Vodafone and Microsoft have joined forces to work for the next ten years on generative AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), payments and the cloud projects for consumers, administrations and companies in Europe and Africa. The operator will invest 1.5 billion dollars, about 1.37 billion euros, with the agreement, it reported in a statement. It will reach 300 million companies and consumers.
The idea is to transform the customer experience in Europe and Africa using Microsoft’s generative AI – such as OpenAI tools or digital assistants – and the telephone company’s IoT connectivity platform. Specifically, both will develop new digital and financial services for business growth, expand the Internet of Things network, enhance the cloud and accelerate digitalization in Africa.
The new deal’s digital services will use the latest generative AI technology to personalize the customer experience, it is stated. “This unique strategic partnership will accelerate the digital transformation of our business customers, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, and improve the quality of the customer experience for consumers,” said Margherita Della Valle, CEO of the Vodafone Group.
With the agreement, Microsoft will also use Vodafone’s fixed and mobile connectivity services. The company co-founded by Bill Gates intends to invest in the Internet of Things connectivity platform, which will become a separate and independent business in April 2024.
“The latest cloud technology and AI will be applied to improve the customer experience of hundreds of millions of people and businesses in Africa and Europe, create new products and services, and accelerate the company’s transition to the cloud,” he said. said Satya Nadella, president and CEO of Microsoft. With the agreement Vodafone will also distribute products from the digital giant such as Azure, for the cloud, or Teams, for communications.
