Free Android app works on any Australian mobile network to support safe and responsible mobile use for children of any age

North Sydney, New South Wales -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/25/2012 -- Vodafone's top tips for mobile families:
1. Talk openly: Talk openly about your family's smartphone use to help your children understand the responsibility that comes with using digital technology
2. Set boundaries: Agree clear and measurable boundaries when it comes to your family's mobile phone use
3. Start young: Start conversations about digital technology early so you're introducing ideas about safe and responsible phone use from a young age

Tuesday 20th March, 2012, Sydney: Vodafone has answered the call from parents who?ve asked for a greater say in how and when their children use their mobile phones by launching Vodafone Guardian, a new app for Android-powered smartphones.

Vodafone Guardian is free and allows families to agree parameters on their children's smartphone use, including when children are permitted to make calls, receive texts, access the web browser and play games. The app also features instant override capabilities, so children can use the full functionality of the phone in an emergency. Of course, families can select settings which ensure that parents or guardians can, call or text their children at any time.

Vodafone's brand new Android app, Vodafone Guardian encourages parents and children to discuss and select the best smartphone settings for the child, giving parents reassurance and children flexibility whilst promoting safe and responsible mobile phone use. Vodafone Guardian is also a response to the (usually) "always-on? internet capabilities of the latest smartphones and modern obsession with text-messaging, by giving parents the ability to manage certain activities during school hours or after bed time.

Pre-programmed with three age settings for 7-8 year olds; 9-10 year olds; 11-12 year olds, and the ability to customise settings manually, the new app lets parents support their child's phone use and encourages the all important conversations between parent and child about responsible mobile phone use.

Cormac Hodgkinson, Customer Operations Director adds, "The new Vodafone Guardian app shows Vodafone's commitment to helping parents navigate the challenges of raising children in the digital age. Having already launched a comprehensive Digital Parenting Guide, which includes a range of expert advice and tips on parenting in the digital age, we hope the new app encourages parents and children to talk openly about responsible mobile phone use, creating a sense of mutual respect and understanding when it comes to digital technology."

Associate Professor Jane Burns, Chief Executive Officer of the Young and Well Cooperative Research Centre (youngandwellcrc.org.au), says apps like Vodafone Guardian will help open the way for important conversations about the use of digital technology between parents and their children, particularly as they transition to adolescence.

"Technology is ubiquitous in the lives of young people. They are exposed to all forms of technology, often from a very early age, and for some parents it can be quite daunting when it comes to navigating the many aspects of their child's experience of digital technologies. By talking openly about the benefits and risks, parents and young people can, together, come up with safe and responsible ways of managing their use of technology. Vodafone's Guardian app will help start an important conversation between parents and their children."

Key features of Vodafone Guardian include: Set times of day your child can use their phone for calling, receiving texts and accessing the web browser (e.g. turn off during school hours, at bed time) Bar calls from numbers that aren?t in the contacts list (i.e. only accept calls from friends and family) Decide times of the day the Internet via browser; Wi-Fi; or specific apps such as games and videos can be used Unsubscribe from any existing subscriptions to Premium Rate Numbers, helping to control costs Give your child the ability to block TXTs from individual contact numbers to help address bullying. Blocked TXTs are locked in a password protected archive

Vodafone Guardian also includes an emergency override function which allows a child to disable all restricted settings, for 15 minutes, in an emergency after which it is automatically enabled again. This function is available just in case the child needs to contact someone urgently and the settings are activated to block outgoing calls. The Parent Contact will be notified by TXT if the Emergency Override function is used and Vodafone Guardian is temporarily disabled.

Vodafone Guardian also has an "always allowed list? – which is a set of numbers that will always be allowed no matter what restrictions have been set. These are emergency service numbers like "000?, child support numbers such as Kids Helpline^ and key Vodafone numbers like customer care and support (for Vodafone customers).

From Monday 19th March the Vodafone Guardian app will be available for FREE* from the Google Play Store (formerly Android Market), just search for "Vodafone Guardian? on your mobile or scan this QR code. Go to www.vodafone.com.au/guardian to find out more.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Hutchison Whampoa Group MD Canning Fok takes over as Chairman of VHA

North Sydney, New South Wales -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/25/2012 -- Vodafone Group and Hutchison Whampoa today announced the appointment of Bill Morrow as the Chief Executive of the two companies' joint venture, Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA).

