Vodafone is a mobile network operator headquartered in Berkshire, England, UK. It is the largest mobile telecommunications network company in the world by turnover and has a market value of about £75 billion (August 2008). Vodafone currently has operations in 25 countries and partner networks in a further 42 countries. The name Vodafone comes from Voice data fone, chosen by the company to "reflect the provision of voice and data services over mobile phones."[1] As of 2006 Vodafone had an estimated 260 million customers in 25 markets
across 5 continents.[2] On this measure, it is the second largest mobile telecom group in the world behIn 1982 Racal Electronics plc's subsidiary Racal Strategic Radio Ltd. won one of two UK cellular telephone network licences.[3][4] The network, known as Racal Vodafone was 80% owned by Racal, with Millicom and the Hambros Technology Trust owning 15% and 5% respectively. Vodafone was launched on 1 January 1985.[5] Racal Strategic Radio was renamed Racal Telecommunications Group Limited in 1985.[4] On 29 December 1986 Racal Electronics bought out the minority shareholders of Vodafone for GB£110 million.[6] In September 1988 the company was again renamed Racal Telecom and on 26 October 1988 Racal Electronics floated 20% of the company. The flotation valued Racal Telecom at GB£1.7 billion.[7] On 16 September 1991 Racal Telecom was demerged from Racal Electronics as Vodafone Groupind China Mobile.
across 5 continents.[2] On this measure, it is the second largest mobile telecom group in the world behIn 1982 Racal Electronics plc's subsidiary Racal Strategic Radio Ltd. won one of two UK cellular telephone network licences.[3][4] The network, known as Racal Vodafone was 80% owned by Racal, with Millicom and the Hambros Technology Trust owning 15% and 5% respectively. Vodafone was launched on 1 January 1985.[5] Racal Strategic Radio was renamed Racal Telecommunications Group Limited in 1985.[4] On 29 December 1986 Racal Electronics bought out the minority shareholders of Vodafone for GB£110 million.[6] In September 1988 the company was again renamed Racal Telecom and on 26 October 1988 Racal Electronics floated 20% of the company. The flotation valued Racal Telecom at GB£1.7 billion.[7] On 16 September 1991 Racal Telecom was demerged from Racal Electronics as Vodafone Groupind China Mobile.
