The first mobile networjk operator is launched

Vodafone and Tesco announced the establishment of a joint venture called Tesco Mobile. Tesco Mobile will be a mobile virtual network operator, paying to use Vodafone's network to offer mobile telephone and internet services to subscribers.

The 50-50% JV is expected to launch services in the first half of 2012, said Vodafone Magyarország chairman-CEO György Beck and Tesco Global Áruházak CEO Gerry Gray. Tesco Mobile numbers will have a new prefix, Beck said, answering a question. The number will depend on the market regulator, he added. Gray said it was hoped Tesco Mobile would increase the number of Tesco Club card holders and bring more people to Tesco stores.