Vodafone last week launched Vodafone Simply, a new, easy to use mobile service which has been designed for customers who only want a mobile phone with voice and text message services. Simply mobile phones went on sale yesterday exclusively from all Vodafone Retail Outlets and Digital 2000 in Sliema.

Following extensive customer research and feedback from thousands of customers across the Vodafone Group, the Vodafone Simply service comprises two exclusive easy-to-use phones, supported by specifically trained customer services staff.

Vodafone worked very closely with its customers in developing the Vodafone Simply phones. Customers were asked how they wanted their ideal phone to look, what services it should offer, how these services should be accessed and how the phone menus should be structured.

Following this feedback, Vodafone linked up with Sagem to develop two phones: the Vodafone Simply Sagem VS2, a straight, black handset which costs Lm39, and the Vodafone Simply Sagem VS3, a silver flip-phone which costs Lm49. Each model comes with Lm5 free airtime.

Both phones have large screens with legible text and symbols, as well as three dedicated buttons for direct access to the most commonly used services: the Main Screen, Contacts and Messages. A button on the side of each phone controls ringer volume and a switch locks the key pad.

In addition, on-screen instructions in plain language help customers master the phone quickly and easily.

Both phones offer a voice mail service designed to work like a standard home answering machine. The Messages button on the phones lights up to notify the customer when a call or text has been received. To listen to or read the message, the customer just needs to press the Messages button.

In addition, the Vodafone Simply service offers a missed call notification service. If a call is missed, or a caller does not leave a voice message, the customer receives notification on-screen.

Customers using the Vodafone Simply service will be able to buy straightforward, value for money, price plans. Using the new Vodafone 'Talk for an hour and pay for a minute' price plan, customers will be able to talk for up to an hour in the evenings and at weekends while only paying for the first minute.

Vodafone has specifically trained members of its customer service staff to help and advise customers in retail outlets and call centre. Trained staff will help customers feel more confident about buying and using their Vodafone Simply mobile phones.

"While many of our customers want the latest mobile phone with all the latest gadgets, we also have customers who just want to make and receive calls and text messages on their mobile phone," Paul Bahia, chief commercial officer at Vodafone Malta, said. "Vodafone Simply is designed especially for these customers - an easy to use mobile service to help them stay in touch with friends and family."

For more information customers can visit any Vodafone retail outlet or contact Customer Service on 247. All calls to this number are free of charge.