• Vodafone gives mobile masts autonomous antenna adjustment using artificial intelligence
• AI now rotates mobile antennas without waiting for engineering teams
• Robotic mast completes network optimisation in under thirty minutes

Vodafone has begun trialing a mobile mast fitted with an AI system and a robotic arm capable of adjusting radio antennas automatically.

The technology combines AI analysis with automated hardware movement to reduce manual intervention across 4G and 5G networks.

An algorithm developed internally by Vodafone first evaluates network demand and local conditions before directing the robotic arm's movements.

Robotic arm handles physical adjustments

The robotic component itself comes from Humax Networks, a South Korean equipment supplier working alongside Vodafone on this trial.

Once the AI algorithm identifies where coverage or capacity needs shift, it instructs the arm to rotate or tilt the antenna accordingly.

This process reportedly takes between 20 and 30 minutes to complete while optimising for energy efficiency across the network.

Manual antenna reconfigurations, by comparison, often take days or weeks once planning approvals, site access, and road closures are factored in.

Physical engineering works are typically required as well, adding further delay to any conventional antenna adjustment process.

The system adapts coverage based on environmental patterns, pushing more signal outdoors during clear weather and boosting indoor coverage when conditions turn poor.

Self-organising algorithms also respond to shifts in local traffic congestion, allowing antennas across several sites to reposition ahead of anticipated demand peaks.

Vodafone is currently testing this setup at a site overlooking a shopping centre in Tirana, Albania.

There, coverage automatically shifts between retail and residential zones as usage patterns change throughout the day, tracking real consumer movement.

Francisco Pignatelli, director of mobile access engineering at Vodafone, described the trial as an early example of physical AI within telecoms infrastructure.

“By analysing network demand and making autonomous decisions, the AI algorithm can adjust radio antennas to optimise coverage and capacity without human intervention,” Pignatelli said.

Internal antenna components signal the next shift

Despite the current trial's reliance on physically moving robotic hardware, Vodafone already anticipates a different approach becoming standard soon.

The company expects autonomous antenna technologies capable of adjusting internal components, rather than repositioning entire units, to reach the market within the coming months.

This shift toward internal adjustment is expected to reduce energy consumption further compared with moving an entire antenna assembly outdoors.

Vodafone stated that combining antenna digitalisation with AI-powered automation is a major step toward fully self-adapting wireless networks.

Whether internal antenna adjustment can match the physical precision achieved through robotic arm movement remains an open technical question for now.

Vodafone has not yet detailed how internal components alone will replicate the directional control that robotic rotation currently provides across varying environmental and traffic conditions.

Via Mobile World Live

• Two-thirds of Brits say slow and unreliable broadband is their pet peeve
• 3.7m UK homes still don't have full fiber (60% of which are in cities)
• Vodafone's 5G/full fiber can now reach 26 million homes

Vodafone says it's researched what bothers UK consumers the most, with 67% of citizens stating that slow and unreliable broadband is now their biggest pet peeve.

The issue is so significant, Vodafone found, that more than 20 million people say they would consider moving home to secure a better broadband connection, with many regions yet to receive full fiber rollout.

With hybrid working now commonplace and other factors like connected devices all driving traffic higher, 87% of Brits now consider fast broadband essential for daily life.

Vodafone believes 5G Broadband could plug current fiber gaps

In response to growing concerns over slow and unreliable broadband, the company, which recently merged with Three, has launched its own mobile broadband package to provide customers with cellular connections throughout their homes as an alternative to cable connections.

According to the firm, more than 26 million UK homes can now access full fiber or 5G broadband on its network, which it says is more than any other UK provider.

Cellular connections play an important part in the rollout of full fiber – those 5G networks already exist for smartphone connectivity, however around 3.7 million UK homes are still limited to old copper cables or part-fiber. Interestingly, it's not necessarily a rural issue, with three in five of those remaining homes actually located in cities.

Mobile networks already play a role, with half (49%) of Brits using a smartphone hotspot when broadband is an issue. Having this type of connection available via a router or a mesh Wi-Fi network would enable all devices to connect – not just those within reach of a smartphone (when the smartphone is home).

"This launch means we’re giving customers real choice: full‑fibre broadband where it’s available, and powerful 5G Broadband where it’s not – plus, better options for anyone just wanting speed with ease and flexibility," VodafoneThree said.

Vodafone's website is now showing 5G Broadband deals supporting up to 150Mbps, priced from £19 to £29 per month for 30-day and 24-month contracts.

• 52% of customers had success negotiating with Vodafone, just 37% with BT
• Incentives come in the form of discounts, credits and free upgrades
• Sometimes it’s better to switch than persistently chase discounts

New research has claimed some of Britain’s biggest broadband providers might be more open to negotiation than others when customers try to reduce their monthly bills.

The survey from comparison site Go.Compare found Vodafone emerged as the easiest broadband provider to haggle with – more than half (52%) of customers said they were able to successfully negotiate a better price.

This is a notable finding, because Vodafone was also one of the most complained about broadband providers per the latest Ofcom data, Go.Compare said.

Vodafone and EE are most likely to offer you a discount

Vodafone received 11 complaints per 100,000 compared with the UK average of 7/100,000, with faults, service and provisioning (42%) accounting for most complaints, ahead of complaints handling (24%) and billing, pricing and chargers (17%).

EE (49%), Sky (46%), Virgin Media (45%) and BT (37%) rounded up the top five, though Go.Compare’s data fails to recognize which providers are the least likely to offer discounts.

“Price is certainly a very important factor when it comes to choosing your broadband, and it’s always good to remember that providers may bring down the price – all you have to do is ask,” company spokesperson Catherine Hiley wrote.

This new data will be welcomed by British consumers after years of price hikes – inflation-linked rises, mid-contract CPI and percentage increases, and expensive out-of-contract pricing have all led to higher monthly bills.

Incentives don’t always mean loyalty discounts, though. Many companies choose to add bill credits or waive one-time fees like router delivery or setup. Others keep pricing unchanged, but offer upgrades like speed boosts or add-ons like signal boosters, all leading to more value for the customer.

Identifying broadband providers that are receptive to loyalty discounts

Vodafone’s high success rate is likely a result of strong competition pressures and a desire to reduce customer churn. The company is generally considered one of the less obvious options, known instead of its cellular networks, therefore it’s more likely to match competitor pricing or offer temporary discounts to fight for fiber market share.

BT customers, on the other hand, tend to skew older and may negotiate less frequently than challenger brand customers. Its stronger brand positioning and premium status also likely command higher monthly charges.

“It's always a good idea to compare your options on a comparison site, as you could find a better price than what you’re quoted at renewal,” Hiley added, noting that checking Ofcom complaints data could help arm consumers with more ammunition in the fight for cheaper monthly bills.

While negotiating is a perfect solution for many, Hiley urges customers to “make sure that the quality of the service is worth the effort.” In some cases of repeated outages, persistent slow speeds, poor complaint handling and large annual price increases, it may be better to switch altogether.

For that, Hiley says that recording evidence, such as complaint logs and issue details, is key. “You’ll need to present this information to them when you get in touch, so the more detail you can include the better.”

With providers battling it out to acquire customers in a crowded fiber market, they’re now having to do more than ever as consumers become more willing to negotiate.

For customers weighing up whether to haggle on price or cut the cords and switch, the challenge is increasingly about balancing affordability with reliability and quality of service.

• Vodafone 5G Broadband plans offer download speeds of 50-150Mbps, depending on region
• 24-month contracts will cost £21-£30 per month – or more than the equivalent Three deals
• Future satellite developments could further bolster Vodafone’s 5G networks

Vodafone has unveiled a new 5G Broadband package designed specifically for British homes which can't yet access full fibre connections, positioning it as a fibre rival that’s powered by cellular networks rather than physical cables.

With the launch of 5G Broadband across the network, the company’s potential customer base expands with Vodafone anticipating being able to reach a further 3.7 million UK homes and premises.

The company is currently offering speeds of up to 150Mbps in certain regions, with others receiving a maximum download speed of 50Mbps, which is either on par with or faster than part-fiber FTTC connections.

Vodafone 5G broadband

While full fibre rollout continues to be a priority for Britain’s infrastructure, installations have been slow, and underserved regions often face lengthy wait times and millions of homes still rely on aging copper cables.

5G fixed wireless access (FWA) is increasingly being seen by operators such as Vodafone as a cheaper and faster last mile alternative to digging trenches and installing fibre directly into properties, especially in rural areas or for renters and students who are among the hardest to serve with full fiber.

Among the benefits being cited by Vodafone are no need for an engineer, nor is a landline compulsory, helping to slash bills. Next-day kit delivery, self-installation and a plug-and-play setup makes it easy for customers to get rolling quickly.

Vodafone’s plans also support unlimited data, making them more akin to traditional broadband alternatives than smartphone and SIM-only contracts.

Pricing varies depending on whether an address is served by a 50Mbps connection or a 150Mbps one – the plans cost £21/£22 per month on a 24-month plan, or £30/£32 per month on a 30-day rolling contract. Existing Vodafone customers can also access a £2 monthly discount, the company noted.

The launch is a strategically important one for VodafoneThree following its recent merger, with the companies admitting that the combination of both networks is helping to “supercharge” coverage and reach millions more homes.

However, it does create an awkward market whereby both Vodafone and Three now offer what is essentially the same 5G FWA service for different prices. Three’s Home Broadband plans offer very similar unlimited data 5G broadband products from around £18 per month.

As for where 5G FWA fits in the longer-term strategy, Vodafone’s terminology positioning 5G Broadband packages as “full fibre-like” might put them alongside cable-base broadband, rather than as a replacement. Full fibre remains better for ultra-heavy users and offers the most stable, low-latency connections for gaming.

That said, and while outages are increasingly uncommon, mesh networks like Amazon’s eero offer support for multiple connection types to plug any disruptions. Fitting out a home network with one cable-based service and another cellular-based option could ensure minimal downtime.

There’s also the reality that most households rarely fully utilize ultra-fast, gigabit-class speeds, with telecom operators increasingly believing that consumers are now prioritizing convenience, flexibility and price.

As VodafoneThree’s merger continues to take shape, those 5G networks could also tap into the Amazon Leo network of satellites, helping to strengthen mobile mast connections across rural areas in place of connecting masts by fiber.

• Vodafone launches 5G home broadband
• The move opens up 'full fibre-like speeds' to 3.7 million more homes, and over 26 million homes in total
• Renters can benefit from a one-month rolling contract option

If you’re living in short-term accommodation or somewhere without access to full fibre, Vodafone’s new 5G broadband packages could be for you.

The company is now offering “full fibre-like speeds” to customers via 5G, opening up high-speed internet connectivity to the 3.7 million UK homes that still struggle with the unreliable speeds offered by part-fibre or copper wires.

