UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 6-K
Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rules 13a-16 or 15d-16 under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Dated June 13, 2019
Commission File Number: 001-10086
VODAFONE GROUP
PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
(Translation of registrant’s name into English)
VODAFONE HOUSE, THE CONNECTION, NEWBURY, BERKSHIRE, RG14 2FN, ENGLAND
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F x Form 40-F o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes o No x
If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- .
THIS REPORT ON FORM 6-K SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN EACH OF THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM F-3 (FILE NO. 333-219583), THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8 (FILE NO. 333-81825) AND THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8 (FILE NO. 333-149634) OF VODAFONE GROUP PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY AND TO BE A PART THEREOF FROM THE DATE ON WHICH THIS REPORT IS FURNISHED, TO THE EXTENT NOT SUPERSEDED BY DOCUMENTS OR REPORTS SUBSEQUENTLY FILED OR FURNISHED.
This Report on Form 6-K contains a Stock Exchange Announcement dated 12 June 2019 entitled ‘VODAFONE GERMANY ACQUIRES SPECTRUM FOR 5G SERVICES’
RNS: 0354C
Vodafone Group Plc
12 June 2019
VODAFONE GERMANY ACQUIRES SPECTRUM FOR 5G SERVICES
Vodafone Germany has acquired important radio spectrum for next-generation 5G mobile networks at the Federal Network Agency auction for a total cost of €1.88 billion. It has secured a valuable 90 MHz in the 3.6 GHz band and 40 MHz of 2100 MHz spectrum.
Vodafone Germany has achieved its overall auction objective and secured additional spectrum through to 2040. Vodafone Germany has acquired a total of 130 MHz, comprising:
· 3.6 GHz – 90 MHz for €1.073 billion, available following the auction with a licence term through to 2040.
· 2100 MHz – 40 MHz for €806.5 million, comprising 2 x 15 MHz available from 2021 and 2 x 5 MHz available from 2026, both with licence terms through to 2040. This provides continuity and expansion of existing services in this band.
Vodafone Group Chief Executive Nick Read commented: “Vodafone is committed to bring the full benefits of a digital society to Germany through our gigabit network including 5G. We believe it is important to have a balance between the price paid for spectrum and our strong desire to create an inclusive society through investment in mobile network coverage.”
Vodafone Germany has the following spectrum holdings before and after the auction:
| Existing Holding | Purchased | Post-purchase |
700 MHz | 2 x 10 MHz | | 2 x 10 MHz |
800 MHz | 2 x 10 MHz | | 2 x 10 MHz |
900 MHz | 2 x 10 MHz | | 2 x 10 MHz |
1500 MHz | 20 MHz | | 20 MHz |
1800 MHz | 2 x 25 MHz | | 2 x 25 MHz |
2100 MHz | 2 x 15 MHz 1 x 5 MHz | 2 x 15 MHz 2 x 5 MHz | 2 x 20 MHz (from 2021) 1 x 5 MHz (exp end 2020) |
2600 MHz | 2 x 20 MHz 1 x 25 MHz | | 2 x 20 + 25 MHz |
3.6GHz | 1 x 42 MHz# | 1 x 90 MHz | 1 x 90 MHz |
# this would be relinquished on award of the 90 MHz.
For further information:
Vodafone Group | |
| |
Media Relations | Investor Relations |
www.vodafone.com/media/contact | ir@vodafone.co.uk |
About Vodafone Group
Vodafone Group is one of the world’s leading telecoms and technology service providers. We have extensive experience in connectivity, convergence and the Internet of Things, as well as championing mobile financial services and digital transformation in emerging markets.
Vodafone Group has mobile operations in 25 countries, partners with mobile networks in 41 more, and fixed broadband operations in 19 markets. As of 31 March 2019, Vodafone Group had approximately 650 million mobile customers, 19 million fixed broadband customers and 14 million TV customers, including all of the customers in Vodafone’s joint ventures and associates. For more information, please visit: www.vodafone.com.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorised.
| | VODAFONE GROUP |
| | PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY |
| | (Registrant) |
| | |
| | |
Dated: June 13, 2019 | | By: | /s/ R E S MARTIN |
| | Name: Rosemary E S Martin |
| | Title: Group General Counsel and Company Secretary |
