Vodafone and Google ink £1bn+ AI and Cloud Deal

Google and Vodafone, the British multinational telecommunications company,  have announced a significant expansion of their strategic partnership, encompassing cloud computing, cybersecurity and device distribution across Europe and Africa.

The 10-year deal, valued at over £1 billion, will see Vodafone expand access to Google's AI-powered Pixel devices through its 5G network in Europe in a move that aims to bring advanced AI capabilities to a broader consumer base.

The agreement will bring storage, security, and AI assistance to Vodafone's customers in 15 countries, as well as its partners in an additional 45 markets worldwide, while Google will use Vodafone's fixed and mobile connectivity services to improve workforce productivity.

Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group chief executive, says: “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.”

Cloud and cybersecurity enhancements

Vodafone will expand its use of Google Cloud, building on its existing private data repository. The telecommunications company plans to utilise Google Cloud's Vertex AI, an enterprise-ready AI platform, to accelerate the development and deployment of new services for its customers.

In a move to bolster its cybersecurity offerings, Vodafone will develop a new cloud-native security service for its business customers. This service will leverage Google Cloud's Security Operations platform, providing enhanced protection against cyber threats.

Enhancing the consumer AI experience

The partnership aims to make AI more accessible to consumers through a wider range of AI-powered Google Pixel devices and other Android phones, coupled with Vodafone's 5G network. Vodafone plans to offer improved online guides, dedicated in-store experiences, and freshly trained staff to help customers understand and utilise AI features.

The companies are also working towards enabling Vodafone to offer Google One AI Premium subscription plans, which include access to Gemini Advanced, Google's most capable AI model, in select territories by 2025.

Industry standards and innovation

Both companies say they intend to jointly promote the use of universal industry standards in areas such as online safety, responsible AI development, network performance, and interoperability. This collaboration aims to drive economies of scale in industrial efficiency, boost innovation, and improve public services.

Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, comments: “Our expanded partnership with Vodafone will help bring our most advanced AI products and services, including our Gemini models, 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.”

The companies are also working towards enabling Vodafone to offer Google One AI Premium subscription plans, which include access to Gemini Advanced, Google's most capable AI model, in select territories by 2025.

Industry standards and innovation

Both companies say they intend to jointly promote the use of universal industry standards in areas such as online safety, responsible AI development, network performance, and interoperability. This collaboration aims to drive economies of scale in industrial efficiency, boost innovation, and improve public services.

Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, comments: “Our expanded partnership with Vodafone will help bring our most advanced AI products and services, including our Gemini models, 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.”

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