Vodafone is the largest mobile telecommunications network company in the world, with equity interests in 27 countries and Partner Networks in a further 33 countries. At 30 June 2006, Vodafone had approximately 186.8 million proportionate customers worldwide.
Vodafone was formed in 1984 as a subsidiary of Racal Electronics Plc. then known as Racal Telecom Limited. As Chairman of the Racal Radio Group in 1982, Gerald Whent had the vision and fortitude to convince the Racal Electronics Group Board that it should bid for the private sector UK cellular license being offered by the UK government. He masterminds the successful bid. In 1988 approximately 20% of the Company's capital was offered to the public in London Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange. It was fully demerged from Racal Electronics Plc and became an independent company in September 1991 and it changed its name to Vodafone Group Plc. In 1999 it merged with AirTouch Communications Inc. and the company became Vodafone AirTouch Plc. In 2000 it got its original name with the approval of shareholders.

Now the company in order to grow is looking for developing countries where telephone penetration is below 30 percent. In Europe where the company has wide presence is maturing and is delivering lower growth. The basic strategy for the company are:
In Europe, to focus on both cost reduction and revenue stimulation;
To deliver strong growth in emerging markets;
To satisfy our customer needs and extend our current mobile only offering by innovating and delivering total communications solutions;
To actively manage our portfolio to maximize returns; and
To align our financial policies regarding capital structure and shareholder returns to support our strategy.