Data usage overtakes messaging at Vodafone

Mobile operator Vodafone reported a significant rise in data revenues during the final quarter of 2010, with data actually exceeding messaging revenues for the first time ever. The proliferation of smartphones and growing use of mobile broadband dongles among enterprises was largely responsible for the growth, Vodafone said.

Data revenues increased 27.2 per cent year on year during the fourth quarter to hit £1.327bn, just edging out messaging revenues at £1.319bn. Overall group revenues increased by 3 per cent year on year to £11.894bn, while service revenues increased by 2.1 per cent to £10.9bn.

Operating profit for the year, which ends in March for Vodafone, is expected to come in at between £11.8bn and £12.2bn. The carrier has around 360 million customers as of the end of 2010, an increase of 14.4 per cent year on year.

Vodafone also confirmed that Philips chief Gerard Kleisterlee would succeed John Bond as chairman when Bond retires in July. Kleisterlee is retiring from Philips in March.