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Vodafone Group Plc Annual Report 2026
Vodafone Group Plc Annual Report 2026
Strategic report
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Empowering People
Network coverage Strategy Our network coverage strategy is centred on making a tangible impact by continually expanding coverage, deploying fibre infrastructure, and adopting next generation technologies to foster inclusive growth and bridge the digital divide. This approach is guided by three core principles: scale, standardisation and innovation. We use our reach to deliver cost-efficient rollouts, prioritising investments that maximise coverage and capacity to directly benefit customers. We apply a ‘design once, deploy many’ approach for network standards and common platforms that reduce complexity, accelerate delivery and optimise operational costs. This enables faster adoption of new technologies and simplifies integration across markets. We are partnering with AST SpaceMobile to enable D2D satellite connectivity for secure and resilient digital communications in any location at any time. We are also a pioneer of Open Radio Access Network (‘RAN’) technology, creating flexible vendor neutral networks that enhance resilience and reduce dependency on single suppliers. In addition, our automation and AI-driven optimisation tools are improving network coverage performance. Our focus in Europe is to expand coverage of high-performance network technologies, such as 5G and fibre, while increasing existing capacity to support future data growth. We are also increasing high-speed connectivity throughout Africa to support inclusive growth. We are leveraging cost-efficient infrastructure sharing and innovative deployment models to deliver reliable coverage in both urban centres and deep rural areas.
Vodacom has signed multi-market infrastructure sharing agreements in Mozambique, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (‘DRC’), focusing on sharing fibre networks and tower infrastructure to accelerate 4G rollouts, reduce capital expenditure, and improve speed to market. As part of the International Telecommunications Union (‘ITU’) Partner2Connect digital coalition, we pledged to increase 4G coverage to an additional 70 million people in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in our developing markets such as Mozambique, Tanzania, and the DRC. 4G coverage in the region now reaches 78% of the population following deployment of 2,000 new sites this year. Elsewhere, we have extended our 5G footprint with launches in Egypt during June 2025 and Türkiye on 01 April 2026, following successful spectrum auctions. Network deployment Sites deployed (000s) Population coverage (%) 4G (outdoor 1Mbps) Africa 37,820 78 Türkiye 28,544 97 5G (outdoor 3Mbps) Europe 47,547 78 Looking forward We will continue growing 5G networks in Europe and evolving towards the latest 5G Standalone/ Advanced capabilities in line with our ‘5G Built Right’ strategy. We will also continue enhancing customer experience by delivering reliable, multi-gigabit ready fixed broadband networks, leveraging the latest fibre technologies. We will extend our 4G presence in Africa in deep rural areas by maximising infrastructure sharing and continued modernisation of the network while advancing 5G rollouts and phasing out legacy technologies.
4G broadband expansion remains a priority in Africa as we seek to increase rural population coverage through innovative and cost-effective means while preparing for future 5G expansion. This year In Europe, we have expanded 5G coverage and densified our networks while increasing 5G Standalone capabilities. Our VodafoneThree merger marks a significant step in accelerating 5G rollout with many of our UK customers able to access the best coverage available by roaming on each other’s network, now enabled across over 10,000 radio sites, removing over 16,500 sq/km UK ‘not-spots’. In Germany, we are helping to remove ‘white spots’, areas with no mobile network coverage, through passive sharing with other operators. In markets such as Romania, RAN sharing including Open RAN pilots are extending 4G/5G into hard-to-reach areas. These multi-market initiatives demonstrate how policy and partnership are driving universal access. Our 5G footprint in Europe increased by 11,000 sites in FY26, including the additional sites from the VodafoneThree merger, expanding population coverage to 78%. We have also extended fixed broadband to deliver high-speed, reliable connectivity for homes and businesses. Through strategic investments in the latest technologies such as our OXG joint venture in Germany and wholesale partnerships, our Gigabit-capable broadband now reaches 66 million European homes, an increase of 6 million in FY26. Today, we offer the largest Gigabit fixed broadband networks in both our German and UK markets. In Africa, we are partnering and investing in mobile broadband to connect rural communities and support economic development. To overcome high deployment costs in remote regions,
Around six billion people, or 74% of the global population, use mobile broadband daily. However, 2.2 billion remain offline, including 1.8 billion in rural areas 1 . We aim to build a digital society for all by expanding reliable high-speed networks in Europe and Africa. Our ambition is to build a digital society where everyone is connected. To achieve this, we are accelerating efforts to provide reliable, high-speed networks throughout Europe and Africa.
78% 4G population coverage (outdoor 1Mbps) in Africa 78% 5G population coverage (outdoor 3Mbps) in Europe
Note: 1. ITU, 2025.
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