The move will also benefit students and renters in short-term accommodation, as Vodafone’s 5G broadband package is available on either a one-month rolling contract or traditional 24-month contract — its full fibre packages, by comparison, are only available on the latter contract.

Vodafone’s 5G Power Hub router can be self-installed — it doesn’t require an engineer visit, nor an existing landline to be set up — it’s powered by Wi-Fi 6, and Vodafone promises speeds of up to 150Mbps. That’s around three times faster than the typical part-fibre speed.

Is 150Mbps fast enough for gamers? Definitely. But Vodafone does caveat its offering by saying that “because it’s wireless, speeds can fluctuate at times based on signal strength, how far you are from the mast and how busy the local network is at any given time. Placing your 5G Hub in the best position possible will help maintain a stable, reliable connection.”

The company will also soon launch an outdoor 5G hub, should your 5G signal be stronger outdoors than indoors. This hub will “lock on to the strongest 5G signal available in the area and connect directly to the indoor Power Hub router,” delivering “a consistent connection throughout the home.”

Until now, Three was the only major UK broadband provider to offer 5G broadband — but even that package was (and still is) offered on a minimum 12-month plan. Vodafone’s merger with Three in June 2025 has clearly allowed the former to make use of the latter’s infrastructure: “The integration of Vodafone and Three’s networks is supercharging VodafoneThree’s 5G footprint, enabling Vodafone 5G Broadband to reach millions more homes with high-speed connectivity,” Vodafone said in a statement.

Vodafone’s 5G broadband is available now for £21 per month on a 24-month contract, or £30 per month on a rolling 30-day contract. Those prices are for the 50Mbps plan; they rise to £22 and £32, respectively, for the 150Mbps plan.

• Vodafone is buying out CK Hutchison from VodafoneThree
• It will pay £4.3 billion (€4.9 billion) via a cancellation of shares
• VodafoneThree merger is now a year old, and has already boosted coverage for users across the UK

Vodafone has announced it reached an agreement for the buy out of CK Hutchison from its VodafoneThree UK joint venture.

The company will pay out £4.3 billion (€4.9 billion) via a cancellation of shares for full control of VodafoneThree a year on from announcing the merger between two of the country's biggest mobile phone networks.

In that time, Vodafone says "significant progress" has been made in integrating the two teams, leaving it in a strong position to take sole control of the organization.

Vodafone control

In a press release, Vodafone outlined how, since the merger was confirmed in June 2025, the company has moved quickly to boost network coverage and reliability for users across the UK.

The move will lead to an estimated £700m in annual cost and capex synergies by its FY30, with greater synergy across the company's stores and overall strategy.

"A year on from the merger, the team has made remarkable progress, as we maximise the full potential of VodafoneThree and capture the significant synergies," said Margherita Della Valle, Chief Executive of Vodafone Group.

I’m delighted that we will now have full ownership of VodafoneThree as we roll out one of Europe’s most advanced 5G networks, provide the UK’s best customer experience and drive long-term value for our shareholders.”

Vodafone’s decision to take full ownership of VodafoneThree is a clear vote of confidence in our business, and the fast start we’ve made in creating one integrated team and delivering early benefits for our customers," added Max Taylor, CEO of VodafoneThree.

"We remain focused on our plan and multi-brand strategy and committed to our mission to build the UK’s best network, bringing connectivity to every community in every corner of the country.”

• Three is introducing speed caps on phone, SIM Only, and mobile broadband plans for new and upgrading customers
• The cap is 100Mbps in most cases, with Pay As You Go having a lower cap
• Existing customers aren't affected, and contract customers will be able to pay extra to remove the cap

Three seems to have just taken a step backwards, because where previously you could get uncapped 5G on all of its plans at no extra cost, the network has now implemented speed caps.

Specifically, new Pay Monthly mobile plans (meaning contracts on SIM Only or with a new handset) will have a 100Mbps speed cap, and so will mobile broadband plans. It is still possible to get uncapped speeds, but you’ll have to either choose a new ‘Lite+’ plan or pay an extra £4 a month.

On Pay As You Go, the cap is instead 25Mbps — or 50Mbps if you have an automatically renewing pack.

That’s quite a reduction compared to what the network is actually capable of — in a January 2026 report, for example, Opensignal found that the average 5G download speed on Three was 187Mbps. But now, to get that, you’ll have to pay £4 extra a month on the company’s new Pay Monthly plans, and there’s no way to uncap your speeds on Pay As You Go.

The only good news here is that these changes don’t affect existing contract customers, and if you’re currently on an auto-renewing Pay As You Go plan, then you’ll also retain uncapped speeds while you stick with the same pack.

But of course, when you come to upgrade your contract, or if you ever change your Pay As You Go pack, then you will have these caps put in place.

The merger might be to blame

The internet, understandably, is not best pleased by this change, with Reddit reactions including “time to leave”, “my to-do list has moved away from Three on it”, and “the merger should never have been allowed through.” That last quote references Three’s merger with Vodafone, which might be to blame for these new speed caps, especially as Vodafone itself restricts speeds on some of its plans.

Interestingly, these changes don’t appear to apply to MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) that operate on Three’s network yet, with iD Mobile confirming that there are not currently any speed caps on its network.

So, as well as typically being cheaper than Three, its MVNOs may now have a clear advantage — though how long that will last remains to be seen, with iD Mobile also noting that “the industry trend is clearly moving toward tiered speeds.”

Still, for now, if you’re on Three and due an upgrade — or were considering switching to Three — you might want to look at one of its MVNOs instead.

• VodafoneThree is the latest carrier given permission to use satellite tech to cover not-spots
• O2 already granted permission, EE to work with Starlink
• Handset rules need updating as well as operator licenses

Ofcom has confirmed it has approved a request from VodafoneThree to amend one of the spectrum licenses it holds, which would mean it can provide 'direct-to-device' satellite connectivity to mobile phones.

The recently-merged companies would be able to provide calls, texts and data to standard smartphones in the UK, making it much more akin to regular cell service rather than Apple's satellite-based SOS features.

Satellite connectivity would play an important role in plugging gaps in today's current infrastructure, providing signal where there is no signal.

VodafoneThree granted approval to use satellites

VodafoneThree isn't the only company to have been granted such permission – O2 was also given the green light earlier in 2026.

"By launching O2 Satellite, we've become the first operator in Europe to launch a space-based mobile data service that, overnight, has brought new mobile coverage to an area around two-thirds the size of Wales for the first time," VMO2 CEO Lutz Schuler boasted, when the company launched satellite connections for some early supported Samsung devices.

However, there could be more at play before satellite connectivity becomes commonplace. Ofcom said that, while granting operator licenses is one part that it's done twice this year, it also needs to amend its handset regulations following public consultation over the next month.

In the US, T-Mobile has already launched a satellite-to-cell service for an additional $10 monthly fee.

As for the UK's only other main carrier, EE announced a partnership with Starling in late 2025 to tackle so-called 'not-spots' across the UK as soon as the second half of 2026.

• ISAC allows smartphones to detect unconnected objects without interfering with connectivity services
• Echo-based pulses let mobile networks visualize their surroundings, like bats in the dark
• ISAC trials successfully detected people and objects without disrupting mobile functions

Integrated Sensing and Communication, or ISAC, is a technology which converts ordinary smartphones into radar-like sensors capable of detecting unconnected objects in real time.

Vodafone and Tiami Networks are testing ISAC to explore how smartphones could warn people about nearby dangers.

The pair are also examining its potential to monitor crowded areas, detect intruders, and support tasks in industrial and environmental settings.

Vodafone and Tiami test ISAC

The new system relies on echo-based pulses, similar to the echolocation bats use to navigate dark environments, allowing mobile networks to visualize their surroundings without additional hardware.

Users could theoretically receive alerts about crowded spaces, nearby hazards, or other dangerous situations simply through their devices, and industries and public facilities could monitor intruders, unauthorized drones, or environmental risks.

ISAC could track natural disasters and monitor livestock, offering real-time insights in areas that are hard to observe directly, and could also create 3D maps using smart glasses, detect contaminated food, and assist robots in understanding human hand gestures.

Although ISAC is expected to play a central role in future 6G networks, which may begin operating around 2030, the technology can function over existing 5G infrastructure.

Vodafone and Tiami Networks conducted trials at Vodafone’s Málaga R&D facility in Spain, employing Tiami’s PolyRAN software to turn base stations into wide-area sensors.

“Our vision for PolyRAN is simple. Deploying ISAC should be as seamless as enabling a software application within a 5G network without disrupting existing connectivity services," said Amitav Mukherjee, CEO and Founder of Tiami Networks.

"Testing with Vodafone allows us to evaluate realistic performance and deployment pathways with a leading operator that is deeply engaged in 6G research.”

During these trials, unconnected objects and even people were successfully detected across a live 5G network without causing any interference to voice calls, messaging, or internet usage.

This means ISAC’s adoption does not require a complete network overhaul, making the technology more immediately applicable.

The trials also explored interoperability between different vendors’ hardware and software through Open RAN-compliant antennas.

This flexibility allows mobile networks to integrate new sensing capabilities through software updates rather than expensive equipment replacements.

By transforming base stations into intelligent edge computing platforms, operators can perform advanced environmental sensing alongside traditional connectivity services.

Beyond industrial or urban monitoring, ISAC could influence personal safety and everyday convenience.

Business phones may alert users to hazardous conditions in crowded transport hubs or to hidden maintenance issues, such as burst pipes, within buildings.

“Our 6G-ready test shows that your phone could soon do a lot more than connect you. It could be used to help keep you safe wherever you go,” said Marco Zangani, Director of Network Strategy and Architecture, Vodafone.

The technology could also support privacy-conscious public applications, for example, counting visitors in a shopping mall without relying on cameras.

While the full scope of ISAC remains to be proven, initial trials indicate that turning ordinary smartphones into active environmental sensors is technically feasible.

• Most business leaders believe their employees would fall for a phishing attack
• Workers commonly reuse work passwords for personal accounts
• AI scams and deepfakes are increasingly concerning

New data from Vodafone Business has revealed more than 10% of UK organizations would probably not survive if they were hit with a cyberattack, and while this may sound like a fairly low promotion by itself, it's set against a backdrop of evolving attacks and poor cybersecurity practices.

Nearly two-thirds (63%) agree that their business's risk of cyberattacks has risen over the past year, and most leaders (71%) believe at least one of their workers would probably fall for a phishing attack.

However, even though we're in an era of rapidly evolving threats, the report indicates that some basic cybersecurity measures can still serve to protect companies.

British businesses are still at risk of cyberattacks

One such practice is the use of strong and unique passwords. The study found that staff reuse work passwords on up to 11 personal accounts as well, making a single breach far more devastating.

And as for the current state up and down the UK, not even half (45%) have ensured that all staff have been through basic cyber awareness training.

But change could be on the horizon, with 89% agreeing that high-profile attacks last year (like those on M&S and Jaguar Land Rover) made them more alert.

