Google Maps come to Vodafone

Maps and information about local services are to be made available to Vodafone mobile phone customers.

A deal struck between Vodafone and Google will see a downloadable, Java-based application made available to Vodafone's customers.

Google Maps for mobile will offer not just maps but information about local businesses and services as well, like the PC-based Google Maps application.

"Giving Vodafone customers the chance to find out where they are going while on the move is a very important step," said Nikesh Arora of Google.

Google Maps for mobile gives people an easy way of finding directions via a mobile phone," continued Arora.

The Google Maps for mobile service has been available to Vodafone customers in Hungary since December last year and the company plans to open the scheme up to other major European markets in the near future.

The service will only be available on selected Vodafone handsets and though the application itself is free, customers will be subject to Vodafone data tariffs.

The deal, announced this morning, is the third significant agreement struck by Vodafone with major internet companies in February. Last week, Vodafone said it would be offering its customers the chance to edit their MySpace profiles and view and upload videos to YouTube.

http://www.vodafone.co.uk/
http://maps.google.co.uk/

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