The History of Vodafone

Introduction

The story of Vodafone is an interesting one. Within two decades, Vodafone has become the telecommunications leader in Global Systems for Mobile networks (GSM). Since it's inception, Vodafone's goal has been one of providing innovative and cutting edge telecommunication services on the largest wireless network on earth. Step by step, Vodafone has engaged in key strategic activity to become closer and closer to that goal each day. Being only second to China Mobile (Hong Kong) in subscriber volume, with over 133 million subscribers, Vodafone by far is a MNE with true role in the shaping the culture of globalization.

Vodafone Group Plc, a twenty year old multinational enterprise, has become a leading player among global firms. It was ranked the second largest multinational in 2004 by the World Investment report. Vodafone Group Plc provides an extensive range of mobile telecommunications services, including voice and data communications, and is the world's largest mobile telecommunications company, with a significant presence in Continental Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States and the Far East through the Company's subsidiary undertakings, associated undertakings and investments. (hoovers.com) Vodafone's goal is to integrate data services and telecommunication into a worldwide network. The story of Vodafone is one of continued success and growth. In 2004 Vodafone had 60,000 employees, a shocking figure, since in 1995 it only comprised of 5000 employees, and only 50 in 1985. Vodafone is traded on both the New York Stock Exchange and London Stock Excahnge.

And then there was Vodafone