3GScottishUser
1st April 2005, 12:38 PM
From Mobile Today (01/04/2005):
Vodafones 3G sales have failed to meet even half of the original UK target, Mobile has learned.
The operator is understood to be fretting about the sluggish run-rate, which is between 50% and 60% below what was expected at launch, according to a well-placed source.
Senior figures in the UK are privately blaming 3s cheap handsets and line rental. The source said: Theyre finding it very difficult to compete with 3. 3 has set extremely low price expectations [for customers].
Consumer interest in Vodafones 3G handsets has been slow, according to retailers, with customers preferring good-looking 2G handsets or 3s cheap voice calls and texts. However, Vodafone is expected to hold its nerve amid the current aggressive climate, the source added. They want to compete when the market matures. Theyre doing very well on 2.5G at the moment.
Separately, some manufacturers have blamed Vodafones lack of compelling 3G content. One senior figure said: Vodafone has not really produced any content that makes you think wow I really want to get that. There must be a bloody good reason to get customers to spend more.
The Sony Ericsson V800 is the best-selling Vodafone 3G handset, but stocks of all Vodafones UK 3G handsets are being shipped to foreign markets, where sales are thought to be better without the effect of rivals with low-cost strategies.
While markets such as Germany, Greece and Ireland have performed well, both the UK and Sweden are understood to be struggling in the face of stiff competition. Telia in Sweden is thought to be so aggressive that Vodafone and even 3 are being muscled out.
Vodafone declined to comment on the figures.
http://www.mobiletoday.co.uk/artman-test/publish/article_252.shtml
Vodafones 3G sales have failed to meet even half of the original UK target, Mobile has learned.
The operator is understood to be fretting about the sluggish run-rate, which is between 50% and 60% below what was expected at launch, according to a well-placed source.
Senior figures in the UK are privately blaming 3s cheap handsets and line rental. The source said: Theyre finding it very difficult to compete with 3. 3 has set extremely low price expectations [for customers].
Consumer interest in Vodafones 3G handsets has been slow, according to retailers, with customers preferring good-looking 2G handsets or 3s cheap voice calls and texts. However, Vodafone is expected to hold its nerve amid the current aggressive climate, the source added. They want to compete when the market matures. Theyre doing very well on 2.5G at the moment.
Separately, some manufacturers have blamed Vodafones lack of compelling 3G content. One senior figure said: Vodafone has not really produced any content that makes you think wow I really want to get that. There must be a bloody good reason to get customers to spend more.
The Sony Ericsson V800 is the best-selling Vodafone 3G handset, but stocks of all Vodafones UK 3G handsets are being shipped to foreign markets, where sales are thought to be better without the effect of rivals with low-cost strategies.
While markets such as Germany, Greece and Ireland have performed well, both the UK and Sweden are understood to be struggling in the face of stiff competition. Telia in Sweden is thought to be so aggressive that Vodafone and even 3 are being muscled out.
Vodafone declined to comment on the figures.
http://www.mobiletoday.co.uk/artman-test/publish/article_252.shtml