Vodafone And Dick Smith Electronics Team Up In Exc

MEDIACOM-RELEASE-VODAFONE-NZ

VODAFONE AND DICK SMITH ELECTRONICS TEAM UP IN EXCLUSIVE DEAL

One of New Zealand's most renowned home technology retailers has teamed up with one of the country's most innovative cellular companies.

In a joint statement today, Dick Smith Electronics and Vodafone New Zealand Ltd, announced an exclusive distribution deal.

As from 1 August 1999, Dick Smith Electronics will be selling Vodafone mobile services and products. It will cease to sell Telecom mobile products from this date.

Vodafone Managing Director, John Rohan, says he is delighted to have such a high profile retailer of home technology goods join the family of Vodafone dealers and retail chains throughout New Zealand.

"I don't think it is any secret, that since Vodafone entered the market in November 1998, we have been actively looking for opportunities to expand our distribution presence. Dick Smith management has an incredible depth of knowledge of retailing in this market, having been in operation for 18 years and I know this experience will be of significant benefit to Vodafone," says Mr Rohan.

Dick Smith Electronics General Manager, Rob Foreman, says securing distribution of Vodafone products and services is in line with where the company sees its future.

"We have always prided ourselves on providing the best technology for our customers and we see Vodafone's digital network as the future of mobile communications. We know that Vodafone is a leading international company committed solely to mobile communications and to the growth of that market. This will allow us to provide more value to our customers," says Mr Foreman.

Dick Smith Electronics will be a full provider of Vodafone products, selling the complete range of products, services and handsets. It has 44 stores nationwide and is a specialist in home technology products such as computers, electronics and telecommunications.

About Vodafone

Vodafone New Zealand Ltd is part of worldwide Vodafone-Airtouch Plc that has a proportionate customer base of 29 million network customers.

Vodafone-AirTouch is the world's largest mobile telecommunications company with interests in 23 countries internationally.

Vodafone New Zealand now has well in excess of 200,000 customers on its fully digital network and provides coverage to over 95% of the population.

ENDS....

MEDIA RELEASE FROM VODAFONE NEW ZEALAND

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