Vodafone says that it has completed the integration of Vizzavi with its existing operations. The British network operator acquired control of the multi-access portal from joint venture partner Vivendi Universal in August.
Vizzavi will become Vodafone’s content brokerage, acting as an acquirer and developer of content from a range of third parties. The content will subsequently be made available to customers through the forthcoming Vodafone Live mobile internet service. The Vizzavi brand, which Vodafone and Vivendi invested tens of millions of pounds in building, will be gradually phased out.
Vodafone will derive cost savings from the integration of Vizzavi’s operations through reduced spending on technology and staff cuts. Guy Laurence, former head of Vizzavi, will become Chief Executive of Global Content Services and report to Thomas Geitner, Chief Executive, Global Products and Services.