Celebrated annually since 1969, World Telecommunication Day raises awareness of the importance of information and communications technologies (ICT) – a goal that’s unsurprisingly dear to our hearts.
While World Telecommunication Day is a great annual reminder of the transformative power of ICT, Vodafone’s approach is that every day is an opportunity to celebrate the role of connectivity.
To mark the 55th anniversary of World Telecommunication Day, here are a few of Vodafone’s own recent initiatives – all of which are aimed at connecting the people of the UK, in ways big and small.
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Vodafone has made it its mission to bring reliable mobile service to as much of the country as possible, including remote and rural communities.
Six rural communities across both Ceredigion and Powys in Wales now have signal from Vodafone’s fast, reliable 4G network. The masts serving these communities are part of the wider Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme – a £1 billion initiative rolled out by government, Ofcom and mobile network operators.
Rural Welsh communities now receiving fast and reliable Vodafone 4G through government-funded element of the Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme
Rural communities in both Ceredigion and Powys, Wales, are now receiving Vodafone’s fast, reliable 4G coverage as part of the government’s commitment to the Shared Rural Network programme.
Mobile data usage soared at events such as the Cheltenham Race Festival, the King’s Coronation and Glastonbury 2023. That’s why Vodafone’s ‘Cells on Wheels’ – endearingly known as COWs – will once again be providing mobile coverage to such special events up and down the UK throughout 2024. From music festivals to agricultural shows, these temporary mobile phone masts will be at more than 120 sites.
The powerful potential of 5G
The latest version of 5G, 5G Standalone (5G SA), can do much more than just connect phones to the internet. Integrating 5G-powered technologies into rugby matchday businesses could add £139 million to the sport’s economy – each season – from 2029. All while improving the fan experience – both in and outside of the stadium.
As part of our proposed merger with Three UK, Vodafone has committed to providing 5G SA technology to 99% of the UK population by 2034. Scotland, for example, would gain £9 billion in productivity benefits as a result of 5G SA, thanks to improvements across healthcare, education, agriculture and business.
Moo-sic festivals 2023: how COWs made a summer of strong signal
Ensuring special events, from Glastonbury to the Henley Regatta, get mobile signal requires a fleet of special equipment, planning ahead by a year and eagle-eyed monitoring.
Mobile that means more
Of course, Vodafone is about more than just infrastructure and new technologies. It supports many different people with offers and initiatives tailored to their needs.
For example, buying your child their first phone can be a watershed moment for all concerned. If your child isn’t ready yet for their first smartphone, but you still want them to stay connected, we’ve highlighted basic feature phones that could be right for you and your family.
If your kids are getting ready to leave the nest for university or perhaps even their first job, then VOXI can help them afford their next smartphone with the option to spread the cost across 12, 24, 30 or 36 months.
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