In addition, the two shareholders announced today that, in line with their JV agreement and three years after the Vodafone Hutchison Australia merger, the role of VHA Chairman will now rotate to the Hutchison Whampoa Group Managing Director, Canning Fok.

Bill Morrow is one of the global telecommunications industry's most experienced executives. He is the former Chief Executive of Clearwire Incorporated and was previously Chief Executive of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company. He is a former Europe Chief Executive with Vodafone Group and has run the Group's businesses in Japan and the UK.

The current VHA Chief Executive, Nigel Dews, is to take up a senior role within Hutchison Whampoa reporting to Group Managing Director, Canning Fok, the details of which will be announced in due course. Nigel Dews has been the Chief Executive of VHA since the merger in 2009 and was previously the Chief Executive of 3 Australia. He joined 3 Australia in 2003 as the Sales, Marketing and Product Director.

Shareholder commitment
Vodafone Group and Hutchison Whampoa also reiterated their long-term commitment to VHA as the business continues to make good progress in a number of areas.

- Network: a new 850MHz 3G network built for wireless data, with more than 1,000 sites already live

Expected to rise to 1,500 by Q3 2012 - and single Radio Access Network equipment already replaced across more than half of the network. More than $1 billion has been invested in the network since the merger, with further substantial investments planned. This has already led to a 29% reduction in dropped calls year-on-year, and wireless data session set-up rates are now consistently above 99%.

- Customer service: substantial investment in customer support, including 24/7 Care, a marketleading customer call-back service, extended support times for support via Twitter and Facebook, a new online customer forum, a new smartphone self-care application, and new in-store customer service initiatives.
- Merger synergies: synergies from the merger of the 3 and Vodafone businesses now exceed the target of $2 billion net present value (NPV) announced at the time of the merger.
- Financing for growth: the completion of refinancing arrangements, supported by both shareholders, including a five-year $1.7 billion loan facility to fund spectrum licence renewal and network investment including plans to invest in 4G mobile services.

Vodafone Group Chief Executive for Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific, Nick Read, said: "We are strongly committed to Australia. We'll continue to back our business here as it makes the significant investments needed to build the network of the future. Bill is an outstanding industry leader and is well-placed to drive growth. I would also like to thank Nigel for his energy and commitment in leading the complex task of executing the merger of our businesses under the Vodafone brand, and wish him well for the future."

Hutchison Whampoa Group Finance Director, Frank Sixt, said: "Vodafone Hutchison Australia is an important part of our global telecommunications portfolio. Bill is a widely respected industry veteran, and we are delighted to welcome him to VHA. We are also grateful to Nigel for his work in bringing together the 3 and Vodafone businesses in Australia and forging them into a strong and healthy organisation which we have every confidence will continue to grow and succeed under Bill's leadership. We also look forward to continuing to work with Nigel in his new role at Hutchison Whampoa."

VHA Chief Executive Nigel Dews said: "It has been a privilege to lead Vodafone Hutchison Australia, but after nine years in this business, five of them as Chief Executive, it's now time for a change. As I turn to my next challenge, I am confident that I leave behind an excellent team that will flourish under Bill's leadership."

VHA Chief Executive-designate Bill Morrow said: "Vodafone Hutchison Australia is a business with a great future. I am excited by the prospect of joining a strong team. I'm also committed to meeting, and listening to, our customers to understand their needs, now and over the years ahead."

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

North Sydney, New South Wales -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/25/2012 -- Vodafone, the preferred provider of 3G connectivity for the highly anticipated PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita), today announced the 3G/Wi-Fi model of the revolutionary hand held device will arrive in-store on 23 February, 2011, with pre-order available today online at http://www.vodafone.com.au/psvita, from 3:30pm (ADST) today.

Customers will have the freedom to enjoy the next evolution of portable gaming on Vodafone's new 850MHz network rolling out now, with exclusive offers from the preferred mobile carrier including sensational deals for customers on both contract and prepaid.

