Vodafone becomes Official Network Eurovision 2011

As official network of the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest, Vodafone has been granted extensive pan-European media, association, event and new media rights for the upcoming contest in Germany.

"We are very glad to have Vodafone on board as Official Network of the Eurovision Song Contest. With its strong pan-European presence, Vodafone is an excellent partner for Europe's favourite TV-show," says Jørgen Franck, Eurovision TV Director ad interim.

"As a global company with a strong European heritage we cherish the opportunity to support this European music event which on top takes place in Düsseldorf, where our German headquarter is based.", said Gregor Gründgens, Director Brand & Communications at Vodafone Germany. "Our network and the right tariffs grant guests supporting their national song carefree travelling without losing touch with friends and family at home", he added.

The Eurovision Song Contest has a rich tradition and heritage, dating back to 1956. It is one of the few truly pan-European television programmes transmitted live via the Eurovision satellite network, in prime time on free-to-air television and is watched by some 125 million viewers throughout Europe and beyond.

The EBU serves 85 national media organizations in 56 countries in and around Europe. It represents its Members and promotes the values and distinctiveness of public service media in Europe and around the world. The Eurovision and Euroradio networks deliver news, sports, events and music to EBU Members and other media   organizations. Services to Members range from legal advice, technical standardization and development to coproduction and exchange of quality European content.  

Vodafone Germany as one of the largest and most modern telecommunications providers in Europe realises turnover of more than EUR nine billion and has 13,000 employees. Based in Düsseldorf, Vodafone Germany is a one-stop innovative and integrated technology and service provider with a portfolio including mobile communications, fixed network telephony, internet and broadband data services for business and private customers. Continuous development, numerous patents and investments in new products, services and the modern network have made Vodafone an innovation leader in the German telecommunications market. In 2010, Vodafone was named Best Network in Germany for the fourth time in succession by the "connect" magazine.

T.E.A.M., a subsidiary of Highlight Communications AG, has been the exclusive worldwide marketing agency for the commercial rights for the Eurovision Song Contest since 2004. The agreement, which is part of an international commercial and marketing platform developed by the EBU for the Eurovision Song Contest, was negotiated by T.E.A.M. AG of Lucerne, Switzerland. 

The 55th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest will take place this year in Düsseldorf. Germany is hosting the event as its representative Lena won the Eurovision Song Contest last year in Oslo, with the song Satellite.