Vodafone and Google Team for Mobile Search

Europe : Vodafone announced that it is collaborating with Google to develop innovative mobile search services for its customers.

Vodafone will integrate Google's search capability into its consumer service, Vodafone live!, providing customers with the most relevant information, wherever they are and whatever time of day it is.

Google's search results will be delivered through Vodafone's high speed data networks. Combining Vodafone's mobile expertise with Google's search capability will ensure that customers can quickly and easily find what's relevant to them. The new service will offer simultaneous search both on Vodafone live! and the wider Web.

Vodafone's integration of Google search will take the mobile internet to a new level. Vodafone live! was the first mobile service to make data services easily accessible to mobile customers. Whether checking the weather, looking for a restaurant or getting the most up-to-date news, consumers want search services that meet their everyday needs.

Alan Harper ( inset ), Group Strategy Director, Vodafone, said:

"Innovative mobile search will become increasingly important as fast and easy access to information and services are increasingly demanded by customers on the move. Together, Vodafone and Google will focus on creating the best mobile search service in the market, helping to bring the mobile internet to life. Our customers will be able to find relevant information and services faster, making the Vodafone live! customer experience even better. Our intention is to develop our relationship with Google to ensure Vodafone customers continue to have the very best in mobile services."

Nikesh Arora, Vice President, European Operations, Google Inc., said:

"As people become more mobile, it's increasingly important that we can provide them with access to information when on-the-go. Google understands that mobile phone users are looking for more than a desktop replacement - they want directly relevant content, quickly. Vodafone has long been a pioneer in providing mobile data services to its customers and we believe that by working together we will ensure a user friendly experience for mobile users."

Vodafone and Google will be holding a joint press conference at 1400 to 1500 CET at the GSMA Seminar Theatre, Hall 5, Level 2. The press conference will be presented by Alan Harper, Group Strategy Director, Vodafone Group and Nikesh Arora, Vice President, European Operations, Google Inc.