For customers looking to snap up the PS Vita 3G/Wi-FI model and spread the cost over 12 months, Vodafone is offering the powerful 3G gaming console for $55 per month, over 12 months (total minimum cost is $660) with 1.5GB data a month and bonus 4GB memory card included. Prepaid customers can enjoy Vodafone's PS Vita Prepaid kit, which has everything you need to be mobile gaming in no-time, featuring the PS Vita 3G/WiFi with 200MB of data on a 30-day expiry, and bonus 4GB memory card for $419.

Ross Parker, General Manager of Devices at Vodafone said, "Our partnership with Sony Computer Entertainment Australia presents us with a unique opportunity to make the move into the exciting world of mobile gaming. Our new network is built for smart devices like PlayStation Vita. Our customers have told us they can't wait to get their hands on this device, and we echo their enthusiasm and look forward to the arrival of PlayStation Vita in Australia later this month."

PS Vita 3G/Wi-Fi at Vodafone
Postpaid: $55 per month ($40 per month for the PS Vita 3G/Wi-Fi and $15 mobile broadband plan) over 12 months (total minimum cost is $660) with 1.5GB data and bonus 4GB Memory card. Prepaid: $419 for the PS Vita 3G/Wi-Fi with 200MB of data and bonus 4GB Memory card.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Following its $1 billion investment in its network, Vodafone is offering new and upgrading customers a Vodafone Network Guarantee.

North Sydney, New South Wales -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/25/2012 -- The guarantee allows postpaid customers choosing a new smartphone, tablet or mobile broadband device on one of Vodafone's great value plans to experience the new Vodafone network, and if they're not fully satisfied within the first 30 days of their contract, they can return the device and only pay for what they've used until the cancellation goes through. Full details and terms and conditions are available at www.vodafone.com.au/guarantee.

"We fast-tracked our $1 billion network investment from the start of last year to deliver a better network experience to our customers. We've now completed more than two-thirds of our new 850MHz network build, and we plan to have this completed by Q3 this year," said Nigel Dews, CEO at Vodafone. "While much has been completed, we're not done yet. We are continuing with our network investment program for the continued rollout throughout the year of new 4Gready equipment at all our base stations, which is designed to deliver significant improvements to coverage and data speeds."

The introduction of the Vodafone Network Guarantee follows more than 14 months of network improvements and upgrades and a further multi-million dollar network investment program planned for 2012. Vodafone has so far built more than 1000 new 850MHz 3G sites and installed new 3G and 4G-ready equipment at more than 4,050 other sites.

The Vodafone Network Guarantee was first made available to new customers in South Australia and Canberra in September 2011, following network works in each respective state and territory. Vodafone confirmed that the network guarantee has been well received in both areas with few
returns.

Notes to editors
Terms and conditions apply to the Vodafone Network Guarantee – these can be found at vodafone.com.au/guarantee. To find out where the 850MHz network is rolling out, refer to vodafone.com.au/coverage.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Back up mobile data, locate your mobile via GPS, remotely wipe lost or stolen mobiles, safeguard against viruses and safely surf the mobile web using a $3 per month subscription to Vodafone McAfee Mobile Security.

North Sydney, New South Wales -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/24/2012 -- With more than half of Australians concerned about mobile device theft and a third of people worried about their personal data if they were to lose their mobile, Vodafone and McAfee have partnered to launch McAfee Mobile Security, a monthly subscription-based security service application.

"With the rise of the smartphone and all of the fantastic ways we use our mobile devices, protecting personal contacts, SMS messages and other sensitive information including photos is something everyone should consider," said James Dampney, Head of Applications at Vodafone.

Research conducted by Carnegie Mellon1 on behalf of Vodafone and McAfee also revealed that 54 per cent of people store personal photos and 25 per cent keep confidential work-related information - such as emails - on their mobile phones. With Australians' increasing reliance on their mobiles for organising their professional and personal lives 46 per cent of Aussies are more worried about mobile device theft, 35 per cent are concerned about the loss of personal or work data if they accidentally lose their device and 31 per cent are concerned by the exposure of sensitive personal information to a possible cyber attack.

McAfee Mobile Security from Vodafone provides a comprehensive suite of mobile handset and data security services not matched by any native, pre-installed security settings.

