Dtac and Vodafone deal to benefit both companies customers

By John Le Fevre

BANGKOK (thaivisa.com): -- A Partner Market agreement between mobile communications giant Vodafone and Thailand’s second largest GSM service provider, dtac, will see customers of both companies offered global roaming on each others networks.

The agreement, signed last week, will also see dtac gain exclusive access to Vodafone’s range of products, devices and services in Thailand.

The agreement is the latest signed by Vodafone, which already has Partner Market agreements in Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, as well as equity investments in India, Australia, New Zealand, China and Fiji.

As part of a phased roll-out, Vodafone will be able to use dtac’s network to offer seamless voice and data roaming for its customers visiting Thailand through the use of ‘home’ network capabilities, while dtac customers will gain access to voice and data roaming facilities on Vodafone’s networks in 67 countries.

The two companies will also cooperate to provide additional support to Vodafone Global Enterprise customers, many of whom have a presence in Thailand.

Tore Johnsen, ceo of dtac, said: “This partnership with Vodafone will enable our customers to benefit from joining one of the world’s leading international mobile networks, whilst maintaining the advantages of being a local operator, supporting our strategy to best serve Thailand’s population.

“This alliance will bring substantial benefits to our customers and shareholders, becoming a catalyst for expanding our service portfolio and improving our operational efficiency."

According to Hatem Dowidar, ceo of Vodafone Partner Markets, “through this agreement with dtac, Vodafone will strengthen its presence and brand recognition across Asia and extend its product range to a key market.

“Mobile usage in Thailand is growing steadily and more of our customers require enhanced roaming services to and from the region.”

The Partner Market agreement will also allow dtac to draw on Vodafone’s experience in supply chain management, technology development, the acquisition of enterprise customers as well as improved inter-working between networks.

Vodafone currently offers a range of Vodafone branded handsets manufactured by companies such as CT/Alcatel, Foxlink, Sagem and ZTE,which the agreement will also give dtac access to.

Supply chain management is a major strength of the Vodafone partnership agreement, allowing Vodafone’s partners to benefit from the British company’s group purchasing power and direct purchasing relationships with manufacturers.

-- thaivisa.com 2009-08-02

As the 'developed' countries bring mobile prices down, via competition and legislation, one sees the mobile giants

looking to exploit countries where there is less due diligence, and more profit. There will be no gain for Thailand.

BR>Jack

Sounds like a big deal about nothing. I suspect Vodaphone customers roaming on dtac will not get any cheaper prices but Vodaphone cutting a deal with dtac will mean a bigger profit margin for Vodaphone? I don't see the value for anyone other than Vodaphone making more money?

Ah now, this will be of benefit if your Dtac phone works in the UK and elsewhere

As a shareholder its OK ...the boss mentioned it last week at the AGM.....

I only go for the coffee and sarnies but after the meeting it was all hands on deck and the booze was like water...average age of a typical shareholder/punter there was about 95 but they were making up for the lack of divvy.....red wine please....chok dee Dtac... ...hello ..hello....