Enriching customers’ lives and helping individuals, businesses and communities to be more connected in a mobile world. The company also made the first 3G phone call in April 2001, this shows the company's desire to lead from the front in regards to mobile telecommunication technology.

Vodafone was formed from Racal Electronics PLC during the early 1980's, although Vodafone Group PLC was not formed until 16th September 1991. From this building block Vodafone has grown to become not only one of the telecommunications biggest players, but also one of the worlds' most recognizable brands.

In 2008 Vodafone Group PLC was the largest mobile telecommunications company in the world by turnover, with £75 billion passing through the books. This is the result of the grand scale of operations. Vodafone operate across 25 countries as themselves, with a further 42 partner networks in territories further afield. In turn this means that Vodafone performs in five continents, employing over 72,000 people and providing service to over 260 million customers.

Vodafone sponsors across a wide variety of sports and entertainment events, helping to bolster brand awareness. Recent sponsorship success included sponsorship of the McClaren-Mercedes Formula 1 team, which went on to win the world title with young British driver Lewis Hamilton at the wheel.

Vodafone will again be omnipresent in the sports headlines through summer 2009, sponsoring the English Cricket team as they aim to win back The Ashes from the Australians.

Products available from the network provider have become more varied, following suit with the market and highly active competitors. Currently Vodafone has deals available on pay as you go (PAYG), free-sim, pay monthly and mobile broadband. This is somewhat of an industry standard, with all other major players in the market place offering similar packages.

What separates these networks is often based on minutes available for rates price charged, although many companies stay ahead by offering more individual offers. For example Vodafone have abolished roaming charges from over 35 European countries (also including Australia and New Zealand), this means that calls from these destinations will cost the same a call made internally in the UK.

Vodafone has a good level of UK coverage, with digital 3G coverage also being strong throughout the mainland. Its' offers are particularly competitive. Monthly contracts start at just £10 a month, whilst its mobile broadband access is available from £15 a month, this broadband access deal come with a Dell netbook free from just £20 a month. On pay as you go Vodafone can give unlimited calls to friends and family for just £5 a month.

Overall Vodafone is a well respected brand, offering great coverage and competitive price plans across a range of products. The network is well respected for the freedom of choice on both PAYG and monthly contracts, the rates are cheap and the network signal strong and accessible.