Vodafone Supernet to Enable Warkaris to Remain Connected

• Four ‘Vodafone Mobile Buses’ will travel with Warkaris all the way from Pune to Pandharpur

• Warkaris will have access to free calling facility, mobile charging points, recharge vouchers and M-Pesa money transfer service

• Lakhs of people assisted with free calls during last three years

Vodafone India, one of India’s leading telecom service providers, today flagged off its ritual Ashadh initiative, with four ‘Vodafone Mobile Buses’ joining lakhs of pilgrims on their annual padayatra to Pandharpur. As has been the practice for the past two years, these ‘Vodafone Mobile Buses’ will travel with the Warkaris all through their journey from Pune to Pandharpur. Two buses each will accompany the Warkaris on the Palkhi routes of Tukaram Maharaj and Dnyaneshwar Maharaj.

The ‘Vodafone Mobile Buses’ are equipped with free calling facility, mobile phone charging points, recharge vouchers and M-Pesa money transfer serviceto help the Warkaris stay in touch with their loved ones throughout the duration of their journey. The Warkaris will be able to make use of the facilities at all halting points of the Palkhion the way to Pandharpur. Each bus is equipped with 8 phones and over 100 charging points for the convenience of Warkaris. Since its association with the Pandharpur Yatra in 2013, Vodafone has assisted lakhs of people with free calls through the ‘Vodafone Mobile Buses’ initiative.

The ‘Vodafone Mobile Buses’ were flagged off at the hands of the trustees of Tukaram Maharaj and Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhis in presence of Ashish Chandra, Business Head, Maharashtra & Goa Circle, Vodafone India.

Speaking about the initiative Ashish Chandra said, “Vodafone is proud to associate with the Pandharpur Yatra for the fourth year in a row. The annual yatra is a one-of-its-kind pilgrimage that brings almost all of Maharashtra together, with lakhs of devotes from different towns in the state joining in the 450kms journey by foot. Vodafone is extremely happy to support the Pandharpur Yatra with our ‘Vodafone Mobile Buses’ initiative that keeps the Warkaris constantly connected with their loved ones. All through the 21 day long arduous trek, the Warkaris have strength in knowing that Vodafone’s seamless, uninterrupted and reliable networkis on hand to ensure they are always in touch. Going forward, we look forward to continuing our endeavour to enhance the spiritual experience of the Warkaris.”

About Vodafone India

Vodafone India is a 100% fully owned subsidiary of the Vodafone Group Plc. with operations across the country serving ~198 million customers (over 107 million in rural areas). Commencing operations in 2007, Vodafone is today India’s largest foreign direct investor, with a robust, award winning business and committed for the long term. Vodafone Business Services serves the needs of enterprises and government by providing total telecommunications (Voice and Data) solutions across mobility and wireline platforms. Our mobile wallet, M-Pesa is a unique and innovative money transfer service from Vodafone that fosters financial inclusion.

Committed to optimizing the near ubiquitous reach of mobile telephony to address national developmental priorities, the Vodafone Foundation partners is actively engaged in community development initiatives especially in the domains of m-Women, m-Agriculture, m-Education and Disaster Relief. Building on its global experience and expertise, an outreach across India and offering a comprehensive portfolio of technologies- 2G, 3G & 4G, Vodafone is uniquely positioned to actualize the vision of Digital India

Globally, Vodafone is one of the world’s largest telecommunications companies and provides a range of services including voice, messaging, data and fixed communications. Vodafone has mobile operations in 26 countries, partners with mobile networks in 58 more, and has fixed broadband operations in 17 markets. As of 31st March 2016, Vodafone had 462.3 million mobile customers and 13.4 million fixed broadband customers.

For more information, please visit: www.vodafone.com.

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