Vodafone Live! to offer Google™ Maps for mobile alongside Google search

Vodafone and Google intend to develop a location-based version of Google Maps for mobile to add to the growing portfolio of internet-based services that are enhancing the mobile experience for Vodafone customers.

Google Maps for mobile, a downloadable java application, is expected to offer customers in selected markets easy-to-use maps and local listings, as well as local search and navigation capabilities. Customers will be able to enjoy unlimited use of Google Maps for mobile, subject to Vodafone data tariffs.

Google and Vodafone are working together to ensure the service provides customers on selected handsets with an automatic user-location capability.

Today’s announcement is another example of how Vodafone is working to bring a suite of the most popular brands and services from the internet to the mobile phone. By integrating Google Maps for mobile into its services, Vodafone intends to offer customers a powerful tool to help them find local services wherever they are.

"Vodafone sees Google Maps as a new milestone in the relationship that both companies are developing. It is a prime example of how Vodafone, through its location service and distribution scale, can complement Google's products and unlock mass-market access to exciting services," said Frank Rovekamp, Global Chief Marketing Officer of Vodafone.

"Our goal as a company is to help people find information they're looking for, so giving Vodafone customers the chance to find out where they are going while on the move is a very important step. Google Maps for mobile gives people an easy way of finding directions via a mobile phone. I am delighted that Vodafone intends to offer it to their customers. It is one example of how our two companies are working together on technology that helps people manage information online and on the go," said Nikesh Arora, Vice President, EMEA Operations, Google.

The announcement comes as Vodafone introduces functionality in various markets to enable its customers to search for and find information they are looking for while on the move, with the integration of Google search technology into its mobile service.

The search service launched in Hungary in December 2006 and is aimed to be rolled out in other key European markets throughout the rest of the year.

Forming part of Vodafone’s multimedia portal Vodafone live!, search technology from Google will enable customers to access both on-portal and off-portal sites in the wider mobile internet.

The integration of Google technology also means an enhanced internet experience, making off-portal pages more accessible and relevant for handset screen sizes. Customers will therefore only be presented with services, such as games, that are compatible with their handsets. News from Vodafone