There's also an increasing awareness of AI scams and deepfakes, with 70% now more suspicious of video calls claiming to be from senior leaders.

"Many steps - such as avoiding password reuse and enhancing staff training - are relatively simple to implement," VodafoneThree Business Director Nick Gliddon wrote.

The UK Government is also launching a second Telecommunications Fraud Charter later this year, with the hope of boosting the UK's defense against sophisticated cybercrime.

• Revolut's new unlimited data plan is hitting the UK in January 2026 for £14.99/month (£12.99 introductory price)
• Revolut Mobile will use Vodafone's infrastructure, and comes with a free NordVPN subscription
• Users can add extra numbers for work/home, and even buy cherished numbers

UK fintech leader Revolut has announced plans to launch its own mobile network in January 2026.

Adding to the growing catalog of challenger networks, Revolut Mobile will piggyback off Vodafone's infrastructure and offer unlimited 5G data, calls and texts within the UK, plus 20GB of EU and US roaming, for £14.99 per month.

Better still, customers who sign up before March 29, 2026, will be able to access an introductory price of £12.50 per month, which they will be able to keep even after the deal is removed.

Revolut launched unlimited data SIM for £14.99/month

A Revolut Mobile support page notes data will be capped at 100Mbps, but speeds won't be throttled beyond that.

Besides limited roaming support each month, customers will also be able to buy a Global Messaging Pass for low-bandwidth messaging in over 80 countries beyond the EU and US.

Revolut's mobile network also clearly has business customers in mind with support for up to three mobile numbers on one plan to help separate work and personal lines, which can be added from £2 per month extra.

Customers can even select 'VIP' numbers from an exclusive list for simpler and easier to remember options, for £10 per month.

Offering even more value on top of the standard £14.99 unlimited data plan, Revolut has partnered with NordVPN to bring a free subscription to all plans.

"Revolut Mobile is more than just another mobile service, it’s a truly differentiated alternative designed to change the industry," Revolut Telco GM Hadi Nasrallah wrote, adding that the company wants to offer the best service at the best price.

"We’re bringing true innovation with features such as multiple numbers & global messaging, while removing any hassle or hidden fees from the process."

Creating its own network wasn't necessary a surprise. In 2024, Revolut launched global eSIMs for travelling, and millions of data plans have been added with those since. Revolut Ultra customers were given 3GB to spend abroad each month in over 100 countries.

• Customers with the Ultra Hub 7 can set up a dashboard to see who's home
• Vodafone says consumers have been demanding more affordable and easy smart home security
• By using network-level detection, Vodafone is offering a less invasive way to monitor family members

Vodafone has launched a new 'Who's Home' feature built into its Ultra Hub 7 router to help families keep tabs on whether their children are home or whether lost devices are within the network.

The company says by using network-level detection instead of cameras or sensors, it's less invasive than other home security measures seen across today's smart homes, and it'll be available to all customers with compatible routers for free.

The tool will need to be activated via Vodafone's app, household members can opt in or out, and administrators can keep an eye on the Who's Home dashboard within the app.

Vodafone's latest router lets you see who's home

The free-of-charge security measure is a welcome upgrade for those who typically seek these kinds of tools (and it's one that can be ignored by those who don't want it). With three in five Brits relying on broadband more than any other household utility, it piggybacks off existing hardware without straining family budgets.

Four in five consumers also demand more innovation in smart home security, with affordability (43%) and easy installation (33%) top priorities.

Vodafone claims to be the first to bring this type of tracking interface to market, including proactive notifications when household smartphones connect or disconnect from the network.

The company is already proud of its award-wining mobile app, which includes tools like network stability checking, troubleshooting, device management and password sharing by text or QR.

As the name suggests, Vodafone's Ultra Hub 7 is a latest-generation Wi-Fi 7-compatible router, which includes automatic 4G broadband backup and supports broadband speeds of up to 2.2Gbps up or down.

It's been a bad week for Vodafone customers. Not only did a huge outage hit the network's broadband, mobile internet services, website, and customer service phone lines on October 13, but many are still experiencing knock-on effects.

The problems officially only lasted for a couple of hours from around 2.30pm BST, with the peak seeing over 130,000 customers report a complete blackout of their Vodafone services on Downdetector.

The scale of the outage made it one of the biggest of the year, but hundreds of people are still reporting lingering effects, with some still without their broadband for several days.

So what caused all these problems, what can we learn from it – and most importantly, can customers get compensation for the considerable hassle they've experienced? We've asked experts for their guidance below.

What caused the Vodafone outage?

Vodafone's latest statement on its big October 13 outage dismissed suggestions that it was a cyber attack.

“On Monday afternoon, for a short time, the Vodafone network had an issue affecting broadband, 4G and 5G services. This was triggered by a non-malicious software issue with one of our vendor partners which has now been resolved, and the network has fully recovered. We apologise for any inconvenience this caused our customers," the network said.

The rumors of a cyber attack grew because the outage took out not just Vodafone's broadband and mobile internet services, but also its website and customer service phone lines. These symptoms echoed so-called distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, where a network is intentionally overwhelmed by an attacker.

However, as Vodafone's statement reveals, an internal network failure was seemingly the culprit. But can those really take out multiple services in such a dramatic fashion, and shouldn't there be safeguards in place?

Jake Moore, Global Cybersecurity Advisor at ESET, said it's unusual but still possible. "Software faults like this can happen when a routine update or configuration change doesn’t behave as expected, but it is rare on this scale," he said.

"Modern telecoms networks are incredibly complex with lots of automated systems working together and, unfortunately, a small error has the potential of rippling through to temporarily affect performance – or like we saw here, knock systems offline," he added.

From a business perspective, the Vodafone outage is another timely reminder that better protections should be in place. Daniel Card, a cyber security expert with BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT), said: “Major ISP outages in the UK are relatively rare, but when they do happen they serve as an important reminder of how dependent we’ve become on constant connectivity".

"It’s not just about defending against malicious cyber threats – accidents, configuration errors, and technical faults can be just as disruptive," he added. And Vodafone customers can certainly vouch for that.

Can you get compensation for the Vodafone outage?

I asked Ofcom (the UK's media watchdog) for its official guidance for customers seeking compensation for the Vodafone outage. The news is mixed, depending on whether you've had problems with your broadband or mobile internet – and for how long.

“We know it’s frustrating when things go wrong. If you’re unhappy, you should complain directly to your provider," an Ofcom spokesperson told me. "If your broadband service is not fixed after two working days, Ofcom’s automatic compensation scheme means that you may get money back automatically without having to ask".

How much money exactly? Sabrina Hoque, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, added: “If your broadband connection goes down for more than two days, you could be entitled to compensation of £9.76 for each calendar day that the service is not repaired". There's more information on Ofcom's Automatic compensation guide, which shows that Vodafone is at least signed up to the scheme.

That's at least some positive news for those still suffering from broadband issues stemming from the October 13 outage. In theory, you should automatically get compensation if it hasn't been fixed after two working days. However, the guidance around mobile internet is more vague. Ofcom told me that its automatic compensation scheme sadly doesn't cover mobile.

“Ofcom advises that compensation for mobile signal outages is ‘dependent on the circumstances.’ But in extreme cases where repairs take much longer, you may be entitled to an additional refund or account credit," Sabrina Hoque from Uswitch added.

This means that for mobile outages on Vodafone or related networks like Lebara, you'll have to contact the network directly, which is something many TechRadar readers say they've had issues with this week.

For Vodafone, there are three ways to contact the network – through its My Vodafone app (on Android or iOS), by phone (0333 304 0191, or 191 from your Vodafone mobile) using the TOBi chat on its website. Unfortunately, there's no single email address for customer complaints, but the latter promises to take you through to a real agent if it can't help.

This won't be great news for many – one TechRadar reader told me their broadband has been down for four days and they've haven't been able to get through on the phone, with their online account stating that Vodafone was working to fix their broadband.

Vodafone didn't respond to my request for further guidance for those who are still experiencing issues or are looking for compensation.

Is the Vodafone outage actually over?

Vodafone talks about this week's outage in the past tense and says the network is "fully recovered", but the reality appears to be somewhat different.

At the time of writing, Downdetector (below) is showing reports of issues in the 130-250 range – much smaller than the outage's peak, but way higher than a typical baseline for a network.

The site's comments are littered with reports of ongoing broadband issues, with some (but far from all) reporting success after a hard reset of their router. Others say Vodafone has told them it's still "working on" a resolution.

This has been reflected in countless emails sent to TechRadar from understandably frustrated customers. Some say their broadband is still down, but the biggest annoyance is being unable to contact Vodafone – with the phone lines cutting off after an hour of waiting, and no updates through their online accounts.

The lack of communication is poor, and I've contacted Vodafone for an updated statement. Unfortunately, other than getting in touch with Vodafone again yourself, there's little you can do other than trying our tips on what to do if your broadband is slow or not working.

However, if there is a network issue in your area (you can check on Vodafone's network status checker), then it's unfortunately simply a waiting game until it gets fixed. Do you still have problems with your Vodafone broadband or mobile internet? Let us know in the comments below.

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Vodafone UK experienced a major outage on October 13 that affected thousands of customers across its broadband and mobile networks.

The issues started at around 2.38pm BST on October 13, when the website Downdetector showed an enormous spike in reports. At its peak, almost 135,000 Vodafone customers simultaneously reported problems, making it one of the biggest network outages of 2025.

The problems were so widespread that even the official Vodafone website and customer service phone numbers went down. The network later commented on the wide-reaching problems, stating that it was "aware of a major issue" and was working to resolve it "as soon as possible".

A Vodafone spokesperson told us that the network is now "fully recovered", but emails from TechRadar readers and messages on Downdetector paint a slightly different picture. For information on what to do if you're still experiencing issues, guidance on compensation and more, check out our full Vodafone outage explainer – or read on for a blow-by-blow account of how it played out...

Vodafone outage – the latest news

• Vodafone experienced a nationwide outage of its broadband and mobile networks yesterday
• The problems started at around 2.38pm BST on October 13, according to Downdetector
• Vodafone said it was "aware of a major issue", but that "the network is now recovering"

That's quite an outage

The Vodafone problems, which are hitting both its mobile network and broadband, started about an hour ago at 2.38pm BST.

That Downdetector spike (above) is one of the biggest I've ever seen in terms of concurrent reports – it stands at 126,905 reports and is still on the up.

There's been no official statement about the outage yet, but I'll be getting in touch with the network to see what might have happened – and more importantly, when it might be fixed.

Who's been hit?

Our Computing editor Christian Guyton first noticed the issues when his Wi-Fi and mobile network abruptly stopped working this afternoon – and that's been an experience shared by many.

According to Downdetector, most people (65% of reports) are reporting issues with their landline internet, but a significant number (27%) are also saying their mobile internet is also down.

