Vodafone is non-committal about rumours that it may soon venture into the Internet service provider (ISP) market.
The company recently sent out a survey to its customers exploring their preferences when it comes to paying for Internet service.
The survey asks whether customers would be interested in a free Internet service, and presents them with two alternative charged service plans - $19.95 for 25 hours’ use, with free technical service via phone bundled in, or $14.95 for 25 hours with service available on an 0900 number at 89 cents a minute. It also asks about their reception to a pre-paid Internet charging plan.
Vodafone spokesman Mark Champion says the survey, conducted for Vodafone by Digipoll, is “part of a wide range of polls we take on a raft of telecoms services and issues”.
The company sees it as necessary to keep tabs on media and services that could affect custom for its own core business, he says.
Asked directly whether Vodafone is considering venturing into the ISP business, Champion says “we wouldn’t like to speculate”.