Vodafone does Extreme deal

Vodafone is to allow the Extreme Group to become a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), catering to under 25s.

ExtremeMob will target the company's usual customer base of skaters, surfers and alternative sports types.

Analysts have recently forecast a pronounced upswing in the number of MVNOs, with the advent of 3G meaning more options for infrastructure-less operators.

However, unlike some competitors around the world, Vodafone is not known for MVNO relationships, despite a major one with BT.

Analysts Ovum said in a research note today that it was "surprised that Vodafone emerged as its host network" but that there are precedents around the world for the success of such a move, which isn't a no-frills offering along the lines of easyMobile, which sits on the network of T-Mobile, the UK's most pro-MVNO operator.

In other Vodafone news, the world's farthest-reaching operator has rejigged its 3G datacard roaming rates so there is now a flat £50/€75 flat monthly rate for European customers, for up to 100Mb of downloaded data.