The answer is special software that converts text to voice making mobile phones accessible to the estimated 9%* of adults who have difficulty in using mobile technology. It is just one example contained in Vodafone's 2004/2005 Corporate Responsibility report of how it is making a difference around the world.
What is the socio-economic impact of mobiles phones in Africa?
Evidence is building that mobile phones can benefit low and middle-income economies. Studies conducted in Egypt, South Africa and Tanzania found that an additional 10 mobile phones per 100 people contributed about 0.59% to GDP growth. In Tanzania 97% of people surveyed said they could access a mobile phone, while only 28% could access a landline. 62% of small businesses in South Africa and 59% in Egypt said that, in spite of increased call costs, mobile phones had increased their profits.
These impacts on society are just some of those described in Vodafone's fifth Corporate Responsibility report for the year ended 31 March 2005. Vodafone has reinforced the way it reports on engaging with and responding to stakeholders. This, Vodafone's broadest report yet, covers the subjects which stakeholders have told it are important to them:
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Mobile phone masts and health
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Network roll-out
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Responsible use and control of content
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Responsible marketing
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Reuse and recycling of mobile phones
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Environmental impacts
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Supply chain issues
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Employees
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Social investment
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Governance issues
It is one of the first Corporate Responsibility reports to be subject to external independent assurance in accordance with both the Accountability 1000 Assurance Standard and the International Standard on Assurance Engagements 3000.
Arun Sarin, Chief Executive, Vodafone Group Plc, said:
"We have six strategic goals and corporate responsibility is one of them. Corporate responsibility is a vehicle for achieving prosperity in society and in business. I believe it is about generating win-win business ideas that balance the interests of different stakeholders.
"As we continue to learn from our stakeholders, my vision for corporate responsibility is that it becomes fully integrated into everything we do - it becomes instinctive. I look forward to reporting further progress to you next year."
More information about Vodafone's CR performance
The information will be expanded on our website www.vodafone.com/responsibility later this Summer to provide more in-depth insights into our performance on CR issues.
CR Reports from local operating companies, to be launched later this year, will focus on issues relevant to national stakeholders.
We are keen to know what people think of our report. Please respond to responsibility@vodafone.comor call our Group CR Team on +44 (0) 1635 33251.
* based on a survey of adults in the EU.
For further information:
Vodafone Group
Simon Lewis
Group Corporate Affairs Director
Tel: +44 (0) 1635 673310
Media Relations
Bobby Leach
Jon Earl
Tel: +44 (0) 1635 673310
