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Vodacom in clear and simple deal


Johannesburg, 10 Jul 2001

Vodacom announced today that it has signed a service provider agreement with global cellular service provider B clear and simple (B).

"We are delighted to be able to offer connections to the Vodacom network and look forward to achieving even greater success as we will now be able to offer the B customer a choice of network," said Ian Lloyd, CEO of B.

Joan Joffe, Group Executive - Corporate Affairs of Vodacom, added: "Vodacom brings to the party a world-class cellular network covering 92% of the population and more than 730 000 square kilometres of South Africa`s geographic area. The most innovative products and services available on any continent complete the perfect cellular alliance."

B was listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in June 2000 after less than two years of commercial operations. By the time of B`s South African launch in August last year the company had secured 100 000 subscribers in Australia. B South Africa now boasts about 35 000 subscribers. B continues to expand internationally and has already established operations in the United States.

Says Mr Lloyd, "B`s business formula is hardly rocket science. B operates on the principle of "direct fulfilment" - prompt, one-stop delivery dependent on efficiency.

"By operating as a direct fulfillment operation without shop fronts or retail outlets, B is able to offer the latest phone packages at competitive costs, this directly translates into value for money and savings for the consumer. B clear and simple has the business model, technological systems and highly trained staff to provide for this."

Ms Joffe added that Vodacom products and services were available at approximately 9 000 distribution outlets nationwide and the agreement with B was aimed at expanding the cellular network`s already extensive distribution channel.

"Distribution has always been key to Vodacom`s success and this latest deal simply illustrates that Vodacom is staying true to its founding philosophy of offering the widest coverage and the most innovative value-added products and services available through the most extensive distribution channel," concluded Ms Joffe.

B offers the latest cell phone models from Nokia, Ericsson and Motorola on affordable 24-month B plans and makes everything about buying and owning a cellphone clear and simple.

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Editorial contacts

Ivan Booth
Vodacom
(011) 653 5343
Joan Joffe
Vodacom
(011) 653 5885