Vodafone and Google have announced an expanded ten-year strategic partnership, aimed at bringing new services, devices, and TV experiences to millions of Vodafone customers across Europe and Africa.
The collaboration will leverage Google Cloud and Google’s advanced AI models, including its Gemini models, to improve customer experiences and workforce productivity.
The partnership, which will impact 15 countries directly and an additional 45 markets worldwide through Vodafone’s partners, focuses on enhancing storage, security, and AI-powered assistance for Vodafone’s vast customer base.
In turn, Google will utilize Vodafone’s fixed and mobile connectivity services to boost workforce efficiency.
Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group Chief Executive, stated, “Together, Vodafone and Google will put new AI-powered content and devices into the hands of millions more consumers. Using these services, our customers can discover new ways to learn, create, and communicate, as well as consume TV, on a scale we haven’t seen before.”
Key Focus Areas of the Partnership:
- Advanced AI and Cloud Services: Vodafone and Google aim to bring AI-powered tools and cloud-based applications to customers, small businesses, and governments. This will include new content discovery features, enhanced cybersecurity, and cloud storage options, such as YouTube subscriptions and Google One plans.
- Vodafone TV Enhancements: Vodafone TV, which runs on Android TV, will see new features enabled by Google Cloud’s generative AI, including better content discovery and monetization through Google Ad Manager. A deeper YouTube integration with Vodafone TV is also being explored to enhance the overall viewing experience.
- AI and Machine Learning Models: Vodafone will use Google Cloud’s Vertex AI platform and its Gemini models to build and deploy machine learning models across its operating companies. This is expected to accelerate innovation and simplify the launch of new products in multiple countries.
Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, expressed excitement about the partnership, saying, “Our expanded partnership with Vodafone will help bring our most advanced AI products and services to more people across Europe and Africa. I’m excited to see how Vodafone’s consumers, small businesses, and governments will use generative AI and Google Cloud to transform the way they work and access information.”
Security and Universal Standards:
Vodafone plans to enhance its cybersecurity solutions using Google Cloud’s Security Operations platform, which will provide its business customers with advanced software-based protection tools.
Additionally, the companies plan to work together to promote universal industry standards in areas such as online safety, responsible AI development, and network performance to drive innovation and improve public services.
