Vodafone is among the top three global companies for putting responsible practices at the heart of their business, according to an accountability rating developed by leading CSR consultancy network and international think-tank AccountAbility.
Launched in 2004, the rating is each year applied to the Fortune Global 100®. The first two companies were rated to be BP and Royal Dutch/Shell Group.
In Malta, Vodafone said it was the first mobile operator to launch a handset recycling project which allows customers to dispose of their old mobile phones, batteries and accessories simply by taking them to any Vodafone retail outlet.
In 2003, the local company also supported the Department of Communications and Computer Engineering at the University of Malta to launch Progett Gardjola, an initiative to inform the general public about radio frequency radiation.
Last year, Vodafone published a range of six brochures about corporate responsibility for the members of the public who may be concerned about certain issues or would like further information about different aspects of mobile telephony.
These leaflets include information about mobile phone base stations and health, etiquette, using a mobile phone while driving, the social benefits of mobile, mobile phones and health, as well as new content services on mobiles, which includes practical tips for parents who are concerned about their children using mobile phones.
"Mobile phones have become a part of our everyday lives, with 1.6 billion people worldwide connected by mobiles today. While offering a wide range of features and offering benefits to society, new technologies also raise new concerns," said Deborah Grech, corporate affairs manager at Vodafone Malta Ltd.
"Vodafone recognises the importance of these issues and aims to give customers control over how they use their phone. Guidelines are available in leaflets distributed through all Vodafone retail outlets."
For more information about Vodafone's corporate responsibility one may call at its retail outlets in Birkirkara, Naxxar, Paola, the Embassy Complex in Valletta and Arkadia in Victoria. Further information can be obtained by calling Vodafone customer service free of charge on 247.