Features include:
- Anti-theft Protection:
- Device Lock: Prevents misuse of the user's phone and personal data by remotely locking all data, including the data on the memory (SIM) card, and displaying a "contact me" message on the device
- Remotely Wipe Data: Protects the user's privacy by remotely deleting the data on the phone and removable memory card. It can also back up data before the remote wipe to prevent the loss of data on the device.
- Backup and Restore Data: Preserves irreplaceable personal information on demand, on a schedule, or before wiping a missing smartphone, then restores information to the new device
- Locate and Track: Helps user's to recover their smartphone if it is lost or stolen. User's can view the device's location on a map, send an SMS to prompt its return and use a remote alarm to make it "scream"
- Display of a personalised message with instructions regarding how to contact the owner to return a lost device
- Complete Anti-virus, Anti-spyware and Anti-phishing Protection: Scans and cleans malicious code from inbound emails, outbound emails, text messages, attachments and files
- Web Protection: McAfee SiteAdvisor® protects against Web threats by blocking risky links within SMS, email and social networking sites. It also safeguards against potential phishing sites, browser exploits and malicious quick response (QR) codes.
- Online Management: The McAfee Web portal lets users quickly execute needed security tasks, such as backup, restore, locate, and remote lock and wipe
- Uninstall Protection: Prevents a thief or another user from bypassing their McAfee mobile protection

"Mobile devices are the record keepers of much of our personal and business lives, whether it is our emails, text messages or images," Michael Sentonas, Chief Technology Officer for McAfee Asia-Pacific. "The anxiety we feel when we believe that we have lost our device is not only to do with the inconvenience of the loss; the next questions we ask are who has access to the information on the device and what will they do with it?"

McAfee Mobile Security from Vodafone also draws on McAfee expertise and tools to safeguard against device infection, data loss and exposure to fraud or ID theft by offering protection against the latest mobile malware threats coming from applications, messages and websites. The application enables safe mobile web browsing by blocking mobile sites that are suspected of harbouring infection from malware or mobile phishing or imposter sites that aim to trick the user into submitting their personal identification or financial information.

"Customers who have either lost their mobile phone or been unfortunate enough to have their mobile stolen can go through a harrowing experience when they realise how much of their life is stored on their smartphone," said Dampney. "It is a simple download and then for just $3 per month, with the first month free, the Mobile Security app created by McAfee is really easy to use and gives peace of mind."

The McAfee Mobile Security app from Vodafone is available for download now from the Vodafone and 3 websites with a subscription fee of $3 per month. Sign up before 31 March 2012 to get your first month free. Supported device operating systems include Google Android 2.1 - 3.0 (smartphones).

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Vodafone today announced it has appointed Ogilvy Sydney as its creative agency.

North Sydney, New South Wales -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/24/2012 -- Jana Kotatko, General Manager of Brand and Communications at Vodafone, said, "As part of a number of commercial efficiency measures, we have taken the decision to appoint Ogilvy Sydney as our creative agency.

"WPP is a partner of Vodafone worldwide, and we look forward to working side-by-side with STW and Ogilvy Sydney to bring a centralised and consistent focus across brand and communications at Vodafone."

"We would like to thank Host, an extraordinary creative agency who has been an incredible partner for Vodafone over the last two years."

Ogilvy will commence work in the coming months, following a transition from Host.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Vodafone helps customers to achieve one of their top ten New Year’s resolutions with a new app to monitor mobile costs

North Sydney, New South Wales -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/24/2012 -- Vodafone is introducing a series of new measures to deliver better customer service in 2012 and beyond. The first innovation for 2012 is the new My Vodafone app which gives customers 24/7 access to the tools they need to keep track and control of their mobile usage and get quick and easy answers to their questions.

To be more organised and keep control of spending is one of Australia's top ten New Year's resolutions for 2012. Vodafone is today launching the My Vodafone app, which is a simple, new way for smartphone (Android and iPhone) and tablet customers to access the My Vodafone service, which is FREE to all Vodafone customers.

Cormac Hodgkinson, Director of Customer Service and Experience, "Continuing to improve our customer service is a top priority for Vodafone. We made significant progress in 2011, and we are committed to making more improvements throughout 2012. The new My Vodafone app is a great tool designed primarily to give power to our customers to manage their account and most importantly keep track of their spending."