In other words, this is a wide-reaching outage that also appears to be nationwide – the coverage map is spread across the country from London to Glasgow. I've asked Vodafone for comment and will report as soon as I hear back.

No word from Vodafone yet

Vodafone is currently trending on X (formerly Twitter) and that's rarely a good sign for a mobile network. Sadly, we won't be getting any official answers on X, as Vodafone customer care isn't on the platform due to a "technical change".

I've asked Vodafone directly for a response or statement and will post it hear as soon as I get one.

However, it's clear there's a serious problem – for example, the cybersecurity watchdog NetBlocks has reported above that there's a "national outage" with "broadband and mobile data" impacted.

An official statement from Vodafone

I've just heard from Vodafone about today's issues. A spokesperson told me: "We are aware of a major issue on our network currently affecting broadband, 4G and 5G services. We appreciate our customers' patience while we work to resolve this as soon as possible.”

So there we have it – no estimate of a timescale for the fix yet, but Vodafone has admitted that it's facing a "major issue". That's unusually strong language during an outage, which networks tend to play down – but it's a certainly an accurate description given the numbers affected.

Even Vodafone's customer service is down

I haven't seen a network outage as wide-ranging as this for some time. Not only are Vodafone's broadband and mobile networks down, the issues have also taken out its website and even its customer service phone numbers.

A TechRadar reader alerted me to the latter and I can confirm the 0333 304 0191 number isn't working for me – the problems also seem to be affecting the 191 number that customers can call from their Vodafone mobile phone.

On the plus side, the number of reports on Downdetector appears to be dropping, so it seems some are now at least getting reconnected.

The knock-on effect

A high number of customers on other broadband and mobile networks are also reporting problems today – that isn't a huge surprise, given how interconnected the UK's broadband and mobile networks are.

Voxi, which is owned by Vodafone, and Lebara (which is a so-called Mobile Virtual Network Operator that also uses the Vodafone network) are both showing significant spikes in reported issues on Downdetector.

We're also seeing spikes on Virgin Media (currently around 1,000 reports) and Sky (about 400 reports), although these may well be a reflection of Vodafone's issues rather than a sign of a wider outage. So far, only Vodafone has stated it officially has issues – if that changes, I'll update this liveblog.

Positive signs?

There are some potentially promising signs on progress on Downdetector – though the falling number of reports (above) might simply mean large numbers of Vodafone customers have already reported their issues, or simply can't due to their network problems.

Right now, the number of reports has dropped to 30,845, from a staggering high of about 135,000 (one of the highest I've seen on Downdetector for a UK outage).

Still, on the TechRadar team, those affected have been without internet or phone service for well over an hour, and there's no word on Vodafone yet on a fix.

I'll be chasing it up for an answer to see if its engineers have made any progress on an outage that continues to take out its own website...

A double whammy for many

The worst hit in today's outage, which has now lasted over two hours and counting, are those who are on both Vodafone's broadband and mobile networks.

Unfortunately, Vodafone makes that a highly tempting proposition with its bundle deals that it says can save you "up to £400 a year".

But many households are now tethering off other networks, which must be experiencing some significant extra strain. Let's hope Vodafone has an update for us before the demand for evening TV streaming picks up...

What might have caused this?

Without any official comment from Vodafone, we can only speculate about what's caused the biggest network outage since The Great Voice Calling Wobble of July 2025.

But Jake Moore, Global Cybersecurity Advisor from the cybersecurity company ESET, says it's still more likely to be an internal issue than a big cyber attack.

“Outages will always naturally raise early suspicions of a potential cyber incident, though current evidence points more towards an internal network failure than a confirmed attack," he said in a statement.

That's apparently still the front-runner explanation, even though it has the symptoms of something more malicious. "The sudden outage, combined with the inability to access customer service lines, mirrors classic symptoms of a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack, where attackers overwhelm the network so the site or systems collapse," he admitted.

"However, malicious or not, this once again highlights our heavy reliance on digital infrastructure, especially in an age where we increasingly depend on mobile networks for everything. Ultimately, resilience is essential, whether the cause is a direct cyberattack, a supply chain issue or a critical internal error," he added.

Vodafone is back for some

I'm hearing some positive anecdotal reports from some that their Vodafone broadband and mobile services are now back up and running.

This has come from both inside and outside the TechRadar team, and seems to be reflected on Downdetector – although reports remain high, at just over 19,000 at the time of writing.

The Vodafone homepage and customer service number are also both still down for me, as is the network status checker (which was working earlier). Clearly, there are still issues to resolve, but there are glimmers of hope for those who may have been contemplating an evening without TV streaming.

Virgin Media confirms it has no issues

With Downdetector graphs spiking across multiple networks this afternoon – and not just MVNOs who piggyback on Vodafone – you might have concluded that Vodafone wasn't alone in having issues today.

But as I mentioned earlier, it's common during outages like this to see spikes elsewhere as other customers attempt to call or connect to the troubled network. And Virgin Media has just confirmed to me that "our network is operating as usual and has been all day".

That's likely to be the case for other networks like Three and O2 – right now, this is solely a Vodafone issue. The best example is that WhatsApp also saw a spike in reports this afternoon, which will have likely been confused Vodafone customers wondering why they couldn't even get a single grey tick in the messaging app.

Could paydays be hit?

While many Vodafone broadband customers will have been worried about the hit on their TV streaming plans tonight, today's outage could be more serious for businesses – and also staff waiting for payday.

If your payday is soon, you might want to brace yourself for a delay, according to Melanie Pizzey, CEO and Founder of the Global Payroll Alliance. "The timing, on a Monday rather than a critical payroll cut-off like Friday, may have softened the blow, but the potential impact remains serious and if any kind of disruption persists over the coming days, people could find their paydays being delayed," she said.

"If this turns out to be more than just a technical issue, such as a cyber attack, the ramifications could be far-reaching. Business continuity could be affected well beyond the initial outage window, and it would raise serious concerns about the vulnerability of the UK’s core digital infrastructure," she added.

So far, Vodafone hasn't commented on the cause and cybersecurity experts say it's still more likely to have been an internal issue, rather than an external attack. But whatever the cause, let's hope those paydays aren't affected.

Vodafone seems to be recovering

There's still no official statement from Vodafone (I've asked again to check), but the evidence is growing that today's network issues are drawing to a close. Phew.

Across the likes of X, relieved customers are reporting that their broadband and mobile service is back, which is something we've also seen on the TechRadar team.

And the Downdetector graph (above) is looking a lot more healthy, after the cardiac arrest-style spike earlier that saw 130,000 customers simultaneously reporting that everything in their digital world was broken.

That was still quite an outage, lasting a good two hours, and we're likely to see some knock-on effects this week (see 'Could paydays be hit?' below). For now though, we can all return to Chad Powers, KPop Demon Hunters or whatever our Monday night survival plans are.

A new Vodafone statement

Vodafone has now confirmed that today's almighty wobble should now be fixed and normal Monday service can resume.

A spokesperson said: “This afternoon, for a short time, the Vodafone network had an issue affecting broadband, 4G and 5G services. 2G voice calls and SMS messaging were unaffected and the network is now recovering. We apologise for any inconvenience this caused our customers."

Your definition of a "short time' might differ from Vodafone's, particularly if you were frantically trying to tether for two hours as you contemplated a dark evening without broadband. Vodafone has also only said the network is "recovering" rather than fixed.

Still, that's positive news on an afternoon that Vodafone customers will be hoping has packed in all their bad luck for the week.

So was it a cyber attack?

Vodafone told us its network is now "recovering", but didn't elaborate on what caused its broadband, mobile network, website and customer service phone lines to go down for over two hours today.

Without an official statement, we'd of course just be speculating. But during the outage earlier Daniel Card, a cyber expert with BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT) agreed with an earlier statement from the cybersecurity company ESET that it was more likely to be an internal issue.

"Incidents like this are often caused by a technical fault or configuration error rather than a major cyber-attack, so until more details are confirmed it’s best not to speculate. What we can see is that Vodafone UK’s network traffic has effectively dropped to zero, suggesting a significant connectivity issue. It’s not yet clear whether their DNS or routing systems are accessible outside Vodafone’s own network, and even their online status page is currently offline" he said.

Most of those things are now fixed, so it'll be interesting to see if an official explanation materializes in the coming days.

Can you get compensation?

Vodafone's broadband and mobile internet may only have been down for a couple of hours today, but that's still enough time to cause a considerable amount of bother for customers – particularly those working from home.

So can you get compensation? As always, the process is more complex than you might hope, but the short answer for most people from today's incident is 'probably not'.

Sabrina Hoque, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, told us: “If your broadband connection goes down for more than two days, you could be entitled to compensation of £9.76 for each calendar day that the service is not repaired". Clearly, the length of today's outage means most Vodafone customers won't qualify for that.

What about mobile customers? “Ofcom advises that compensation for mobile signal outages is ‘dependent on the circumstances'. But in extreme cases where repairs take much longer, you may be entitled to an additional refund or account credit," she added.

Again, with today's issues lasting a couple of hours, you're probably out luck. But that doesn't mean you can't casually look into switching your broadband provider instead.

Recovering but not fixed...

The Vodafone reports on Downdetector have settled to a base level of about 3,300 – a lot better than the peak of 135,000 reports at 3.20pm BST, but not insignificant either.

I haven't received any more statements from Vodafone since the last one at about 7pm BST, so we'll have to assume the network is still "recovering" rather than fully fixed. That would seem to be the case, with thousands still reporting residual issues.

I'm signing off for this evening, but will report back in the morning when there'll hopefully be better news and that Downdetector graph will be back to normal. Until then, let us all pray to the broadband and mobile internet gods for better internet tomorrow.

Still smouldering this morning

Good morning, it looks like Vodafone's outage is now mostly resolved, but not completely fixed.

Right now, there are still 1,575 customers reporting issues on Downdetector and that number is slowly climbing again. On a normal day, that would still be a significant figure, so it seems there is still a hangover from yesterday's massive wobble.

The good news is that there's no sign we'll get a repeat of yesterday's peak, which struck at about 3pm BST. But if you're still having Vodafone issues, drop me a line at mark.wilson@futurenet.com.

Vodafone explains what happened

Vodafone has just released an updated statement that hints at what went so badly wrong yesterday – and it's dismissed any suggestions of a cyber attack.

“On Monday afternoon, for a short time, the Vodafone network had an issue affecting broadband, 4G and 5G services. This was triggered by a non-malicious software issue with one of our vendor partners which has now been resolved, and the network has fully recovered. We apologise for any inconvenience this caused our customers".

In other words, the outage likely had more in common with the Crowdstrike debacle that hit Windows PCs (which was caused by a faulty update) than anything resembling a cyber attack. Still, it remains concerning that a software issue with a third-party vendor could take out Vodafone's broadband, mobile internet, website and customer service lines.

