Vodafone and Google Forge 10-Year AI Partnership to Revolutionize Telecom Services

Vodafone, Google to Offer AI Subscription Plans Through Gemini Tie-in

As AI adoption increases, companies are exploring new distribution models and revenue opportunities. Vodafone has announced a new ten-year partnership with Google which will see the telecom giant offer artificial intelligence (AI) subscription plans powered by Gemini. Marking an important evolution of Vodafone's digital services, the partnership aims to leverage AI to enhance customer experiences, optimize operations and open new revenue streams. The Rise of AI Subscription Plans As demand for AI services has increased, major providers have introduced paid-for subscription plans to monetize the technology. For instance, Google's flagship premium AI plan, Google One, gives subscribers access to the most advanced Gemini model, increased storage capacity and a range of AI features that aren't available to free users. Vodafone-Google AI Partnership The latest agreement between Google and Vodafone will bring "storage, security, and AI assistance" to Vodafone's customers in 15 countries in Europe and Africa. The service will also be extended to Vodafone's partners in an additional 45 markets worldwide. As part of the partnership, Vodafone will offer a range of AI-powered smartphones and a new streaming platform that incorporates smart search and recommendations for personalized content. "Together, Vodafone and Google will put new AI-powered content and devices into the hands of millions of more consumers," said Vodafone Group CEO Margherita Della Valle. "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." Expanding AI Services: Mobile, TV and Beyond As AI subscriptions evolve, Vodafone's tie-in with Google demonstrates new possibilities beyond premium chatbot services. Integrating AI tools into mobile plans can provide customers with more personalized smartphone experiences, such as intelligent assistants, enhanced mobile security, and automated content generation. Meanwhile, Google's expansion into TV and streaming explores new possibilities for generative AI applications, home automation features and interactive entertainment that viewers can access from their living rooms. As it becomes more embedded in everyday life, companies are looking for more ways to package and distribute AI across mobile, home, and work environments. Besides Google, OpenAI has also forged partnerships with T-Mobile and Apple to extend its technology into new products and markets.

Vodafone Partners With Google to Promote AI Phones and Services

The 10-year expansion of an existing partnership will see Vodafone promote Google's cloud storage subscriptions, including Google One AI Premium, which gives access to the Gemini chatbot, Vodafone said in a statement on Tuesday. The UK-based operator will also show customers how to use the latest Pixel devices' AI features in stores. "It's partly because the nature of the device and the nature of the experience people have at the device is going to change as AI becomes much more prominent on the device," said Thomas Kurian, chief executive officer of Google Cloud. Google and Vodafone are working "to make it super easy for people to experience those things and to make a purchasing decision." Telecommunications providers have been looking to diversify their revenue streams by offering digital services on top of connectivity. In doing this, they seek to emulate some of the success of the big tech companies that have accumulated massive profits as many operators have faltered. Vodafone will also use Google's technology to improve the search, recommendations and ad targeting for its Vodafone TV box service and develop a new cloud cybersecurity product for business users, it said in the statement. © 2024 Bloomberg LP

Google and Vodafone Expand Partnership to Bring AI-Powered Services Across Europe and Africa

Vodafone to enhance employee training through Google's generative AI programs, improving operational efficiencies. Google and UK's Vodafone have announced a 10-year extension of their existing partnership, aimed at delivering AI-driven services, devices, and enhanced TV experiences to millions of customers across Europe and Africa. This collaboration will leverage Google Cloud and its Gemini AI models to support Vodafone's offerings in 15 countries, with benefits extending to 45 additional markets through Vodafone's partners. Additionally, Google will use Vodafone's fixed and mobile connectivity services to improve workforce productivity. Also Read: AI to Transform Global Economy with Growth and Innovation, Says UBS: Report "Vodafone and Google will work together to improve and expand the range of products and services available in stores and online, supported by a refreshed customer experience rooted in the benefits of AI," Google said in a joint statement on Tuesday. The expanded partnership will integrate Google's AI capabilities to enhance Vodafone's services, including cloud storage, cybersecurity, and AI-powered assistance for consumers and businesses. Vodafone customers can expect a broader range of products, including Google One subscription plans, YouTube Premium products, AI-powered offerings, Pixel, and other Android devices, the companies said. 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." Also Read: AI Can Be a Game-Changer for Europe's Economic Growth: Report Vodafone and Google will work towards enhancing Vodafone TV (powered by Android TV) with new content discovery features and ad experiences driven by Google Cloud's generative AI. Additionally, Vodafone plans to develop cloud-native cybersecurity solutions using Google's Security Operations platform, offering advanced protection for businesses and consumers alike. "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," said Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet. "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." Also Read: OpenAI Raises USD 6.6 Billion to Accelerate AI Research and Expansion With this expanded partnership, Vodafone will use Vertex AI, Google Cloud's enterprise-ready AI platform, to build, deploy, and scale machine learning models and AI applications powered by Google's Gemini models. This will help increase the speed and ease with which Vodafone's operating companies in multiple countries can innovate and launch new products, Vodafone said. Google will also create a generative AI training program for Vodafone employees to help them enhance their digital skills and operational efficiencies by using scaled AI applications internally and with partners. Also Read: Microsoft to Invest EUR 4.3 Billion for AI and Cloud in Italy Through this partnership, Vodafone aims to put AI-powered cloud, content, and connectivity into the hands of more people, the official release said. Vodafone will also help customers learn about AI features with improved online guides, dedicated in-store experiences, and newly trained staff.

