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Press Releases

Vodafone and the Next Generation Networks

Lisbon, 7 January 2009 – A Protocol on NGNs in Portugal has today been signed between the Government and four Telecom Operators. Vodafone Portugal agrees that it is important to develop national NGNs potentially able to offer diversified high speed broadband services at competitive prices to all households and businesses. In this context, Vodafone Portugal has been involved in discussions promoted by the Portuguese Government about possible alternatives to promote NGNs in Portugal.

Vodafone Portugal recognizes the merits of this Government initiative, namely the improvement of access to existing infrastructures and the incentive for public and private demand stimulation for NGN services. Despite its merits, and taking into account that the Protocol announced today does not provide a detailed basis for investment, Vodafone Portugal considers that, in its particular case, all the required conditions to invest in NGNs in Portugal are not yet met and therefore is not yet willing to sign the Protocol.

Vodafone Portugal will continue to monitor the evolution of NGNs’ regulatory and competitive context. Furthermore, Vodafone Portugal will continue to explore the possibility of creating a shared NGN investment with other operators, namely with those that have signed the Protocol, not excluding the possibility of later signing it. This position is consistent with Vodafone Portugal’s Total Telecommunications strategy.