Hodgkinson continues: "My Vodafone will give customers a much better online experience, providing enhanced functionality that will put more information at our customers' fingertips."

Benefits of the My Vodafone app:
- Account usage – customers can follow their usage by handy meters showing how much of their plan entitlements they've used each month
- Check account details – customers can view their account and contact details
- Store locator – customers can find their nearest Vodafone store and pinpoint it on a map
- Network updates – customers can get live network updates and service alerts
- Contact us – customers can find the right numbers and email addresses to get the support they need
- Vodafone Central – customers can read all the latest news and special offers on their phone
- Vodafone apps – check out and download Vodafone's pick of the latest and greatest apps
- Vodafone on YouTube – access Vodafone's YouTube page for a great selection of videos and information

The data in My Vodafone is updated regularly throughout the day so customers can see their usage.

Customers already have the ability to set balance and payment alerts on their accounts in myvodafone.com.au. A balance alert* notifies the customer when they have reached a nominated dollar amount of spend, which they can select from $100 and $200. For example, the customer will be notified with a TXT when their account balance reaches $100, then again when the balance reaches $150 and $200.

The My Vodafone app is FREE and easy to download. Vodafone customers can TXT "MyVodafone" to 126 610 and they'll receive a TXT with a link to download the app. Alternatively Android, iPhone and iPad customers can download the app from the relevant app stores. Standard data charges apply to download the application. Check your plan for applicable rates. For more information visit vodafone.com.au/myvodafoneapp.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

North Sydney, New South Wales -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/24/2012 -- Finding the right mobile plan is as easy as 1-2-3 with Vodafone's new range of offers

1. Begin with choosing a new smartphone from Vodafone's extensive range of devices, like the HTC Sensation XL exclusive to Vodafone, now $0 upfront on our $29 Plan over 24 months, and enjoy Vodafone's new 850MHz network built for smartphones and data, rolling out now.

2. Get the most out of your new smartphone with Vodafone's full-feature plans. Take your pick of six full-feature plans with a mix of 12 or 24 month options, as well as a SIM Only (BYO mobile) option for customers who already have a phone.

3. Complete your plan with the choice of additional options for a truly customised solution, like Vodafone's new Mobile Internet Packs, which offer extra data for those keen to really explore their smartphone and discover all it can do.

Vodafone is making it easy for customers to get a new smartphone or tablet on the new Vodafone network rolling out now, with a new range of more simple, straightforward plans, available from today. The new plans have been redesigned to give customers what they need to make the most of their new Apple, Android™, Windows, or BlackBerry® smartphone or tablet.

Whether customers have a penchant for social networking, web, text or talk to friends, family or colleagues, here or overseas, Vodafone's refreshed range of postpaid plans have all the bases covered, with amazing value for money on a great range of services. The range has been simplified for easy selection with six price-points starting at $19 up to $99 per month. To sweeten the offer, plans from $29 come with "Infinite? frills to boot, depending on the price-point. For example: Infinite standard voice calls to anyone on Vodafone within Australia on the $29 plan and above, and Infinite Voicemail on the Vodafone Business plan $49 above. For $79 per month, customers can enjoy Infinite standard national talk and text, Vodafone to Vodafone and 3 calls in Australia , 2GB data, and a choice of a smartphone, like the iPhone 4S 16GB from $0 upfront, over 24 months.

For customers who already have a mobile phone, Vodafone is offering great discounts off their monthly bill with its range of SIM Only plans, ranging from $20- $85 per month.

To keep pace with customers? growing appetite for mobile internet, supported by the roll out of a new network built for smartphones and data, Vodafone has introduced a new range of mobile data packs, starting at $5 per month over 12 months for 750MB data and Infinite access to popular Social networking sites, all for use within Australia. Vodafone is leading the way in preventing high excess data charges with new data packs with excellent included data allowances. Vodafone encourages all customers to use its new mobile internet data calculator, to help ensure they have the right amount of data included in their plans, available at http://www.vodafone.com.au/datacalculator

Noel Hamill, Director of Sales and Marketing said; "We recognise that our customers are changing the way they communicate, so we?re giving them more options to build a plan that suits their needs."

