LONDON -- BT and Vodafone today received approval from the Irish Competition Authority to progress the strategic partnership announced on 22nd July 2009. Under the terms of the agreement, BT will transfer its consumer and small business broadband and voice customer base to Vodafone and will also provide wholesale network services to underpin Vodafone's business over a seven-year period.

Charles Butterworth, CEO, Vodafone Ireland said, 'This partnership is good news for consumers and small businesses in Ireland as it creates greater competition and choice in the fixed line market. Vodafone is now the no 2 player in the fixed broadband market and we will continue to deliver on our strategy of being Ireland's number one total communications provider by offering real value and best in class products and services. This partnership will enable Vodafone to launch an exciting roadmap of fixed products and services that are strongly differentiated from those available in the market today, giving our customers better value and more choice. We look forward to welcoming BT's customers to Vodafone and guarantee that all customers will benefit from enhanced value as a result of this move.'

Chris Clark, CEO, BT Ireland said, 'This agreement will progress the Irish communications market by stimulating competition at both the retail and network infrastructure levels. With increased competition comes greater choice and innovation, which is overdue in this marketplace. BT excels in the provision of networked IT services to business and public sector customers and we will accelerate our strategy to become the leading provider to those market segments. We are also committing significant investment into the advanced network infrastructure that customers and Ireland Inc. need to compete effectively.' BT and Vodafone will work closely with customers over the coming months to undertake a seamless migration of services. Customers will experience no change to their service in the short to medium term.

BT Group plc (NYSE: BT; London: BTA)

Vodafone Group plc (NYSE: VOD)