VODAFONE LAUNCHES MEDIA CAMPAIGN IN CROATIA

ZAGREB, Feb 3 (Hina) - Pursuant to a partnership agreement signed this January between one of the largest mobile communications operator, British Vodafone, and the "mobilkom austria group" which includes Croatia's VIPnet company, a Vodafone media campaign was launched in Croatia at the beginning of this month, announcing new joint services by VIPnet and Vodafone. #L# The agreement between Vodafone and "mobilkom austria group" was signed on January 7 in Ljubljana. On the same day, it was presented to the Croatian public at Zagreb's VIPnet centre. Subsequently, "mobilkom austria group", which has 4.5 million users, got the exclusive right to introduce and commercialise Vodafone's products on the Austrian, Slovene and Croatian markets via the group's operator members. Vodafone has not been present on these countries' markets until now. The agreement makes it possible for Vodafone subscribers to use the Austria's A1, Croatia's VIP and Slovene's Si.mobil networks, as well as global services, at the same tariff in all countries where both groups are present. New services for the users of the VIPnet network are in preparation. They will be offered under a joint brand. It has been announced that for the first half of this year new, more favourable roaming tariffs should be introduced in 28 countries where Vodafone is present. Vodafone is the world's largest group of mobile operators. It's market incorporates 28 countries, of which 17 European. According to data from the end of September 2002, it serves more than 107.5 million users all over the world. By market value, this company is among the first 100 on the London Stock Exchange. With the partnership network programme, to which "mobilkom austria group" joined, Vodafone is strengthening its position on the European market, in which it relies on cooperation with the strongest partners. (hina) lml sb