Vodafone Czech Republic

Vodafone Czech Republic

Type	Subsidiary of Vodafone Plc
Industry	Telecommunications
Founded	1982
Headquarters	Praha
Products	Prepaid and postpaid mobile phones
Website	http://www.vodafone.cz/

Vodafone Czech Republic is a member of the mobile telecommunications group Vodafone. The Vodafone Group established in 1982 and operates in 27 countries across five continents, not to mention partners in a further 33 countries.

History

Previous Oskar logo

Cesky Mobil a.s. became the first dual-band (GSM 900/1800) network operator in the Czech Republic after being granted its license in October 1999. It launched commercial operations of its leading edge GSM network under the brand name Oskar.

Oskar launched commercial operations on March 1, 2000 into the market as the third GSM provider in the Czech Republic, after Telefónica O2 (formerly Eurotel) and T-Mobile (previously named Paegas).

In less than a year, Oskar built a network comparable to its competition. As of September 30, 2002, Oskar's subscriber base topped 1,139,600 subscribers and its market share exceeded 14%. Oskar was quick to make its international mark as it was nominated for two consecutive years for Best Mobile Operator at the prestigious World Communication Awards (2001 and 2002) in London, England.

In 2003, the company introduced 2in1 SIM, VPN Firma service (company discounted internal mobile network) focusing on small and medium business sector and launch MMS. The IMAX sponsored by Oskar opens, the only 3D theatre in Prague.

In 2004, Oskar is recognized as the Most Dynamic Company, a new category of the 100 Most Significant Companies in the Czech Republic survey organized by the Czech Top 100 Association. In September 2004, the company name changed from Cesky Mobil a.s. to Oskar Mobil a.s.

On June 1, 2005, Oskar became a member of the Vodafone Group. The operator launched EDGE technology, unlimited data services and secure the UMTS license for the third generation (3G) network.

Customers base

2,950,000 customers as of June, 2009.^{[dubious – discuss]} 3,000,006 customers as of December 2009

Český Mobil became the first dual-band (GSM 900/1800) network operator in the Czech Republic after being granted its license in October 1999. It launched commercial operations of its leading edge GSM network under the brand name Oskar.

Oskar launched commercial operations on March 1, 2000 as the third and fastest growing mobile telecommunications network in the Czech Republic. Oskar is credited^{[citation needed]} with bringing about radical changes to the mobile communication market in the Czech Republic, primarily through its positioning of the mobile phone as a consumer product made affordable to everyone.

In less than a year, Oskar built a network comparable to its competition. As of September 30, 2002, Oskar's subscriber base topped 1,139,600 subscribers and its market share exceeded 14%. Oskar was quick to make its international mark as it was nominated for two consecutive years for Best Mobile Operator at the World Communication Awards (2001 & 2002) in London, England.^{[citation needed]}

On June 1, 2005, Oskar became a member of the Vodafone family and in 2006 Oskar Mobil a.s. became Vodafone Czech Republic a.s.

Coverage and Technology

Vodafone CZ's network has covered 99% of the population in the Czech Republic since December 31, 2005.

Vodafone CZ hold a 3G license, but currently operate a GSM only network at 900 and 1800 MHz, with GPRS and EDGE available. Although obliged by the Czech Regulator to launch UMTS commercially by January 2008, they decided to postpone their launch, citing doubtful commercial viability^[1].

Shareholders

Vodafone Czech Republic is 100% owned by the Vodafone Group, UK based global mobile communications operator with interests in 27 countries and over 165 million proportionate customers worldwide (from June 30, 2005).

Headquarters

Vodafone Czech Republic a.s., Vinohradska 167, 100 00 Prague 10, Czech Republic

Foundation

The Vodafone Czech Republic Foundation was established to work with non-profit organisations for specific projects within the Czech Republic. The Foundation receives endowments from both Vodafone Czech Republic and the Vodafone Group Foundation (VGF). The Vodafone Czech Republic Foundation is the 22nd member of the Vodafone family of Foundations. The Vodafone Czech Republic Foundation is a separate legal entity with an active nine-member board from both Vodafone and the Czech non-profit sector.

References

1. ^ Cute sheep will not speed up your connection

External links

• Vodafone Czech Republic

Competitors

• Telefónica O2 Czech Republic
• T-Mobile Czech Republic