Vodafone, a global network operator in 16 countries, has an intriguing backstory that many are only just discovering.

The company was established in July 1984 as Racal Strategic Radio under the leadership of chairman Ernest Harrison. Keen to expand his business, Harrison brokered a deal with Lord Weinstock of the UK General Electric Company, gaining access to their battlefield radio technology.

Harrison then tasked Gerry Whent, head of Racal’s military radio division, with investigating…