Vodafoneis set to announce new services aimed at
taking advantage of increased demand for mobile internet
access.
The services, expected to be announced tomorrow, are part of
Vodafone's strategy to counter advances by competitors like Google
and Apple, according to the
Financial Times.
Vodafone is also aiming to expand its source of revenue as
around three quarters currently comes from providing basic wireless
internet access.
Analysts say the world largest mobile operator with 294m users
has lost some ground since taking the lead when it announced its
Vodafone live services in 2002.
Since then Apple and Google have launched their iPhone and
Android smartphones along with web sites selling associated
software.
Vodafone's revamped services are likely to include giving
customers a way of integrating several social networking sites on
their mobiles as well as using them for making secure payments.
The mobile operator has also hinted at plans to open an online
application store for customers.