Vodafone at odds with US partner's 3G plans

date: 28 March 2001, source by:

A dispute over mobile phone standards has caused a rift between mobile phone operator Vodafone and its U.S. partner Verizon, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday.

The paper said the two were at odds over using the U.S. third generation technology that is incompatible with that used in Europe.

The FT quoted one insider as saying a lack of agreement could force Vodafone to sell its stake in Verizon Wireless -- a joint venture controlled by Verizon but 45 percent owned by Vodafone -- although it said it was extremely unlikely.

Third generation mobile phones -- being launched in Japan this year and most of Europe next year -- will offer broadband services, which allow high-speed data transmissions and provide Internet and video links.