The problems persist for many

I've had dozens of emails this morning from understandably frustrated Vodafone customers who are still experiencing problems from yesterday's outage.

Those affected live all over the UK, so these aren't local issues – although you can double-check by going to Vodafone's Network status checker on your phone, assuming your mobile internet is working. The vast majority of people are reporting broadband issues, although a few Lebara customers also still have problems.

I asked Vodafone for an update for those still affected, but its most recent statement is the one in the post below. Unfortunately, that means your best bet is to follow Vodafone's official advice to test your broadband and go to its home broadband help.

There is also the Vodafone customer helpline (0333 304 0191, or 191 from your Vodafone phone), though some TechRadar readers haven't had much joy there either. One reader told me "I just spent over 30 minutes on a customer service line, until the call was cut out".

Other than restarting your router and affected devices, this means it could unfortunately be a waiting game – I'll be checking in with Vodafone for update though.

Contacting Vodafone

I'm continuing to get regular emails from understandably angry Vodafone customers, who are are reporting that their broadband and mobile internet are still down.

The Downdetector graph (currently at around 700 reports) isn't showing any widespread issues on the scale of yesterday, but the issues are compounded by the difficulties many are having in contacting Vodafone.

There are three main ways to contact Vodafone: through its My Vodafone app (on Android or iOS), by phone (0333 304 0191, or 191 from your Vodafone mobile) using the TOBi chat on its website. There's no single email address for customer complaints, but the latter promises to take you through to an real agent if it can't help.

Sadly, many are having issues with those. A number have said they can't get through by phone, with one TechRadar reader saying "I called Vodafone and held for 2 hrs 5 mins with no response and eventually had to hang up".

Another reader told me via email: "Their phone line isn't working, I keep getting "internal server error" messages whenever I try to log on to MyVodafone app and I am so totally and utterly frustrated. I am going round and round in circles, getting nowhere at all."

"I've no idea what's happening, which is the most frustrating thing" they added. Unfortunately, it's a common theme and there's little else we can do at TechRadar other than ask Vodafone for an updated response. Hopefully these residual issues will be fixed soon.

The fallout continues

My great sympathies to the many TechRadar readers who've emailed to tell us they're still experiencing problems with their Vodafone broadband. The lack of communication and ongoing issues do sound infuriating.

I've recently been in touch with Ofcom and cybersecurity experts to clarify details like compensation options – you can read them here in our separate Vodafone outage explainer. In short, if you're still experiencing broadband problems, then you should be in line for automatic compensation.

As always, though, it's a complex beast, so make sure to read our explainer and drop us a line with any further questions.

• Complex modelling is required to judge if devices can handle AV1
• Software decoding drains batteries while hardware support remains limited to high-end phones
• Encoding AV1 at scale adds major energy demands to data centers

The world’s largest platforms are rallying around a new video codec, betting that it will make watching clips and streams on phones smoother and less data-hungry.

Google, Meta, YouTube, and Vodafone have all put their weight behind AV1, a technology they claim can compress video streams by about 30% compared with older codecs.

The white paper the companies co-authored sets out a vision of more efficient mobile networks and happier viewers - yet beneath the technical promises, the rollout looks far from straightforward.

A new codec with big ambitions

AV1 is not new; it was first published in 2018 by the Alliance for Open Media, but it has gathered momentum only recently.

Companies say it can deliver the same quality at lower bitrates or higher quality at the same bitrate, a combination that looks appealing as video now makes up around 70% to 80% of mobile data traffic.

For operators facing mounting demand, the appeal is clear. Fewer bits mean less congestion, which in theory allows smoother playback for customers and savings on infrastructure upgrades.

For viewers, the catch is that decoding AV1 smoothly often requires dedicated hardware support, something mostly confined to high-end smartphones today.

While devices such as the iPhone 15 Pro, recent Pixel phones, and flagship Samsung models support AV1 in hardware, mid- and low-tier handsets often do not.

Software decoders like the open-source dav1d can fill the gap, but they come with compromises: higher battery drain, heavier CPU use, and no support for full digital rights management on premium video.

Even the companies backing AV1 admit that the best experience still depends on widespread hardware support, which may take years to reach budget devices.

Another wrinkle is that ensuring good playback on lower-cost devices often requires complex modeling by content providers.

Platforms must decide whether a given phone can handle AV1 at a certain resolution without stuttering or overheating, adding layers of engineering effort.

Some chipmakers have begun providing optimized software decoders tuned for their systems, but consistency remains a problem.

Without a universal benchmark, performance is unpredictable, making the technology harder to deploy smoothly at scale.

The benefits of AV1 are real in theory: smaller files, better quality, and less strain on mobile networks.

If adoption accelerates, these top platforms will achieve vast reductions in European traffic, measured in hundreds of petabytes a year.

Yet the details matter. Encoding AV1 at scale consumes large amounts of data center energy, which shifts the efficiency burden upstream.

In the end, AV1 may well become the dominant standard, especially as its successor AV2 looms on the horizon.

For now, although the ambition is clear, the gap between plans and execution means mobile viewers might not feel the promised benefits for quite some time.

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• VodafoneThree will use Ericsson and Nokia tech to upgrade its networks
• 4G customers have already seen boosts of up to 40%
• 5G should be almost everywhere by 2034

VodafoneThree has announced a multi-billion pound deal with Ericsson and Nokia to expand and improve its UK networks.

The collaboration, which comes weeks after the official completion of its mega-merger, marks one of Europe’s largest privately funded infrastructure builds, and will cover over 17,000 sites across the UK.

This will consist of 10,000+ sites benefitting from Ericsson’s RAN and core network solutions, and a further 7,000+ sites getting Nokia’s RAN equipment.

Ericsson and Nokia will help improve VodafoneThree’s network

The company declared that 4G speeds have already been boosted by up to 40% for the seven million Three and SMARTY customers using its networks, and just three months into the merger, customers are already able to automatically use each other’s network and roam at no extra cost.

Looking ahead, VodafoneThree has plans to tackle 16,500 square kilometers of not-spots across the UK. By the end of the first year after merging, nearly three in four customers should have access to the company’s fastest 5G speeds, expanding to 90% by year three and 99.95% by 2034.

Network expansion plans are also slated to deliver economic benefits, with the UK economy set to be boosted by up to £102 billion between 2025 and 2035 thanks to better infrastructure access for energy, financial services, manufacturing, security and technology companies.

To help with the expansion, VodafoneThree has signed up a further four partners to support site builds nationwide: Beacon, Circet Wireless, M Group and WHP Telecoms.

VodafoneThree also anticipates generating up to 13,000 jobs as part of its expansion, across engineering, construction and maintenance over the eight-year roadmap.

Ericsson CEO Börje Ekholm welcomed the partnership as an opportunity to “power [VodafoneThree] with the most advanced programmable network products, software and solutions in the world.”

Nokia CEO Justin Hotard noted the chance to provide the UK with “industry-leading network solutions” to meet customer and growing AI demands.

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• One in five UK tourism SMEs missed out due to poor connectivity
• Better connections would improve ecommerce, Wi-Fi and more
• VodafoneThree wants to roll out better 4G and 5G nationally

New research from VodafoneThree has claimed tourism-focused SMEs in the UK missed out on £1.5 billion in revenue this summer alone as a result of poor connectivity.

Although three in four (74%) tourism SMEs saw a financial boost this year from the summer sun, around one in five (19%) lost out due to connectivity issues.

The news comesshortly after Vodafone and Three merged in the UK – a deal that promised to create “one of Europe’s most advanced 5G networks.”

UK poor connectivity

One-third (33%) of the businesses involved said they could grow ecommerce, like online shopping and click and collect, with better connectivity. Others noted improved Wi-Fi for customers (41%), AI-enhanced customer service (30%) and increase social media use for promotions and bookings (43%).

“We know that tourism plays a critical role in boosting local economies across the UK,” VodafoneThree Chief Network Officer Andrea Donà explained. “That’s why VodafoneThree is investing £11 billion to build a network that provides reliable, quality connectivity to all corners of the UK.”

VodafoneThree has promised improvements to its networks during peak periods, with multi-operator core network (MOCN) technology allowing them to switch to the best available signal.

The company says 4G coverage will also be expanded to 16,500km more UK regions, including rural, coastal and countryside destinations, with 71% of VodafoneThree’s customers set to have access to the fastest 5G speeds by the end of year one.

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• Parental concerns over screen time grow as kids spend four hours online during the summer holidays
• The Secure Net update only helps UK families, despite Vodafone operating in over 20 countries
• Unstructured screen time rises during school breaks, sparking fresh demand for digital boundaries at home

As the summer holidays bring more freedom and fewer routines, children are spending much more time online, but new research has warned on the risks this could bring.

A report from VodafoneThree revealed screen time among 8 to 17-year-olds has risen to as much as four hours of unstructured use per day, a 42% increase compared to during the school term.

While some of this time is spent staying in touch with friends or occupying long journeys, nearly two-thirds (65%) of UK parents have expressed concern over the digital habits of their kids during school breaks and the overall impact on them.

Digital safeguards for kids arrive, but not for everyone

In response, VodafoneThree plans to release a major update to its Secure Net app offering enhanced parental control features designed to help families manage device use more easily.

“Unstructured screen time tends to naturally rise during the summer holidays, so we’ve teamed up with Digital Awareness UK to offer practical, parent-friendly guidance,” said Nicki Lyons, Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer at VodafoneThree.

“Combined with our Secure Net service, which offers the most comprehensive parental controls of any major UK network, families can feel more confident navigating the digital world together and enjoy a safer, more balanced summer break.”

The Secure Net app, which currently offers basic filtering and protection, will soon allow UK parents to manage both mobile and home broadband connections through a single interface.

Its goal is to create a simpler way for families to limit access to inappropriate content, reduce distractions, and encourage healthier routines.

The app features include “Pause the Internet,” “Bedtime Mode,” content filters, and a “Focus Time” setting that blocks certain apps during study periods.

While VodafoneThree describes the tool as offering the most complete set of parental controls among major UK networks, it is not a substitute for other forms of digital protection.

The app does not include antivirus or ransomware protection, and its main function is to control access rather than detect threats.

Families hoping to improve overall digital safety may still need separate software to protect against malware or more sophisticated attacks.

However, despite its global reach, the company is making the updated app available only to its UK customers at no additional cost.

This raises questions, particularly given the universal nature of the issues involved.

Parents across parent company Vodafone's many markets face similar concerns about screen time, harmful content, and lack of oversight, but they are left out for now.

"We know that the summer holidays can be a challenging time. This can't always be avoided, but without structure, it can lead to greater exposure to online harms, mental health effects, and unhealthy tech habits that are difficult to undo,” said Emma Robertson, CEO of Digital Awareness UK.

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Thousands of EE, BT and Vodafone users experienced voice calling issues for over two days this week, but the problems now seem to (finally) be sorted.

