By the start of 2010, we had invested 3.0 billion euros in expanding our independent mobile phone network. A total of 27,000 base stations now provides virtually nationwide coverage and access.

2010 will therefore see us focusing on further optimisation of our network and expanding our UMTS network.

The main factors for creating the same high-quality access to our network for all our customers relate to high voice quality and fast data transfer. We have set up a Quality Task Force to determine how we can offer customers high levels of voice quality. This task force carries out special test drives to analyse the performance of our network and identify any defects.

Our UMTS network is already available to 60 percent of the population. Last year, we also introduced the new HSDPA standard (High Speed Downlink Access Package). This allows data to be downloaded at a speed of up to 3.6 Mbit/s. We also equip our UMTS transmission stations with HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access) where the data transmission rate rises to 7.2 Mbit/s. Additionally, we offer EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution) anywhere with no access to the UMTS network. This technology enables data to be transferred more quickly in the GSM network.

We also exert an influence on access to mobile telecommunications through our tariffs. This is the underlying reason for vigorously simplifying our tariff system for mobile phone customers last year. They are now able to use our packages more cost-effectively and exert greater control over costs. Our new O₂ o tariff is equally suitable for all customers - irrespective of whether they are big on phoning or only make occasional calls. O₂ o involves customers in no obligations, for example basic charge or minimum contract term, Each minute of talk time and each SMS costs a uniform 15 cents in all German landline and mobile phone networks. The O₂ cost airbag sets a limit: if you generate monthly costs totalling 60 euros, all subsequent calls and SMS messages in the relevant month are free of charge.

Mobile phones are also part of everyday life for children and teenagers. Our Fonic discount provider also offers special tariffs to school children, students and apprentices, giving them cheap phone calls. We also offer customers with extensive foreign contacts special foreign options. They reduce the costs for calls in particular countries of their choice. If they're the kind of person who doesn't want to think about costs when they're phoning abroad, there's a flat rate for calls in the foreign landline network for more a total of 47 countries.

New communication media are frequently not yet adapted to the needs of people with physical disabilities. People with hearing and sight impairments in particular are excluded from many options offered by these technologies. We therefore extended our commitment to people with disabilities last year. They are an important group of customers for us. We have launched a large number of initiatives intended to give them better opportunities for participating in the diverse applications and opportunities offered by digital communication media. Particularly user-friendly phones, transparent communication with the people affected and tailor-made solution. Breaking down barriers.