Vodafone, Google Expand Partnership With Billion-Plus Dollar Deal

Vodafone Group and Google expanded an existing partnership to add artificial-intelligence features across a range of products and services in a 10-year, billion-plus dollar deal. The partnership between the U.S. tech giant and the U.K. telecommunications group aims to extend the use of devices powered by generative AI, through Google's Gemini models, to Vodafone's customers in Europe and Africa, the companies said. As part of the agreement, Vodafone will be able to offer Google One AI Premium subscription plans in select territories by next year and will add AI capabilities to its TV offering, the companies said. Vodafone will also use Google Cloud's Vertex AI enterprise platform and develop a new cloud security service, they added. The companies didn't detail the financial elements of the agreement. Write to Adria Calatayud at adria.calatayud@wsj.com

Vodafone Partners With Google to Promote AI Phones and Services

Vodafone Group Plc has partnered with Alphabet Inc.'s Google to bring cloud services, generative artificial intelligence tools and cybersecurity to its customers in Europe and Africa. The 10-year expansion of an existing partnership will see Vodafone promote Google's cloud storage subscriptions, including Google One AI Premium, which gives access to the Gemini chatbot, Vodafone said in a statement on Tuesday.

Vodafone, Google strengthen strategic collab with AI focus

(Alliance News) - Vodafone Group PLC on Tuesday said it will deepen its strategic partnership with Alphabet Inc's Google, with a focus on generative artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The Newbury, England-based telecommunications company said it will expand access to Google's AI-powered Pixel devices and will use Google Cloud's Vertex AI enterprise-ready AI platform to "quickly" bring new services and innovation to Vodafone's customers. Further, business customers will be offered a new cloud-native security service. Vodafone said the agreement with Google was a "billion+ dollar deal" without going further into detail. "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," Vodafone said. Alphabet Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai said: "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." Vodafone shares fell 0.3% to 74.28 pence each on Tuesday morning in London, while Alphabet Class A shares were up 0.1% in pre-market trading at USD163.18 each in New York. Comments and questions to newsroom@alliancenews.com Copyright 2024 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Vodafone, Google deepen AI ties across Europe, Africa

Oct 8 (Reuters) - Britain's Vodafone (VOD.L), opens new tab said on Tuesday it has deepened its strategic partnership with Google (GOOGL.O), opens new tab in a ten-year, billion dollar plus deal that would bring the U.S. tech giant's new generative AI-powered devices to customers across Europe and Africa. Reporting by Yadarisa Shabong in Bengaluru; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab

Vodafone, Google Expand Partnership With Billion+ Dollar Deal: Details - Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL), Vodafone Group (NASDAQ:VOD)

AI-powered Pixel devices and personalized Vodafone TV content coming to 15 European countries through Google partnership. Vodafone Group Plc VOD expanded collaboration with Alphabet Inc. GOOG with a 10-year deal to enhance services, devices, and TV experiences for customers in Europe and Africa, leveraging Google Cloud and Gemini models. The deal is expected to provide storage, security, and AI assistance to Vodafone customers in 15 countries and partners in 45 additional markets. Notably, Vodafone will expand access to Google's AI-powered Pixel devices on its 5G network in Europe, while continuing to promote the Android ecosystem. Also, Vodafone TV will become more personalized using Google Cloud's AI for content search and recommendations, with plans to integrate Google Ad Manager for future advertising. "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," said Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet. The companies will also expand their partnership with Google Cloud, using Vertex AI to deliver new services, and develop a cloud-native security service for Vodafone's business customers with Google Cloud's Security Operations platform. By 2025, Vodafone plans to offer Google One AI Premium subscriptions, including Gemini Advanced, in select markets. This month, Vodafone Group signed an agreement to create a logistics hub for mobile and fixed network equipment in Europe. Investors can gain exposure to VOD via Keating Active ETF KEAT and Pacer Developed Markets International Cash Cows 100 ETF ICOW. Price Action: VOD shares are trading flat at $9.69 at the last check Tuesday. Image via Shutterstock Read Next: Microsoft Vs. Amazon: Stock Charts Signal Trouble, But Wall Street Sees AI-Fueled Growth Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs