The deal for Vodafone’s return to the fold comes three months earlier than planned, following the operator’s exit from working with the business in October 2006. In 2006, Carphone was unceremoniously dumped by Vodafone as a supplier of contract mobile phones, in favour of Phones4U.
Carphone continued to sell Vodafone’s offerings in pay as you go, plus upgrades, but now it will be back with contract deals also. Additionally, Carphone extended its relationship with Phones4U, so from this month, a combination of over 1650 Vodafone, Carphone Warehouse and Phones4U stores will provide customers with face to face help and service where and when they need it on the high street.
Said Ian Shepherd, consumer director, Vodafone UK: “Carphone Warehouse has developed a formidable retail presence on the high street and we’re very pleased to offer our customers even more choice. We’re also delighted with Phones4U’s performance so we’ve extended our partnership into a multi year agreement.”
Charles Dunstone, CEO of Carphone Warehouse Group, said: "We have been partners with Vodafone for 20 years and this agreement marks a continued strengthening of our relationship and will benefit both businesses and their customers. CPW has always strived to offer the widest possible choice of handsets, networks and tariffs and our new agreement with Vodafone will bring exciting new products and services to our stores and gives our customers the best possible choice in the marketplace for their communication needs."