BONN, Germany-The European operator alliance formed earlier this year to counter Vodafone Group plc’s strong European presence announced its first products and services. The alliance, which includes Orange SA, Telefonica Moviles, Telecom Italia Mobile and T-Mobile, said the first offerings will allow prepaid customers to use their mobile phones across more countries than currently available.
In addition, both GPRS and multimedia messaging service roaming will be available across key Western European territories. A phased introduction of a prepaid top-up service for foreign travelers will also be implemented.
The alliance is also working to offer a virtual private network service to its corporate customers.
Telefonica, TIM and T-Mobile originally announced the alliance in April, with Orange stepping in in June. Industry watchers say the group is in direct response to Vodafone’s ability to offer corporate customers seamless roaming and services across its European territories.
