Ireland’s post office An Post will this summer begin offering its own-branded mobile phone service as part of a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) alliance with Vodafone.
An Post will purchase capabilities and capacity on Vodafone’s network to provide An Post branded products and services through its retail channels.
It will initially concentrate its efforts on the prepaid mobile phone market.
“An Post’s MVNO will be able to draw on the strengths of two of the most recognisable brands in Ireland – Vodafone’s superior network and technology and An Post’s retail strength,” said Charles Butterworth, chief executive of Vodafone in Ireland.
“This launch marks a further strengthening of competition in the Irish mobile market and will deliver great value to Irish consumers. Vodafone has invested significantly in building Ireland’s best quality and most extensive network. This deal with An Post allows us to make full use of this valuable asset,” Butterworth added.
In recent years, An Post has been adding new products and service such as banking to increase its relevance to both long standing customers and new generations of An Post customers.
Donal Connell, chief executive of An Post, said the MVNO partnership with Vodafone is indicative of these new generations of products and services currently in development.
“Some 1.7million customers visit their local post office every week, and from Summer 2009, customers can avail of handy, value-for-money, mobile phone services.
“We’re investing heavily in the post office of the future, marrying the strengths and expertise of our retail business with new products such as this MVNO with Vodafone,” he added.
By John Kennedy
