Google Cloud and Liberty Global forge five-year AI partnership across European operations

Google Cloud, Liberty Global strike five-year AI partnership

LONDON, Feb 3 (Reuters) - Google Cloud, one of Alphabet's (GOOGL.O), opens new tab fastest-growing businesses, and Liberty Global (LBTYA.O), opens new tab have agreed a five-year strategic partnership to deploy Google's Gemini AI models and other cloud tools across the cable group's European operations. Liberty Global, which has about 80 million fixed and mobile connections across Europe, said the deal - reported by Reuters for the first time on Tuesday - would support new consumer services, including AI-powered search and discovery on its Horizon TV platform, as well as customer-service automation. "Our expanded partnership with Google Cloud represents a significant milestone for Liberty Global," Mike Fries, CEO of Liberty Global, said in a statement. The companies will also offer more Google products such as Pixel phones and watches as well as smart-home devices through Liberty's operating units, which include Britain's Virgin Media O2, Belgium's Telenet, the Netherlands' VodafoneZiggo and Switzerland's Sunrise. The agreement expands existing collaborations between the two firms. Liberty Global said the new programme aimed to improve network reliability and security, pursue autonomous network operations, and potentially allow Google Cloud to use spare capacity in Liberty's data centres, including via its AtlasEdge joint venture. The companies said the partnership would also target small-business customers with cloud, cybersecurity and AI services, and look at ways to monetise Liberty's telecoms data while maintaining privacy requirements. "Our goal is simple: to use technology to cut through complexity and bring value to our customers and partners," Tara Brady, Google Cloud president for the EMEA region, said. AI partnerships have increased across the telecoms sector as operators seek to reduce network costs and develop new revenue streams while continuing to invest heavily in fibre and 5G. Reporting by Sam Tabahriti; Editing by Jan Harvey Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab * Suggested Topics: * Artificial Intelligence Sam Tabahriti Thomson Reuters Sam Tabahriti is a UK breaking news correspondent covering general and political news for Reuters. He has over five years of experience covering general news and three years covering business and legal news. He is also a keen cyclist and photography enthusiast.

Google Cloud, Liberty Global strike five-year AI partnership

Liberty Global, which has about 80 million fixed and mobile connections across Europe, said the deal - reported by Reuters for the first time on Tuesday - would support new consumer services, including AI-powered search and discovery on its Horizon TV platform, as well as customer-service automation. Google Cloud, one of Alphabet's fastest-growing businesses, and Liberty Global have agreed a five-year strategic partnership to deploy Google's Gemini ⁠AI models and other cloud tools across the cable group's European operations. Budget 2026 Critics' choice rather than crowd-pleaser, Aiyar saysSitharaman's Paisa Vasool Budget banks on what money can do for you bestBudget's clear signal to global investors: India means business Liberty Global, which has about 80 million fixed and mobile connections across Europe, said the deal - reported by Reuters for the first time on Tuesday - would support new consumer services, including AI-powered search and discovery on its Horizon TV platform, as well as customer-service automation. "Our expanded partnership with Google Cloud represents a significant milestone for Liberty Global," Mike Fries, CEO of Liberty Global, said in a statement. The companies will also offer more Google products such as Pixel phones and watches as well as smart-home devices through Liberty's operating units, which include Britain's Virgin Media O2, Belgium's Telenet, the Netherlands' VodafoneZiggo and Switzerland's Sunrise. The agreement expands existing collaborations between the two firms. Liberty Global said the new programme aimed to improve network reliability and security, pursue autonomous network operations, and potentially allow Google Cloud to use spare capacity in Liberty's data centres, including via its AtlasEdge joint venture. The companies said the partnership would also target small-business customers with cloud, cybersecurity and AI services, and look at ⁠ways to monetise ⁠Liberty's telecoms data while maintaining privacy requirements. "Our goal is simple: to use technology to cut through complexity and bring value to our customers and partners," Tara Brady, Google Cloud president for the EMEA region, said. AI partnerships have increased across the telecoms sector as operators seek to reduce network costs and develop new revenue streams while continuing to invest heavily in fibre and 5G.