98 Vodafone Group Plc Annual Report 2026
Strategic report
Governance
Financials
Other information
Technology Committee
The role of the Technology Committee is to support the Board by providing expert oversight and monitoring of the Group’s technology strategy, as well as assessing technology risks, understanding resource and talent requirements, and exploring new innovations that may enable future growth. Chair Simon Segars Members Deborah Kerr
At this and subsequent meetings, the Committee monitored the progress of our IT transformation programme in Germany and the VodafoneThree integration plan via regular status reports and received updates on Vodafone’s use of AI as a standing agenda item. January 2026 The Committee assessed Vodafone’s ability to scale Digital & IT capabilities to support flagship mobile device launch events, with particular focus on Germany, UK and Ireland. We examined the architectural design and engineering techniques that help ensure a successful launch, combining with IT modernisation and VOIS collaboration. We evaluated how quantum computing has the potential to disrupt our sector and considered Vodafone’s preparations for post-quantum readiness. The emergence of quantum technology offers strategic advantages but also poses significant risks, making it a continuing priority for the Committee. Finally, we explored Vodafone’s evolving sovereign cloud strategy that looks to combine trusted hyperscaler partnerships with our network expertise to deliver flexible sovereignty levels, balancing regulatory demands with innovation, Next year we will continue to look at existing and new technologies that drive innovation, support our company’s strategy, and drive growth. Our focus remains of leveraging technology to enhance customer experience and build trust. Strategy discussions will consider how we manage both opportunities and risks. resilience, and cost efficiency. Key focus for the next year
– Assess whether the technology strategy is consistent and enabling the overall Group strategy; – Review technology strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats with executive management to oversee actions being taken in each area. This will include a focus on disruptors and risks that could adversely impact the strategy; – Review significant transformation and technology programmes; and – Review technology supply chain, partnerships and external relationships that underpin the strategy. Letter from Committee Chair During the year, the Committee met four times to review a variety of topics within its remit, consistently aligning with Vodafone’s strategic pillars: Customers, Simplicity, and Growth. A key objective of the Committee is to provide independent oversight and constructive challenge regarding technology strategy and direction. Throughout the year, the Committee discussed issues such as Vodafone’s evolving approach to satellite telecommunications, enabling members to facilitate in-depth technical discussions with the Board. I have provided the Board with an overview of this year’s Committee activities and look forward to continuing to chair the Committee. Simon Segars On behalf of the Technology Committee 19 May 2026 Focus during the year The Technology Committee met with senior leaders of the technology team including the Chief Technology Officer and Chief Network Officer on four occasions during the year ended 31 March 2026. The topics covered are summarised below.
May 2025 The Committee reviewed Vodafone’s technology strategy for satellite telecommunications discussing opportunities to use low earth orbit satellites for direct-to-mobile and fixed broadband connectivity to extend coverage and complement terrestrial networks in Europe and Africa. Mobile and fixed access network deployment plans, coverage expansion, and investment priorities for FY26 were also reviewed in line with our ambition for network performance excellence and competitive positioning. July 2025 Following approval from the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) for Vodafone UK’s merger with Three UK and launching the VodafoneThree Joint Venture in June 2025, we reviewed our five-year investment strategies, execution plans, and necessary governance required to integrate the network and IT estates of both entities. Our discussions covered all controls in place to comply with CMA obligations such as improving network quality and expansion of 5G population coverage for our customers. We also appraised the creation of an independent oversight governance framework to monitor sensitive activities that could affect UK national security. November 2025 We conducted a review of the radio spectrum used in our terrestrial mobile networks, examining frequency bands, their benefits, our current assets, future spectrum needs and opportunities for supporting customer demand in Europe and Africa. We also explored how Vodafone Intelligent Solutions (VOIS) can better deliver scalable, cost-effective, and innovative shared services, ensuring its technology strategy aligns with Vodafone’s objectives for digital transformation, efficiency, growth, and customer experience.
Delphine Ernotte Cunci Stephen A. Carter CBE
T he attendance at Committee meetings can be found on page 80
Find out more Click or scan for more information on: – The Chair of the Technology Committee explains his role vodafone.com/videos
Key responsibilities The responsibilities of the Committee are to: – Oversee, monitor and challenge the Group’s technology strategy; – Review long-term technology plans and budgets, including capital investment, resourcing, skills and prioritisation; – Understand future technology developments, industry trends and technology innovation that may impact the Group strategy; – Review technology risks, disruptors and mitigations; – Participate in deep dives into particular topics, innovations or plans;
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