Vodafone launches mobile internet offering

Vodafone has unveiled a new mobile data service for users that will give them a web access experience on their phones that is far closer to the type of browsing experienced via a laptop of desktop computer.

The offering, dubbed Vodafone Mobile Internet, won't require people to upgrade their phones, according to the communications giant. Instead, using undisclosed technology, Vodafone's network will take pages designed for the traditional web viewing format and shrink them by a factor of up to 10 so that they look the same in terms of information and design, but smaller, for visitors.

Customers will be able to make use of a prominently displayed Google search bar, in addition to accessing the usual internet expectations such the ability to book mark favourite sites.

"Vodafone Mobile Internet will revolutionise the way our customers use the internet," said Nick Read, chief executive of Vodafone UK.

"They now have the freedom to explore a much wider world on an extensive range of handsets, experiencing the familiarity of the internet they previously enjoyed via a computer. The service is both easy to use and personalise, allowing millions of customers to make the most of their time. For example, eBay customers could miss out on bids because they are not at their computers at the vital moment. With Vodafone Mobile Internet they need never lose out as they can bid from their mobile phones while on the move."

A new pricing structure will also help simplify things for those keen to make more use of the mobile web, according to Vodafone.

Maggie Holland

Maggie has been a journalist since 1999, starting her career as an editorial assistant on then-weekly magazine Computing, before working her way up to senior reporter level. In 2006, just weeks before ITPro was launched, Maggie joined Dennis Publishing as a reporter. Having worked her way up to editor of ITPro, she was appointed group editor of CloudPro and ITPro in April 2012. She became the editorial director and took responsibility for ChannelPro, in 2016.

Her areas of particular interest, aside from cloud, include management and C-level issues, the business value of technology, green and environmental issues and careers to name but a few.