Vodafone mobile broadband customers could soon have use of new GPS navigation services on their handheld devices.

Vodafone Europe BV has submitted a bid to purchase GPS navigation services company Wayfinder.

Wayfinder offers a range of GPS products, including a mobile internet navigation system with voice guidance and traffic information services.

The company's board of directors has recommended that all shareholders accept Vodafone's offer, which brings mobile broadband customers one step closer to accessing the navigation services.

Magnus Nilsson, chief executive officer at Wayfinder, said: "We are excited about the prospects of serving the vast Vodafone subscriber base with our world leading location-based services.

Pieter Knook, internet services director at Vodafone, told Reuters: "Wayfinder's exceptional expertise in this space and technology capabilities will enable Vodafone to develop a suite of exciting new location-aware products and services."

The offer has been valued in the region of £20 million, or around 99p per share.