DRIVING INNOVATION
Vodafone is built on more than 40 years of technological breakthroughs. Since making the first mobile phone call in 1985, we have pioneered fixed and mobile technology, from the world’s largest Internet of Things (IoT) platform - connecting everything from earthquake warning sensors to traffic safety systems - to the first ever space-based video call.
1985
Vodafone makes the first mobile phone call over a cellular network.
1991
Vodafone and Telecom Finland make the first international roaming call.
1992
Vodafone and Telecom Finland sign the world’s first international GSM roaming agreement.
1992
The world’s first text message is sent on the Vodafone network. It said, "Merry Christmas".
2001
The first 3G voice call is made over Vodafone’s network.
2002
Vodafone launches the first European GPRS roaming service.
2007
Vodafone’s Kenyan associate Safaricom launches M-PESA, Africa’s leading mobile money service.
2010
Vodafone launches dedicated IoT division.
2013
Vodafone launches its first 4G services in the UK.
2018
Vodafone makes the world’s first holographic call over a 5G network.
2019
Vodafone becomes the world's first operator to connect 5G smartphones to a live 5G network.
2020
Vodafone partners with AST SpaceMobile to explore space-based mobile communications.
2021
Vodafone announces plan to deliver the first commercial deployment of Open Radio Access Networks (RAN) in Europe.
2022
Vodafone joins forces with IBM to explore quantum computing technology and quantum-safe cryptography.
2023
Vodafone announces collaboration with Project Kuiper, Amazon’s low Earth orbit satellite (LEO) communications initiative.
2023
Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile complete the world's first space-based 5G call using a conventional smartphone.
2024
Vodafone IoT becomes a standalone company.
2025
Vodafone makes world’s first space video call from an area of no coverage using a standard mobile phone and commercial satellites built to offer a full mobile broadband experience.