The outage first started on Thursday, July 24 at around 11am BST and appeared to be resolved later that day, before the mobile and landline issues re-emerged on Friday, July 25.

Frustrated users continued to report being unable to receive or make calls throughout Friday, but on Saturday, July 25 both EE and BT announced on X that an overnight fix had returned their services to normal.

Both networks say they that they "continue to conduct enhanced monitoring to prevent recurrence", but that voice calling should now be back to normal. Here's how the epic outage played out, what might have caused it and all of the latest advice if you're still having lingering issues...

The latest news

• EE and BT say a fix means services are now "running as normal"
• The voice calling outage started on Thursday, July 24 at 11am BST
• Thousands were affected over two days across EE, BT and Vodafone

Problems at most major networks?

This is an unusual situation – there appear to be spikes in reports of issues at all of the major UK networks, including EE, Vodafone and O2. There's a smaller, less notable spike at Three.

We typically see mobile outages hit multiple networks when they're related MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operator), who share the same cell network. But this morning's issues appear to be hitting all of the big networks simultaneously.

Vodafone responds

While it isn't an official statement from Vodafone acknowledging issues, the network's customer service reps on X are responding to some irate customers stating that "due to some technical issues" some will be experiencing issues with making and receiving calls.

Vodafone's X account says that the network is working to "fix this as soon as possible". I'm following up with them to see if there's an official statement on the problems.

The reports continue to rise

The reports of network issues are still steadily rising on Downdetector for both EE and Vodafone. At the time of writing, the spike for EE has shot above the 1,300 mark, and has climbed particularly sharply in the last 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, over on Vodafone the reports are only slightly lower at around 850. If they continue in this direction, I'll be expecting a statement from both networks about the issues (which mainly seem to be affecting calls) pretty soon.

Lebara also affected – and is Three now involved?

Because Lebara is part of the Vodafone network, it's also experiencing some issues today –with a notable spike of reports on Downdetector.

And now Three, which suffered the UK's last major network outage in late June, is also showing a small but significant rise in reports, currently standing at the 300 mark.

It's possible this is related to the problems on EE and Vodafone (with Three customers unable to get through on those other networks), and I don't currently have any problems on Three. But it's another one I'll be keeping an eye on.

No statements from the networks yet

I've contacted both EE and Vodafone for a statement on the ongoing issues with calls that many are experiencing, but haven't heard back yet – I'll update this liveblog as soon as I do.

Strangely, there's been little official acknowledgement of the problems on the likes of X, too. Vodafone is asking customers to send it private DMs about their issues, while EE's account says it's passing reports onto "the relevant team to look into".

While the outages aren't quite on the UK-wide scale of Three's last month, they are now affecting enough people to require an acknowledgement that they exist and an estimated timescale for a possible fix. Hopefully, that'll come soon if the reports continue to rise.

The problems are specific to calls

Across both EE and Vodafone, the reported issues are mainly related to phone calls (both outgoing and incoming).

But as the X post above suggests, the problems may also be specific to making calls to people on other networks – which would explain why we've seen simultaneous spikes across both EE and Vodafone.

I'm still awaiting statements from both networks on the exact cause, and a timescale for a resolution, and will let you know as soon as I hear anything.

An unusual network outage

This morning's problems across Vodafone and EE – and related networks like Lebara – are pretty unusual. They aren't a typical nationwide outage, where we use a large surge in reports, or a temporary blip where the reports quickly drop again.

This means it's likely a more specific technical issue. On Downdetector, a couple of comments have pointed the finger at 'SIP trunk providers', which connect business phone systems to public phone networks via the internet.

There's speculation that the ultimate fault lies with EE, but we'll hopefully get an official statement soon to put the rumors and uncertainty to bed.

A statement from BT

EE, which is a part of the BT group, has just sent me this short statement from a BT spokesperson: “We’re currently addressing an issue impacting our services. We apologise for any inconvenience caused; we’re working urgently to fix this issue and will provide a further update as soon as possible."

That doesn't shed too much light on the issues, but it seems the problem lies with the BT infrastructure underlying the mobile networks and broadband. I'll let you know as soon as I get that further update.

BT landlines also hit

While the biggest number of reported issues has been with phone calls on EE, there has been a large spike in reports of problems on BT landlines, too. That makes more sense now we know that the root cause of the problems seems to be from BT's infrastructure, according to its spokeperson.

A number of people on X have reported being unable to make or receive landline phone calls on BT. Some are also reporting that the helpdesk number is down.

BT's official account on X has only replied stating that it will share the complaints with its team to investigate, but at least BT's official statement (below) is more revealing. Hopefully there's a fix coming soon.

Vodafone says it has no issues

I've just heard back from a Vodafone spokesperson who's simply stated that "there is no problem with the Vodafone network".

That doesn't necessarily mean that Vodafone customers aren't experiencing any issues today, but it appears that these could simply be the knock-on effect of contacting those on EE or BT landlines.

This means it increasingly looks like the root problem is with BT and EE, which have both acknowledged the issue and "working urgently to fix" it. I'm chasing up BT for an update now and will update this liveblog as soon as I get one.

Signs of improvement?

I haven't yet received an updated statement from BT and its official X account is continuing to tell panicked customers that it's still "working urgently" to fix the issue.

On the plus side, the reports on Downdetector (below) seem to be dropping for EE and BT, as is the knock-on effect on the likes of Vodafone and O2. Curiously, Three UK (and related networks like ID Mobile) seems to be bucking the trend, suggesting there could be a separate issue there.

But in the main, the trend is looking positive – now all we need is some confirmation of a fix from BT to continue the promising news.

What's the main problem?

The bulk of complaints from EE customers are that they can't make or receive phone calls. For some, this seems to be universal problem across all networks, while for others it only affects calling other networks outside EE.

One TechRadar reader, who is on EE, messaged me to say that they can call others on EE, but not on other networks. They reported this to EE but it told them the local network was running without issue. EE seems to have changed its tune on social media since then, stating (like the BT statement) that "we’re currently addressing an issue impacting our services".

Over on BT, the issue is related more to landlines, where customers are again reporting being unable to make or receive calls. I've just chased up BT and EE for an update and will report back if I hear anything.

A nationwide issue

While BT and EE haven't expanded on the issue that's continuing to hit their landline and mobile networks, it's clear from Downdetector that this is a UK-wide issue.

The heat map of reports for EE (above) shows they've come from across the country, from London up to Glasgow. It's a similar story when you look at the map for BT, and the sources of the comments on the site and on X.

So while we've seen outages with a far higher spike in reports (for example, Three UK in late June), it's clear this one is still far-reaching and significant. I've asked BT and EE for another update on a rough timescale for a fix, as many customers are understandably getting frustrated at this point.

The problems persist

Sadly, that downward trend in reported issues from an hour ago hasn't continued in the right direction, with EE showing a spike from around 4.30pm BST.

It's a similar story on BT, while Vodafone – which maintains that it has no issues of its own – has gone back above the 1,000 mark again. Unfortunately, it looks like this one is going to run into the evening, but I'll update you as soon as I hear anything more (hopefully with better news).

An update from Vodafone

Earlier, Vodafone told me that there was "no problem" with its network, and that reported issues from its customers were all a knock-on effect from EE and BT.

However, with reported problems around incoming and outgoing calls continuing on Downdetector, I asked if it had an update. A Vodafone spokesperson told me: "Due to the ongoing EE network issue, and the way number porting works across networks, customers who have ported from EE to Vodafone or Three may experience issues too".

So that could certainly help explain why Vodafone's graph on Downdetector remains high at over 1,000 reports, at the time of writing. Presumably, once BT and EE fixes the root cause, that number should come down...

BT update – it's still working on a fix

BT has just got back to me with a small update. The main statement from a BT spokesperson is similar to before: "We’re currently addressing an issue impacting our services. We apologise for any inconvenience caused; we’re working urgently to fix this issue and will provide a further update as soon as possible”.

However, it also added that 999 is working as normal and that customers can and should continue using that, despite the wider voice calling issues. It also said that it's assessing the impact for customers and stressed that it is working hard to fully restore services for them.

Unfortunately, there's still no timescale for when that's going to happen, so customers will have to remain patient into this evening.

EE and BT customer services lines also down

Just to compound today's frustrations, the customer service phone lines for EE and BT also appear to be down right now.

I tried EE and that is still the case right now. I was prompted to try after a TechRadar reader emailed me to say that their son works in an EE call centre and that they were all down.

While it's possible to get through to BT's customer service, it sends you in a loop that makes it impossible to pick any options or speak to an advisor, suggesting there are still issues there too.

According to the BBC, the UK communications regulator Ofcom has also said that it's in contact with BT "to establish the scale and cause of the problem as soon as possible". So it looks like this sadly won't be a quick fix from here.

Is the problem fixed?

Good morning, BT and EE now say that yesterday's network problem – which affected mobile and landline calls for thousands – are now fixed. In the statement above, it says that "the service is running as normal".

However, that doesn't seem to be the case for everyone. On Downdetector, reports are starting to rise again this morning – on EE, for example, the reports are already at 380 and rising.

I'll be getting in touch with both networks this morning to find out what might be causing these residual issues and will update this liveblog as soon as I hear back.

Starlink briefly joined the outage party

If you thought satellite networks might be the answer to regular mobile or landline outages, Starlink yesterday gave us a brief reminder that they aren't infallible either.

In a completely unrelated outage yesterday at 3pm ET / 8pm BST, Starlink went down with reports hitting over 60,000 in the US and 10,000 in the UK on Downdetector.

If anything, it shows how many people are now reliant on satellite-based internet services, and that they too can be vulnerable to outages. Starlink's issues were, though, far more short-lived than EE and BT's, lasting only a few hours.

In fairness, it was also a rare incident for Starlink, which now has around six million users across 140 countries. Starlink's VP of Engineering Michael Nicolls said that it was due to a "failure of key internal software services that operate the core network".

He added that Starlink "will fully root cause this issue and ensure it does not occur again", which is a little more bullish than EE and BT have been on their issues...

This isn't over yet...

Oh dear, despite EE and BT's statement yesterday that the issues were fixed and that services were "running as normal", that doesn't seem to be the case according to Downdetector.

We've just seen big spikes in reports on EE, BT and Vodafone, with EE jumping above the 1,000 mark. Are these just teething issues from yesterday or a new problem? I've asked EE and BT what users can do if they're still experiencing problems, and will report back.

A repeat of yesterday?

This morning's spike in reported issues on EE and BT isn't matching yesterday's peak, but it is around halfway there. The problems appear to be the same – being unable to make or receive calls, although mobile data remains largely fine.

There's also a large spike on Vodafone, although this again appears to be related to the EE issues and calling people on that network. One Vodafone user on Downdetector has just noted that "I can’t call EE phones from Vodafone again today – it worked last night but it’s gone again today".

Interestingly, today's issues have started at an almost identical time to yesterday, around 11am BST. I've asked EE and BT for an update.

