Vodafone has announced its intention to make significant changes in their charging structure whilst users are in Europe. This move will in turn benefit a number of South Westbusinesses who utilise the network through Vodafone's approved business partner, Grapevine.
The mobile network are seeking to cut roaming costs by at least forty per cent by April 2007, when compared to last summer. This will see the average cost of European roaming fall from over EUR 0.90 to less than EUR 0.55 per minute. Vodafone have also stated that that it will enter into reciprocal whole sa le arrangements with any other European operator at no more than EUR 0.45 per minute for voice calls within the EU from October 2006. This will enable both Vodafone and other European mobile operators to continue to lower the cost of roaming to customers outside of their own networks.
Grapevine's Business Development Manager Paul Lappage has applauded the move of its key strategic partner by commenting: "Vodafone are leading the way with the services they can offer to business users. We assist an increasing number of local organi sa tions with interests in Europe , and being able to offer competitive pricing to those who use their devices abroad is an important asset."
By addressing both retail and whole sa le prices, Vodafone are seeking to set a platform for sustainable lower pricing across Europe for the future. The move is also addressing the issues raised by the European Commission and the European Parliament on the topic. | 
