It is the key to unlocking the opportunities of the digital world. 

But

people are still unconnected, and many others need help to access the benefits of digital.

Globally, 4.6 billion people access the internet daily, around 57% of the world’s population.

Since Vodafone was founded in 1984, we’ve been working to close the digital divide and get everyone connected. 

The UK’s first mobile phone call was made on the Vodafone network in 

Today, we connect hundreds of millions of people in 15 countries across Europe and Africa.

Today, we connect hundreds of millions of people in 15 countries across Europe and Africa.

In Europe, we have increased 5G network coverage to reach 75% of the population and 4G coverage in Africa to an additional 2%.

In Europe, we have increased 5G network coverage to reach 75% of the population and 4G coverage in Africa to an additional 2%.

We continue to progress on our UN Partner2Connect goal to bring 4G to an additional

Since March 2022, we have added 4G technology to 3930 sites across sub-Saharan Africa, providing millions more people with 4G coverage.

Since March 2022, we have added 4G technology to 3930 sites across sub-Saharan Africa, providing millions more people with 4G coverage.

70m

people in  sub-Saharan countries.

Our networks on the land, in the sea and even in space are supporting our goal to provide coverage for all.

cable systems reach over 100 countries, enabling connectivity, carrying vast amounts of intercontinental data and powering the global economy.

Our

we can deliver high-speed broadband to both unserved and underserved communities.

By deploying Low Earth Orbit

Source: ITU

Source: ITU

Globally, 38% of the world’s population – more than 3 billion people – are not using mobile internet, despite living in areas with mobile broadband coverage.

Globally, 38% of the world’s population – more than 3 billion people – are not using mobile internet, despite living in areas with mobile broadband coverage.

The digital usage gap remains almost eight times the size of the coverage gap.

We cannot solve this issue by ourselves, so work closely with the UN and industry partners to create solutions.

Our goal is to increase smartphone access in our African markets through three key actions, low-cost sourcing, device financing and local assembly.

This year, we introduced a new cloud-based phone in South Africa which comes with popular applications all accessed via cloud, and retails at $13.93.

By assembling smartphones within countries in Africa, we can reduce the device cost for customers.  Vodafone has invested in a device assembly plant (EADAK) in Kenya.

By assembling smartphones within countries in Africa, we can reduce the device cost for customers.  Vodafone has invested in a device assembly plant (EADAK) in Kenya.

We have a range of device finance schemes enabling customers to purchase smartphones with a one-off deposit, completing their purchase through affordable daily, weekly or monthly payments.

We have a range of device finance schemes enabling customers to purchase smartphones with a one-off deposit, completing their purchase through affordable daily, weekly or monthly payments.

For many of our poorest customers, the cost of data is a barrier to accessing the internet.

Once a customer is empowered with a smartphone, we have two initiatives to make data affordable - ConnectU and Just4U - in our Vodacom markets.

ConnectU provides free to use access to basic internet and essential services and resources including education, health services, job boards and social networks.

Just4U uses census data to identify towns with low-to-middle income populations, offering customerised voice and data packages to lower costs