The frustrations continue

There still hasn't been any acknowledgement of this morning's issues from EE or BT.

Considering the reports are consistently back up to over half of yesterday's peak, this doesn't appear to be a temporary blip – and Vodafone is also seeing a similar spike, despite the network's protestations that its issues are a knock-on effect of customers being unable to call those on EE or BT.

If this continues, we'd expect to get an official update soon. The communication from all networks has been pretty sluggish, but hopefully this morning's problems won't drag on as long as yesterday. I'll update you as soon as I get a response.

Still no sign of a complete fix

Despite BT and EE's statement yesterday, it seems the issue isn't properly fixed. Reports of problems with phone calls have spiked again on EE, Vodafone, Lebara (which is on the Vodafone network) and, to a lesser extent, on BT landlines.

Frustratingly, EE's customer service lines also appear to be down again – I've tried the 07953 966 150 number recommended by EE customer service, and it isn't going through. I've tried a few numbers for BT too, and it's the same case there. I've asked EE and BT for an another update on what's happening and when there might be a fix.

Vodafone is also affected, but why? Yesterday, the network told me the issues were related to number porting across networks, so those who have ported from EE to Vodafone may also be affected. It certainly doesn't seem to be a simple issue to fix...

An update from BT and EE

I've just heard from BT spokesperson who has said: "Following yesterday's technical fault, we are currently experiencing some voice call issues today. The impact appears to be less widespread but we are working to resolve this as soon as possible and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused".

There's no estimate of a timescale, but it's good to hear some acknowledgement of the issues many have been experiencing today.

The problems persist

I'd like to be able to bring better news, but the problems that have been troubling EE, BT and Vodafone since yesterday – and spiked again today at 11am BST – are showing no real sign of improving.

There continue to be over 1,000 reports on Downdetector for EE and Vodafone, while BT landline issues continue to rumble on at a slightly lower (but still significant) level.

The response from both EE and BT continues to be that they are "experiencing some voice call issues today" that are "less widespread" than yesterday, but they're working to resolve them "as soon as possible".

Many understandably frustrated customers will be hoping that means before the weekend...

This is still affecting people

Phone network problems like today's aren't just an inconvenience for many people – they're also hitting businesses and, on some worrying occasions, emergency services.

Messages like the above have been common on social media since yesterday, and I've also received many several from people who feel quite powerless in the absence of fully working customer service lines.

One reader, who is actually on Vodafone, gave an insight into how random the issues can be. They said they have two identical phones in the same room and on the same network, but calls to one of them go straight to voicemail.

They added that they can make outgoing calls on it and receive calls on WhatsApp, but no more – adding that they're "not sure what to do as it’s affecting my business".

Separately, Richie Harrison (Ops Manager for the IT service provider Koris365) told me yesterday that the "biggest impact to our customers has been the call routing through Gamma systems that rely on the affected carriers, which have degraded or failed entirely". Some of those customers include Blue-Light services and hospitals.

Yesterday, we also saw the likes of South Western Ambulance and the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service post messages on X stating that the network issues were affecting 999 calls, although these have apparently since been resolved.

EE and BT told me again today that customers could and should use 999 as normal, so at least those issues seem to be sorted – but the impact of this extended outage continues for many.

Vodafone takes the baton

We're now well into day two of these major UK phone network issues – and while the bulk of the focus has been on EE and BT, who appear to be the root cause of the problems, Vodafone has also been significantly affected. In fact, it now has the highest number of reports on Downdetector at over 1,150 at the time of writing.

So why are Vodafone users still experiencing issues? Vodafone's social media channels have been frustratingly quiet, so allow me to fill the gap. Yesterday, the network told me: "Due to the ongoing EE network issue, and the way number porting works across networks, customers who have ported from EE to Vodafone or Three may experience issues too".

Unfortunately, that's the latest statement I've received from Vodafone. I did also receive a separate message from someone who works in an NHS Trust that uses EE, who similarly claimed that the issues were thought to be a routing problem affecting ported numbers. While I haven't been able to verify that source, it would explain why Vodafone users might be affected by an EE / BT problem, and why some numbers on EE haven't been affected at all.

It does also explain why these issues have lasted so long – this isn't a more traditional outage like the one we saw from Three in late June, but a seemingly more complex one that will (fingers crossed) hopefully be resolved by the weekend.

Let's hope for better news tomorrow...

Unfortunately, the latest from EE and BT remains that earlier statement at 3pm BST that the networks are working to resolve the voice calling issues that have now plagued customers for two days (with a brief respite).

Meanwhile, the reports from frustrated customers on both networks, plus Vodafone continue to rumble on, despite falling back to lower night-time levels.

We'll see how that plays out tomorrow, but this is the longest (and possibly strangest) network outage I've ever reported on. Fingers crossed for a resolution, or at least an official update, in the morning...

Welcome to day three

We're now into the third day of the voice calling issues that have hit ET, BT and Vodafone. The good news is that reports of outages on the networks are currently quite low, but also growing. But the bad is that there's still no official fix for the problems that have dogged some users since 11am BST on Thursday July 24.

It'll be interesting to see what happens this morning, particularly around 11am BST. For the last two days, that's when we've started to see a spike in reports across EE, BT and Vodafone. Yesterday was slightly better than Thursday, but the issues – thought to be due to an EE routing problem affecting ported numbers across all three networks – still affected thousands.

I'll be reporting on the latest news and, hopefully, an official fix from EE and BT.

Promising signs

While there's still been no official statement from EE or BT, there are signs that the network and voice calling issues of the past few days are finally petering out.

Over on Downdetector (above), there's been no sign of the mid-morning spikes in reports that we saw on Thursday and Friday, and social media complaints have also quietened down. Currently, the graphs are only a little above average across all three networks.

I'll be attempting to get an official statement so we can wave the finishing flag on this epic, cross-network outage, but for now the news is finally looking positive. Phew.

It's finally over (hopefully)

Good news, everyone – EE and BT have just posted a statement saying that an overnight fix seems to have done the trick and services are now "running as normal". That appears to be backed up by Downdetector reports, which are back to just above average on both networks and Vodafone.

That should mark the end of the longest-running network outage I've reported on. It fortunately didn't affect everyone, but those who were hit endured two days of frustrations. EE and BT still haven't specified what cause the voice calling issue, but the most likely culprit is an EE routing problem that affected ported numbers across all three networks.

If you were affected financially by the outage, I'll be back with the official advice on the potential for compensation (as always, it's never straightforward), but for now I'm signing off. Thanks to the many people who contacted us with their experiences on the world's least fun rollercoaster.

• Virgin Media O2 seals £343 million spectrum deal with Vodafone UK
• Deal covers four seperate bands of UK spectrum
• Virgin Media O2 will now hold nearly 30% of total UK mobile spectrum

Virgin Media O2 has confirmed a multi-million pound spectrum deal which should see it boost and expand its coverage across the UK.

The network will spend £343 million to acquire a total of 78.8Mhz of spectrum from Vodafone UK in a move which will not only boost customer experience, but also ensure the country has a well-balanced set of spectrum holders.

“This acquisition of spectrum will not only create greater balance in holdings across the UK’s mobile networks, but for Virgin Media O2 it will allow us to boost coverage and further improve our network quality, building on the significant investment we are already making in our mobile network," noted Lutz Schüler, CEO of Virgin Media O2.

Virgin Media O2 spectrum boost

The deal, which still requires final sign-off from Ofcom, means Virgin Media O2 now holds a total of around 30% of UK mobile spectrum.

It is part of a wider deal struck between Virgin Media O2 and Vodafone UK in July 2024, which saw the pair agree to extend and enhance their existing mobile network sharing arrangement for more than a decade.

The spectrum being acquired covers four separate bands, and should help address some previous imbalances in terms of specific holdings for UK mobile network operators, enhancing competition and allowing Virgin Media O2 to provide increased capacity, speeds and greater coverage for its customers - both in consumer contracts, and through the various MVNOs making use of the company's network.

"We’re committed to giving our customers a reliable mobile experience across the country and this increase in spectrum will help us deliver on that," Schüler added, with Virgin Media O2 having already spent more than £2 billion on boosting UK services and networks.

For Vodafone, the deal represents quite a significant payday, with the company happy to sell off spectrum it feels it no longer needs following its huge mega-merger with Three UK.

The newly-merged VodafoneThree recently revealed its launch of "The Nation's Network" - its combined service which it hopes will offer 99.95% standalone 5G coverage by 2034.

The company plans to spend £11 billion in spending over the next 10 years, with all 27 million Vodafone and Three customers now getting access to roam across each other’s networks, meaning users should be automatically connected to the best coverage available at no extra cost.

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• VodafoneThree officially launches as one of the UK's biggest networks
• Company promises £11bn investment in UK 5G networks
• Multi-brand strategy will see Vodafone, Three, VOXI, SMARTY and Talkmobile continue, but Three Business is no more

VodafoneThree has revealed more details about its new combined offerings as a fully merged UK network giant.

At a launch event in London attended by TechRadar Pro, the newly-merged business walked through its plans to offer nearly 27 million customers across the UK faster and more reliable networks.

This will be offered under a new branding as "The Nation's Network", combining the existing Vodafone and Three coverage in a bid to offer 99.95% standalone 5G coverage by 2034.

VodafoneThree and "The Nation's Network"

The move, which sees the number of UK mobile networks shrink from four to three, sees two of the country's largest providers make a huge investment into the country's mobile infrastructure.

Speaking at the launch, VodafoneThree CEO Max Taylor outlined plans to spend £11 billion in spending over the next 10 years, including £1.3 billion over this first year, in what he said was a tangible quarter-by-quarter, year-by-year progress plan.

He added the benefits of the merger will be immediately visible for users, with 7 million Three and SMARTY customers set to see a 20% average speed boost on 4G within the next two weeks thanks to sharing of combined spectrum.

Within the next few months, Taylor added all 27 million Vodafone and Three customers will get access to roam across each other’s networks, meaning users should be automatically connected to the best coverage available at no extra cost, and removing 6,500 sq/km of not spots (equivalent to 10x the size of London) by the end of 2025.

For those eager to try the new network, but with an existing contract on other suppliers, VodafoneThree is offering a seven-day, free, eSIM trial.

Users will be able to access the network on their existing phone and contract, simply by scanning a QR code, with no commitment to sign up at the end of the trial period.

Taylor noted he believes strongly in a multi-brand network, and plans to keep all the existing brands under the company's umbrella - meaning Vodafone, Three, VOXI, SMARTY and Talkmobile will all still remain.

However, for business-focused offerings, Taylor noted Vodafone will be the only brand going forward, combining units into a single team looking to become the UK’s biggest converged network for business.

It also has big plans for broadband, with VodafoneThree set to combine existing Three mobile broadband with Vodafone’s Full Fibre into a single home broadband portfolio under the Vodafone brand, with one converged brand for both businesses and consumers.

