Vodafone and Google have announced a decade-long strategic expansion of their partnership, aimed at delivering new services, devices, and enhanced TV experiences to millions of Vodafone customers across Europe and Africa.
Supported by Google Cloud and its Gemini AI models, the collaboration will enhance storage, security, and AI-powered assistance for Vodafone users in 15 countries, and extend benefits to partners in an additional 45 markets worldwide. Additionally, Google will leverage Vodafone’s fixed and mobile connectivity to boost workforce productivity.
Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group Chief Executive, said, “Together, Vodafone and Google will put new AI-powered content and devices into the hands of millions of 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.”
Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, is enthused by the expanded partnership with Vodafone, and highlighted that it will enable broader access to Google’s advanced AI products and services, including the Gemini models, across Europe and Africa. He noted the potential for Vodafone’s consumers, small businesses, and governments to leverage generative AI (GenAI) and Google Cloud to transform their work processes and information access.
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Symbiotic Digital Technology Development
A key aspect of the expanded Vodafone-Google partnership is to help consumers leverage the latest hardware and digital technologies, including AI and cloud-based applications. The two companies plan to collaborate on enhancing and expanding the range of products and services available both in-store and online, with a customer experience enriched by AI. Vodafone will also work with Google to offer YouTube subscription-based services and Google One plans, such as storage and AI Premium plans, alongside a variety of Pixel and Android devices.
In addition, Vodafone TV, powered by Android TV, will see improvements with Google Cloud’s advanced generative AI capabilities, offering enhanced content discovery, rewards, offers, and improved ad experiences through Google Ad Manager. The partnership also aims to integrate a deeper YouTube experience across Vodafone TV devices.
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Past Success
Vodafone and Google Cloud have a strong history of collaboration, having previously developed a secure data repository and AI services on Google Cloud. With their expanded partnership, Vodafone will now use Google Cloud’s Vertex AI platform to accelerate the development and deployment of AI models, including those powered by Google’s Gemini models, enabling faster innovation across its operating companies.
Vodafone also plans to enhance cybersecurity for its business customers through a cloud-native solution built on Google Cloud’s Security Operations platform, offering advanced protection tools and secure-by-design services. Additionally, the companies will promote universal industry standards for online safety, responsible AI, and network performance to boost innovation and improve public services. The partnership aims to expand AI-powered cloud, content, and connectivity to more users.