China Mobile Limited
The agreement with China Mobile provides for co-operation across many areas, including the exchange and sharing of corporate management; technical and operational expertise and resources; joint research and development; and implementation of standards and protocols. In addition, Vodafone has indicated it wishes to add its present two percent interest in the Chinese mobile telecom when the opportunity arises.

Through this alliance, the companies expect that their combined resources, expertise, and experience will help to create a global mobile platform, with unprecedented opportunity for shareholder value creation, Vodafone said.

Japan Telecom
By acquiring AT&T Wireless’ stake in the Japan’s No. 3 telecommunications carrier, Vodafone now holds a 25 percent interest in the company. According to The Wall Street Journal, bankers in Tokyo are expecting a power struggle to erupt between Vodafone and its rival BT PLC, who holds a 20 percent stake in the Japanese carrier. The report goes on to say that both British companies are interested in Japan Telecom’s mobile unit, J-Phone Communications, but with neither in full control, some observers say, is a recipe for conflict.

Vodafone will need a strong presence in Japan and China if it intends to become the global mobile player. But it will remain to be seen if Japan Telecom, with 16 percent of the Japanese market, and China Mobile, with a subscription base of 42.7 million, will allow a British foreigner the voice it is seeking.