The mobile network Vodafone GigaNetwork has been certified "Best in test" for the second consecutive year by the independent German auditor umlaut, part of Accenture, which sets industry standards through measurements of over 200 mobile networks in over 120 countries. This is the eighth consecutive year when Vodafone Romania's mobile network receives recognition by the German auditor.
"In the current context, where mobility is indispensable, where work at the office, school, and access to services are closely linked to a fast and stable internet connection, this new umlaut certification confirms Vodafone Romania's sustained efforts and investments to offer customers a trustworthy mobile network they can rely on. In the last year, we have improved the quality of our networks in over 300 localities in urban and rural areas and increased the coverage of 4G services nationwide by 10%, currently being available to 97% of the population. We are also taking important steps to expand access to 5G services, which are essential for digitization", said Nicolae Vilceanu, Network Director, Vodafone Romania.
The benchmarking campaign ran from February 18th to March 23rd, 2023, with the Vodafone network achieving the highest overall score in the umlaut assessment – 877 points, 27 points ahead of the next ranked operator and recording the highest score for mobile voice services, data, and network reliability. For a high relevant statistic, the measurements made with professional equipment covered a road distance of 8,677 km and localities counting for 25% of Romania's population.
The measurement campaign was carried out on a route that included the towns of Bucuresti, Iasi, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Constanta, Brasov, Ploiesti, Arad, Pitesti, Targu Mures, Drobeta-Turnu Severin, Suceava, Bistrita, Tulcea, Salonta, Marghita, Simleu Silvaniei, Zalau, Turda, Reghin, Vatra Dornei, Campulung Moldovenesc, Gura Humorului, Falticeni, Pascani, Vaslui, Barlad, Tecuci, Babadag, Fetesti, Slobozia, Campina, Campulung, Bals, Filiasi, as well as on connection roads.
The certification is available at: https://www.umlaut.com/en/benchmarking/romania.
About Vodafone
Unique in its scale as the largest pan-European and African technology communications company, Vodafone transforms the way we live and work through its innovation, technology, connectivity, platforms, products and services.
Vodafone operates mobile and fixed networks in 20 countries, and partners with mobile networks in 47 more. As of 31 December 2022, we had over 330 million mobile customers, more than 28 million fixed broadband customers, and 21 million TV customers. Vodafone is a world leader in the Internet of Things (IoT), connecting over 155 million devices and platforms.
We have revolutionised fintech in Africa through M-Pesa, which celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2022. It is the region’s largest fintech platform, providing access to financial services for more than 58 million people in a secure, affordable, and convenient way.
Our purpose is to connect for a better future by using technology to improve lives, digitalise critical sectors and enable inclusive and sustainable digital societies.
We are committed to reducing our environmental impact to reach net zero emissions across our full value chain by 2040, while helping our customers reduce their own carbon emissions by 350 million tonnes by 2030. We are driving action to reduce device waste and achieve our target to reuse, resell or recycle 100% of our network waste.
We believe in the power of connectivity and digital services to improve society and economies, partnering with governments to digitalise healthcare, education and agriculture and create cleaner, safer cities. Our products and services support the digitalisation of businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Our inclusion for all strategy seeks to ensure no-one is left behind through access to connectivity, digital skills and creating relevant products and services such as access to education, healthcare, and finance. We are also committed to developing a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the customers and societies we serve.
For more information, please visit www.vodafone.com, follow us on Twitter at @VodafoneGroup or connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/vodafone.