Vodafone eyes fixed line service
PrintTo expand or not expand, that is the question
Posted in Mobile, 20th March 2006 11:39 GMT
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Vodafone is looking to branch out into the fixed line world to offer voice and broadband products alongside its own mobile services, The Business reports.
According to an interview with Vodafone boss Arun Sarin, it seems likely the telco will resell wholesale voice and broadband services rather than buy a service provider. It would also have the chance to buy into unbundled services.
Sarin, who has been under pressure in recent weeks fending off rumours of a boardroom rift, told the paper: "The question is, as the world evolves with services like VoIP and Wi-fi and all that, should we expand the services our company provides? I am not sure why one would want to buy a fixed-line asset when one can resell broadband DSL and other bits we may want to bundle."
Vodafone's decision to embrace the fixed line world should come as no surprise. Cellco Orange has already begun its transformation into a triple play provider by hooking up with sibling Wanadoo. Over time, the Wanadoo brand is to be replaced with the Orange livery so that the firm provides mobile and internet services. And a recent tie-up with Cable & Wireless has seen Orange offering fixed line services too.
Likewise, BT has unveiled plans to offer a fixed line/mobile combo so punters can benefit from bundled services. ®
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