"With more customers buying smartphones and tablets, we think it's important to give customers plans that enable them to make the most of their new device and explore its full capabilities. This launch means our new mobile internet packs offer unmatched value for getting the most out of your smartphone, and also feature a cost-conscious 2c per MB overage rate," added Noel Hamill.

With the tablet phenomena sweeping the nation, Vodafone is giving customers the choice to bundle a tablet, like the iPad 2, with their new smartphone plan. Vodafone's new range of Mobile Broadband (MBB) bundled plans are set to save customers money by rolling the two services into just the one bundled plan, for greater simplicity and convenience. What's more, with Vodafone's tablet MBB bundle options, customers don?t have to pay anything upfront with the convenience of spreading the cost of their device over the term of their plan. Prices start at $45 per month for the iPad 2 with WiFi (16GB) with 2GB monthly data allowance, over 24 months.

And for customers looking for even more international calling value, Vodafone's Talk International packs offer sensational value for overseas calls, starting at $5 per month for 50 minutes of standard international calls to fixed and mobile numbers in over 20 countries, plus a further 25% off further standard voice calls once the included minutes allowance exceeds, all from within Australia.

"We?re rolling out a new network especially for smartphones, tablets and mobile internet data, and we?re now offering the very latest smartphones, tablets and mobile broadband devices on great value plans."

To find out where Vodafone's new network is rolling out see Vodafone.com.au/network.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Vodafone and Visa today announced a worldwide partnership to enable consumers to pay for goods and services using their mobile phones. The companies will work together to develop a proposition that will be offered to consumers across five continents.

North Sydney, New South Wales -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/23/2012 -- Peter Ayliffe, CEO of Visa Europe, said: "Our partnership with Vodafone represents a huge stride forward for mobile payments. Visa's future of payments initiative is more than just a promise: these services are real, tangible and coming to the mainstream consumer market in the very near future. Any Visa Issuer across these key markets will be able to work with Visa and Vodafone to enable mobile payments for their customers, backed by all the security, trust and global acceptance the Visa brand represents."

"The convergence of global payment networks, such as VisaNet, with leading mobile telecommunication networks, such as Vodafone, has the potential to transform the way people pay and get paid the world over," said John Partridge, President, Visa Inc. "Visa's relationship with Vodafone will assist financial institutions in both developed and developing countries to offer Visa-quality payments to new and existing account holders."

Vodafone mCommerce strategy

Today's agreement forms part of Vodafone's broader mobile commerce strategy to provide consumers with a comprehensive mobile-based alternative to the cash and cards within their wallets and purses. Vodafone's platform will be open to all partners in the relevant industries. Vodafone is in discussions with a large number of service providers - including banks, retailers, transport and utility companies, event organisers, smartphone application developers and advertisers - to host a broad range of services within an innovative new Vodafone "virtual" mobile wallet.

The Vodafone mobile wallet will use NFC technology to send encrypted data over short distances to enable secure transactions, with customer protection assured by the use of the latest secure SIM card and payments industry technology. In addition to stored value accounts, it will also hold loyalty scheme points and gift voucher credits, complementing and sometimes replacing a whole class of plastic cards in the customer's wallet or purse.

All Vodafone mobile wallet services - including the service announced with Visa today - will be compatible with standards currently being ratified by the global mobile industry body, the GSM Association.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Vodafone customers pit their skills against the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver

North Sydney, New South Wales -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/23/2012 -- Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton looked refreshed, focused and ready for his 2012 Formula 1™ season in Sydney this morning, as he displayed his superb go-karting skills challenging a group of Vodafone customers to an unforgettable go-kart challenge.

Ahead of this weekend's race, Lewis Hamilton made a quick pit stop at Eastern Creek, Sydney, to give a lucky group of Vodafone customers the chance to pit their go-kart skills against him and battle it out for the Ultimate F1™ experience- a chance to race their way into the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team for the 2012 Formula 1™ Qantas Australian Grand Prix. The unrivalled prize included two VIP tickets to the race, exclusive access to the Vodafone McLaren Garage including a pit-stop practice, plus travel and accommodation, courtesy of Vodafone.

