services to an increased number of Vodafone Romania customers, by expanding our network coverage to 6 new cities, in addition to Bucharest. This launch is the result of a significant investment as part of our plan to continuously expand the Vodafone HSDPA network, while enriching our 3G broadband product and services portfolio. Wireless broadband is the future of mobile communications. Vodafone is delivering on its commitment to continuously innovate and offer its customers the latest world-class mobile connectivity solutions", said Liliana Solomon, Chief Executive Officer, Vodafone Romania.

Vodafone was the first mobile operator to make 3G broadband (HSDPA) services available in Romania, on the 5th of October 2006. By using the services, customers will be able to access broadband mobile Internet recording speeds of up to 1.4 Mbps, which is up to four times more than a regular 3G network would offer.

The mobile operator has also announced further network upgrades throughout this year that will have as a result higher speeds of up to 3.6 Mbps.

Out of Vodafone's 298,000 customers using 3G services at the end of 2006, more than a quarter are users of 3G broadband services, based on HSDPA (3.5G). Vodafone's main rival, Orange recorded 383,000 customers for its EDGE and 3G services at the end of last year.