27 February 2017
VODAFONE IS GLOBAL INDUSTRY LEADER IN 4G ROAMING
Vodafone is the clear leader in international 4G roaming, according to a new report by independent global research firm Ovum that shows Vodafone offers significantly more 4G roaming destinations to its customers than any other operator.
Ovum's study found that Vodafone leads in all 18 markets analysed. Furthermore, in most of them, Vodafone offers 100+ 4G roaming destinations - more than double the number when compared with other operators in those markets.
Vodafone Group Chief Commercial Operations & Strategy Officer Serpil Timuray said: "In today's connected world, mobile consumers have an increasing need to 'roam like at home'. With Vodafone, our consumers can make the most of their time abroad because they can enjoy the 4G experience in substantially more destinations and with worry-free roaming pricing."
Ian Watt, Principal Consultant at Ovum said: "4G technology has the potential to provide customers on the move with a broadband experience closer to what they can get at home in terms of speed. Making 4G roaming work across the globe is not a simple task and can take mobile operators years to establish. From the outset, Vodafone has been at the forefront of the 4G roaming rollout and has established a significant lead within its footprint."
For each market surveyed in November 2016, Ovum's research ranked the top three operators by the number of 4G roaming destinations offered:
4G International Roaming Coverage - Operator Comparison by Ovum
COUNTRY |
Ranked #1 |
Ranked #2 |
Ranked #3 |
UK |
Vodafone (113) |
EE (41) |
O2/Three (0) |
Spain |
Vodafone (103) |
Orange (63) |
Yoigo (52) |
Italy |
Vodafone (102) |
TIM (60) |
WIND (31) |
Portugal |
Vodafone (102) |
NOS (34) |
n/a |
Germany |
Vodafone (101) |
T-Mobile (84) |
O2 (64) |
Romania |
Vodafone (101) |
Orange (47) |
Telekom (22) |
South Africa |
Vodafone (101) |
MTN (5) |
n/a |
Netherlands |
Vodafone (101) |
T-Mobile (51) |
KPN (31) |
Hungary |
Vodafone (100) |
T-Mobile (36) |
Telenor (50) |
Ireland |
Vodafone (100) |
Meteor (8) |
Three (0) |
Turkey |
Vodafone (100) |
Turkcell (42) |
Avea (42) |
Greece |
Vodafone (98) |
Cosmote (59) |
n/a |
New Zealand |
Vodafone (98) |
Spark (27) |
Two Degrees (0) |
Czech Republic |
Vodafone (97) |
T-Mobile (58) |
O2 (39) |
Albania |
Vodafone (89) |
Telekom Albania (5) |
n/a |
Malta |
Vodafone (29) |
Go (0) |
Melita (0) |
Tanzania |
Vodafone (14) |
TTCL (0) |
Tigo (0) |
Lesotho |
Vodafone (13) |
n/a |
n/a |
Source: Ovum based on operator data at November 2016
- ends -
Notes for editors
1. Data was available for 49 of the 57 mobile network operators who compete with Vodafone in the markets analysed.
2. A small number of territories were excluded, due to their reliance on the mobile networks of their sovereign nations. Examples include Hawaii (counted as USA), Vatican City (counted as Italy) and Åland Islands (counted as Finland), Svalbard and Jan Mayen (counted as Norway).
3. Information was based on operator websites as at November 2016 and supplementary information from operators.
4. 4G is as described by the individual operators but understood to use existing LTE technology, defined by 3GPP standards. It is not HSPA, which is understood to be 3.5G, or other 3G standards.
For further information:
About Vodafone Group
Vodafone is one of the world's largest telecommunications companies and provides a range of services including voice, messaging, data and fixed communications. Vodafone has mobile operations in 26 countries, partners with mobile networks in 49 more, and fixed broadband operations in 17 markets. As of 31 December 2016, Vodafone had 470 million mobile customers and 14.3 million fixed broadband customers. For more information, please visit: www.vodafone.com.
About Ovum Consulting
Ovum is a market-leading global research, analysis, consulting and advisory business focused on the converging telecoms, media and technology markets. Through its 150+ analysts worldwide, Ovum provides clients with independent and objective analysis, consulting and advisory services that enables them to make better business and technology decisions.
