Vodafone has signed what it calls a “Partner Market agreement” with the UAE-based fixed-line and second-largest mobile operator, du. The agreement paves the way for the UK-based group – the world’s largest mobile firm in terms of revenue – to launch a range of its products, devices and services in the UAE via du, which will become the first telecoms operator in the region to join Vodafone’s Partner Market programme. In a statement, Vodafone said that du would benefit from Vodafone’s experience in supply chain management, technology development and in the multinational enterprise market, while Vodafone will be able to use du’s advanced 3G network to offer its customers a range of services.

As part of a phased rollout, the partnership with Vodafone will provide du customers with improved voice and data roaming access across 67 countries. Further products are expected to include mobile broadband, remote mobile access for small business users and converged email solutions. The two companies will also work together to bring more quickly to market new and exclusive handset models. In a separate development, Vodafone said that it has had its recommended public cash offer to the shareholders of Wayfinder Systems accepted. Following settlement of the offer – scheduled to complete on 30 January – Vodafone will hold 98.13 percent of the total number of shares and votes in Wayfinder, a Swedish firm specialising in location-based services.