People are only just finding out what Vodafone really stands for after 33 years
People are only just realising Vodafone's brand name has a 'hidden' meaning - with its creators intending to show their company's vision through its catchy name
It owns and operates networks across 16 countries - but people are only just learning what Vodafone actually stands for.
Founded in July 1984, the company opened with the name Racal Strategic Radio under chairman Ernest Harrison. With an interest in growing his company, he negotiated a deal with Lord Weinstock of the UK General Electric Company to give Racal access to their battlefield radio technology.
From there, he asked Racal's head of military radio division, Gerry Whent, to explore the technology for day-to-day use by the average person. Whent visited a mobile radio factory in Virginia - and returned with an idea to create Racal Strategic Radio Ltd, where he later named it Racal Telecom. In September 1991, Racal Telecom emerged from Racal Electronics to create Vodafone Group PLC, with Whent as its CEO.
READ MORE: Patrick Kielty can't keep hands off wife as she shows off washboard abs
READ MORE: Coronation Street Tyrone actor gives health update after undergoing major surgery
When brainstorming the company's name, the founders thought it would be important for its branding to "reflect the provision of voice and data services over mobile phones". Therefore, they settled on three words to sum up their product - voice, data, fone - with this creating Vodafone.
Unaware Vodafone was once known under another name, one Quora user asked: "What was the old name for Vodafone?" While another questioned: "What does Voda from Vodafone stand for?" In response, someone said: "Vodafone was formed under the Racal telecommunications brand and as was launched in January 1985 under the name Racal Vodafone Holdings Ltd. Vodafone stands for Voice, Data and Phone services."
Another user added: "I still remember when walking down the halls of the former Vodafone Office in Dusseldorf the history of the company: The name Vodafone comes from voice data fone as phone of course, chosen by the company to reflect the provision of voice and data services over mobile phones.
"I believe that the first person to make a mobile phone was Sir Michael Harrison, the son of former Vodafone chairman Sir Ernest Harrison, who became the first to test the system when he called his father at midnight on January 1, 1985."
Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .
Related
Share this page
Guest Posts by Easy Branches
