Vodafone's 3G take-up doubles

Vodafone's growth in emerging markets continues to strengthen

Adoption of 3G services from mobile phone giant Vodafone have almost doubled since last year, according to financial results published today.

3G take-up in the UK increased from one million users in 2006 to 1.94 million in 2007.

The UK results tallied with the overall European trend of 3G adoption which reached 14.66 million at end of year results, from 7.44 million in 2006.

3G take-up was a key component of Vodafone's strong end-of-year results - UK sales of £5.1bn with operating profits of £1.44bn.

Overall results were strong with group revenue results rising from £29.35bn in 2006 to £31.1bn in 2007.

The firm’s global strategy for its positive performance was strong growth in emerging markets.

The company’s recent acquisition,Hutchison Essar in India, significantly increases its presence in high growth markets. Market penetration in India is around 14 per cent and with a population of over 1.1 billion representing a significant opportunity for future growth.

Today's results showed revenue growth of 41 per cent in Egypt, 28 per cent in Romania and 22 per cent in South Africa.