The 3.93km road race circuit was a nice appetiser to the main course for Hamilton as he displayed the driving skills and flair that make the Brit one of the most exciting racing driver's on the F1™ circuit today. Clocking up a lap time of just 46.4 seconds, he was always going to be the one to beat and Brett Freeman of Pyrmont came closest with a dazzling 49.5 second lap. Vodafone awarded the unrivalled F1 experience to Brett for his outstanding efforts.

The former World Champion, like many aspiring Formula 1™ drivers was drawn to the thrill of driving go-karts at the age of eight and quickly began winning races. Lewis is renowned for having approached McLaren F1™ team boss Ron Dennis just two years later for an autograph whilst declaring he wanted to race for him one day. And race for him, he is.

Lewis Hamilton commented: "It's great to be back in Australia for the start of the 2012 Formula 1™ season. I'm excited about getting to Melbourne to begin final preparations before the Australian Grand Prix but I couldn't resist the chance of having a few hot laps with Vodafone customers."

Hamilton continued, "I was really impressed at the lap time Brett clocked and I've no doubt this weekend will be a memorable experience for him when he joins us in the garage for the race."

Noel Hamill, Director Marketing and Sales, Vodafone commented, "It's fantastic to see Lewis back on Australian soil and what a remarkable opportunity to be able to offer some of our Vodafone customers - the chance to race the Formula 1™ living legend. It's been a great day and we're really pleased for our winner Brett Freeman and look forward to welcoming him into the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team garage at this weekend's race in Melbourne."

Vodafone is the title sponsor of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team. Watch Vodafone McLaren Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button in action at the 2012 Formula 1™ Qantas Australian Grand Prix, 16-18 March, 2012.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Vodafone Australia today announced it will offer iPad 2 with Wi-Fi + 3G and also dedicated data plans for iPad 2 in the coming weeks.

North Sydney, New South Wales -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/02/2011 -- Vodafone Australia today announced it will offer iPad 2 with Wi-Fi + 3G and also dedicated data plans for iPad 2 in the coming weeks. iPad 2 is the next generation of Apple's magical device for browsing the web, reading and sending email, enjoying photos, watching videos, listening to music, playing games, reading ebooks and much more. The amazing new iPad 2 improves on the original iPad by being thinner, lighter and faster, all while maintaining the same incredible 10 hours of battery life. For more information about iPad 2 please visit http://www.apple.com/ipad/.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

New Zealand Data Roaming Pack with rates as low as 10c/ MB

North Sydney, New South Wales -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/12/2011 -- Vodafone has today announced that Aussie travellers heading to New Zealand from 8th July will be able to access lower priced internet or email with the launch of Vodafone's new New Zealand Data Roaming Packs.

Personal and business customers roaming in New Zealand can choose from one of four Data Roaming Packs. The range includes packs with monthly subscriptions of $25 for 100MB; $50 for 300MB; $100 for 1GB and $200 for 2GB. Each pack provides travellers with great data roaming rates allowing them to stay in greater control of their data.

The new packs can be added to any Vodafone postpaid voice or mobile broadband service allowing customers to stay connected to the internet and their favourite social networks while overseas in New Zealand.

"With the increased uptake of smartphones, more and more people rely on keeping up to date and connected with their family and friends over the internet wherever they are with their phone, including when they're overseas," said Jason Blair, Head of Postpay at Vodafone Hutchison Australia.

New Zealand is the most visited international destination for Vodafone's customers, so whether they are travelling for business, looking to hit the slopes or heading over the ditch to share in all the rugby action, they can stay connected for less," he said.

The new Data Roaming Packs for New Zealand complement Vodafone's reduced international roaming rates launched in October 2010 for customers on Vodafone Traveller making calls from New Zealand.

Find out more:
* Data Roaming Packs: http://www.vodafone.com.au/personal/international-roaming/roaming-data-bundles/index.htm
* Mobile Broadband: http://www.vodafone.com.au/personal/mobile-broadband/index.htm

Terms and conditions:
Go to Vodafone.com.au for full terms and conditions for these products. Monthly fee recurs until the end of the month in which you cancel the service. Vodafone New Zealand data roaming service is subject to overseas network limitations and availability and individual device capabilities. See www.vodafone.com.au/roaming for details. Excess usage charges apply.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm