The world's largest international mobile operator added 2.5 million subscribers in the three months to the end of June, giving it 122.7 million users worldwide.

Analysts had expected around 2.2 million new users in the quarter.

Subscribers to Vodafone Live!, which provides picture messaging and e-mail services reached 1.75 million, including 420,000 in the UK.

Vodafone chief executive Sir Christopher Gent said the company was "well on track" to achieve a 10% growth in customers and revenues.