Connectivity is more than just technology – it’s the pulse of the modern world. Today, staying connected underpins almost all aspects of how we live, how businesses run and how governments serve.  It has become a foundation on which society depends.

At Vodafone, keeping everyone connected is more than a tag line; it’s our mission.

And that mission is enabled by one of the world’s most advanced, purpose-driven connectivity ecosystems – one that reaches from the ocean floor into outer space. Through it, we deliver secure, inclusive and sustainable digital access at a scale and reliability that has never been more vital. 

But what does this really mean in practice? 

The network keeping everyone connected

When we talk about “Everyone Connected” the story begins with the quiet power of our network engineering – the invisible threads that hold modern life together. Spanning land, sea and space, our infrastructure works tirelessly behind the scenes, reaching across 180 countries through more than a million kilometres of terrestrial fibre and over 70 submarine cable systems on the ocean floor.

Across towns, cities and remote landscapes, thousands of masts, antennas and base stations transmit signals that keep people and businesses connected. These mobile and fixed networks are continuously evolving – expanding coverage, boosting capacity and optimising spectrum to meet rising demand for fast, reliable connectivity.

Beneath the surface, our subsea cable infrastructure enables high‑quality connections for people in over 100 countries – more than 700 million individuals.

And our ambition doesn’t stop at the shoreline. We’re extending connectivity into space with next generation satellite technology. In January 2025, we unveiled Europe’s first space-to-land gateway in Newbury, UK – a breakthrough that links satellites directly into our network and marks a major step toward launching commercial services later this year.

These aren’t just engineering milestones. They enable the everyday moments that help people stay close, feel supported and remain part of something bigger.

People first: closing digital divides

We believe everyone deserves the power to connect – wherever they live and whoever they are. Today, connection isn’t a privilege; it’s a lifeline.

Closing digital divides starts with strong infrastructure, but true inclusion also means giving people the access, tools and support to use that connection confidently. That’s why we help people unlock the opportunities the digital world can offer and support communities too often overlooked.

In Africa, connectivity has fuelled a fintech revolution – giving millions of people access to payments, savings, credit and other essential financial services for the very first time. We are a leading provider of these services, empowering customers through innovative mobile fintech platforms such as M‑PESA and Vodacash. With more than 92 million financial services customers, Vodacom’s leadership in fintech is helping people to save, pay, insure and grow, safely and simply.

For many people, a smartphone has become a gateway to education, work, banking and healthcare – almost every part of modern life. That’s why we’re focused on making access more affordable.

From low cost handsets and Easy2Own payment plans in South Africa to VOXI’s flexible, short contract options in the UK, we’re creating routes that keep people connected without financial strain. Because cost should never be the reason someone is left offline. 

Digital confidence matters

Of course, a connection alone isn’t enough. People and businesses need the skills, confidence and support to turn connection into opportunity. That’s where our digital programmes and partnerships come in.

Through V-Hub, entrepreneurs across Europe and Africa get the digital guidance they need to grow. And within our supply chain, we help smaller suppliers stay resilient with access to financing.

Through Vodafone Foundation, we partner with schools, NGOs and governments across Europe and Africa to help people of all ages build essential digital skills. Programmes such as Hi Digital, Skills Upload Jr and Instant Network Schools give learners the tools they need to participate safely and confidently in an increasingly digital world.

And in the toughest moments – after disasters, in the face of violence or when maternal health is at risk – we use technology to deliver support where it’s needed most. Because in the end, connection is about dignity, opportunity and hope, and ensuring no one is left behind.

Technology for the planet

The same technologies that empower people can also help protect the planet. That belief underpins our environmental action: using connectivity, data and innovation to reduce harm, restore nature and support more sustainable ways of living and working.

We’re deepening our understanding of how our operations effect nature and biodiversity. In South Africa, for example, we’re using cutting edge artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) technology and infrared cameras to help minimise whale entanglements in mussel farming ropes. It demonstrates that digital innovation can support ecosystems as well as communities.

Technology is also helping our customers reduce their environmental footprint. More than half of our IoT connections now enable emissions reduction – powering everything from smarter energy management to more efficient transport. And through partnerships like Vodafone Business IoT and Controlant, we’re helping make pharmaceutical supply chains more sustainable.

At the same time, we’re taking action to reduce our own footprint – rethinking how networks, devices and digital services can leave a lighter impact. Our goal is to promote circularity, which mean reusing, reselling or recycling 100% of our network equipment e-waste, and encouraging consumers to do the same with their devices. Currently we’re working with WWF to collect 1 million unwanted or unused phones and are rapidly closing in on that target.

A mission with no limits

The journey to connect everyone, from the seabed to the stars, is ongoing. It’s ambitious, but it’s also necessary.  As digital dependence grows, so does the importance of inclusive access, environmental responsibility, and earning trust.

Because connecting everyone isn’t just our purpose, it’s the mission which drives innovation and pushes our network further.

Our role is clear: to be the connectivity partner that leaves no one behind.

Learn more about how we’re keeping everyone connected at Mobile World Congress 2026. Find us at Hall 3 Stand 3E11, 2-5 March 2026.

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