Vodafone, the UK company which has a large stake in Verizon Wireless, has only been actively involved in broadband expansion for a couple of years. Prior to that, the company was largely a fixed-line voice service. However, the company has added over half a million broadband customers in recent years focusing on high-growth emerging markets. This hasn’t limited Vodafone’s growth in the fixed-line sector either, proving that the company can approach two different European markets and see success.

This success has come under the leadership of CEO Arun Sarin. Despite this, Sarin’s future is uncertain. He has faced problems in his position in the past, taking flak from shareholders about underperforming shares. Despite that the company is now performing well, there are rumors circulating that Sarin is planning to resign. The response from the market to the possible resignation was a positive one, due partially to “the belief that it increases the likelihood of disposals, including Verizon Wireless”. The rumors caused an immediate rise in Vodafone stock, but they remain unsubstantiated.