As the two fastest-growing UK broadband providers, the company already has over 2 million customers, and says it is able to bring fibre or fibre-like speeds (up to 2.2Gbps) to 22.5 million homes and businesses - with the goal now of extending this to 100% of UK homes and businesses.

Elsewhere, VodafoneThree says its work to deployment of 5G standalone (SA) networks will create thousands of jobs over its eight-year build period across engineering, construction, and maintenance of telecom towers, fibre optics, and base stations.

The company also plans to open two new customer care centres in Belfast and Sheffield with the next two years (alongside the existing call centres in Stoke and Glasgow), a move which will bring 400 sales and customer service roles back to the UK.

“A new era of connectivity has begun," declared Taylor. "We will connect every nation, every community, in every corner of the UK. We will build the UK’s best 5G network with an unprecedented £11bn privately funded infrastructure project, laying the digital foundation for our country’s growth ambitions."

"Benefits for our 27 million mobile customers will start within months, with access to roam across both networks at no extra cost. From big cities to small towns, and everywhere in between, our mission is to build the UK’s best network”.

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• Vodafone-Three merger is officially completed
• The new VodafoneThree network is one of the UK's biggest
• Company promises major investment in UK 5G networks

UK phone networks Vodafone and Three have announced the successful completion of their mega merger.

The move, which sees the number of UK mobile networks shrink from four to three, combines two of the country's largest providers, with the new VodafoneThree business covering around 29 million UK consumer and business customers.

“The merger will create a new force in UK mobile, transform the country’s digital infrastructure and propel the UK to the forefront of European connectivity," said Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group Chief Executive. "We are now eager to kick-off our network build and rapidly bring customers greater coverage and superior network quality. The transaction completes the reshaping of Vodafone in Europe, and following this period of transition we are now well-positioned for growth ahead.”

VodafoneThree is here

Nearly 1000 days after the deal was first announced, the new combined entity says it will now look to invest heavily in boosting UK mobile coverage and infrastructure.

This includes £11 billion in spending over the next 10 years (including £1.3 billion over this first year) to create what the company claims will be, "one of Europe’s most advanced 5G networks", with 5G Standalone network investment looking to," propel the UK’s mobile infrastructure to the forefront of European connectivity."

VodafoneThree will be led by Max Taylor, who was CEO of Vodafone UK, with Three UK’s Darren Purkis is appointed Chief Financial Officer. It is not thought any jobs will be lost in the merger.

The new company will be 51% owned by Vodafone and 49% by CKHGT, parent company of Three UK via its CK Hutchison arm.

“As we have demonstrated in other European markets, scale enables the significant investment needed to deliver the world-beating mobile networks our customers expect, and the Vodafone and Three merger provides that scale," noted Canning Fok, Deputy Chairman of CK Hutchison and Executive Chairman of CKHGT.

There was no mention of pricing changes or other alterations to pricing strategies for the time being, but asides from the cosmetic changes, it seems customers may have little to worry about.

This is despite initial warnings from the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority, which had previously cautioned the merger could, "lead to price increases for tens of millions of mobile customers, or see customers get a reduced service such as smaller data packages in their contracts."

The CMA had also highlighted potential effects on MVNOs such as Lyca Mobile, Sky Mobile and Lebara which utilise the existing network operators, making it more difficult for MVNOs to "secure competitive terms".

However in December 2024, the CMA gave its approval to the deal, saying it was satisfied a commitment to investment and spending from VodafoneThree would avoid any of these potential concerns.

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• New Vodafone research outlines serious worries for UK SMEs
• Many businesses receive no cybersecurity training
• Growing organizations are most at risk

Smaller businesses face a serious threat from cybercriminals, new research from Vodafone has revealed, with an estimated £3.4 billion in revenue lost per year to cyberattacks.

Growing organisations are at particular risk, with 80% of those with over 50 employees experiencing an attack - four times more than those with fewer than 50 workers.

Worryingly, over half (52%) of SMEs have not received cybersecurity training, and Vodafone argues that “more targeted awareness campaigns are needed” to make sure cybersecurity is engrained into SME business plans, and to “support proactive cyber risk management.”

AI acceleration

These attacks are costly too, with 28% of surveyed SMEs warning the average incident cost (£6,940) would be enough to put them out of business, which equates to roughly 530,000 businesses at risk.

Most SMEs are concerned about the effects of AI on cyberattacks, and rightly so.

AI is allowing attackers with fewer skills to send out more attacks , and these are more sophisticated than ever before. The barrier of entry for cybercriminals is significantly reduced thanks to AI technologies, which is proving a challenge for SMEs and global organisations alike.

In fact, AI-powered cyber threats are becoming the biggest worry for businesses of all size, with the skills shortage seriously impacting the average firm’s ability to defend against a growing onslaught of attacks.

“Addressing the cybersecurity gap requires decisive government action to minimise revenue losses and incentivise investment in digital security,” said Nick Gliddon, Business Director at Vodafone UK.

“This report calls on policymakers to take immediate and decisive action to protect SMEs online, by offering financial support in the form of tax incentives, grants, and subsidies for cybersecurity training and certification.”

“Ensuring the security of these businesses is not merely about preventing financial losses - it is about fostering their long-term resilience and sustaining their vital contributions to the broader economy.”

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• Vodafone’s Broadband Battery Backup powers routers in the event of outages
• BT, KCOM and Zen Internet will also be offering the device to customers, with a white-label product in the pipeline
• Vodafone Business will be offering the Battery Backup “in the near future”

New Ofcom regulations in the UK have given rise to a new backup battery for small business routers backed by the ISPs Vodafone, BT, KCOM and Zen Internet.

The Vodafone Broadband Battery Backup’s chief purpose is to keep landline-dependent customers, including those dependent on it to contact emergency services, activate a telecare alarm, or live in a remote area with low mobile coverage, connected ahead of the switch-off of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) in 2027, in favour of VoIP providers.

However, it will offer up to 7 hours battery life for a 25W router (4 hours for a 55W router), can power a router and modem simultaneously, and features a USB-C port for charging business smartphones and business tablets, making it an enticing development for SMB and enterprise customers.

Vodafone Broadband Battery Backup

Rob Winterschladen, Vodafone UK’s Consumer Director, said the company recognised “the vital importance of safeguarding landline-dependent customers”, referencing significant adverse weather events such as 2024’s Storm Darragh, which left 70,000 residents without power.

Research shows Britons have unreliable access to power. In 2023, UKPower found that 66% experienced a local outage, with 23% reporting that these happen almost annually.

The battery’s key draw is its compact size versus previously available comparable products, and an emergency mode that reserves 25% of the battery — useful in the event of an overnight outage.

“This new device is a vast improvement on anything that was available in the market, and essentially, is easy to install, to further support vulnerable consumers through the withdrawal of the traditional landline," noted David Barber, Zen Internet’s Strategy Director.

Meanwhile, Ian Shepherdson, KCOM’s Chief Technology Officer, said that “[the company] will use the devices to provide a longer-life battery for ‘at risk’ customers who have their voice service migrated and delivered via the full fibre network.”

They also tempered expectations. “While not providing full internet connectivity because of the way KCOM’s network is configured, the devices will provide up to 12 hours emergency cover for voice calls in the event of a power cut or similar event.”

Perhaps most importantly for TechRadar Pro readers, Vodafone Business has announced its Battery Backup will be available to its customers “in the near future”, and that it’ll be released in a white-label variant for other ISPs and telcos to offer to their customers at a later date.

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• Vodafone employees have been reminded to be in office 8 days per month
• Company policy has been in place since the pandemic, but enforcement is being ramped up
• Many other tech firms have removed flexible or hybrid work policies

Vodafone employees have been warned must spend at least 8 days per month in-office, or face missing out on bonuses and other perks.

Workers were sent a “Hybrid Working at Vodafone” memo, seen by The Register , which outlined the policy and told staff that they could face disciplinary action if these guidelines are not followed.

Vodafone’s policy still allows workers some flexibility, as employees are expected to be in office 2-3 times per week, but can work from home on the remaining days - and workers are advised to attend team days to “help teach members to form a pattern”.

Hybrid policies

"Employees who are not fully compliant with our hybrid working policy by the end of Q1 may be subject to disciplinary action in line with policy,” the memo says.

“Continued non-compliance with attendance expectations could result in a final written warning, which would mean individuals are not meeting the minimum performance standards and therefore would not be eligible for a bonus in 2026 or in subsequent years in which a final warning is given."

Vodafone passed on a statement, confirming that the memo was a reinforcement of an existing policy.

“Vodafone’s hybrid working policy has been in place since 2021, with all employees expected to be in the office 2-3 times a week, or at least 8 days a month," the company said. "This allows flexibility for staff, and for them to benefit from in-office collaboration.”

Vodafone is not the first to enforce a policy like this, with firms like Dell opting for one step further and ending hybrid work altogether, putting in full-time return-to-office orders.

This is despite the fact that studies have shown nearly all of us are much more productive when we work from home, with 50% of leaders introducing flexible working styles, and 82% planning to continue this.

Firms such as Amazon are enforcing return to office orders, despite almost all staff unhappy with the policy, with 73% of employees responding this made them consider moving jobs.

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• Vodafone has just passed a major landmark for satellite video calls
• It's demoed a "space video call" using a standard smartphone
• The service will roll out later this year, though there's no pricing yet

Vodafone has announced that it's hit a new milestone in the race to end frustrating cellular 'dead zones' – with what it's calling the "world's first space video call" using a standard mobile phone from "an area of no coverage."

Those qualifiers are important because Starlink and T-Mobile demoed a video call made through X (formerly Twitter) using unmodified phones last year. So Vodafone's claim is specific to making video calls from areas like the remote part of Wales where its demo took place.

Still, it's certainly a significant moment and a big step on Vodafone's path towards adding satellite connectivity to its network by the end of this year in the UK and across Europe "from later in 2025 and 2026."

Rather than replacing existing networks, direct-to-mobile satellite connectivity aims to be a helpful extension that could eliminate "not spots" (or dead zones) in rural areas and also, according to Vodafone, "vast stretches of surrounding sea."

Vodafone claims that its satellite experience "mirrors the experience of existing 4G and 5G mobile networks", although the demo phone call (which you can watch in the video below) certainly showed evidence of lag and low-res footage. We may have to wait for the full roll-out to get a better idea of quality.

The service is provided by BlueBird satellites from Vodafone's partner (and SpaceX rival) AST SpaceMobile. The system is based on five satellites and Vodafone calls it "the first and only mobile broadband network in space" that works directly with standard smartphones.

Rivals systems, like T-Mobile and Starlink's, are currently limited to text messages, although video calls and mobile data are on the roadmap. With AT&T and Verizon also working with AST SpaceMobile to provide a similar service in the US, satellite calling looks ready to take off globally in 2025.

How much will it cost?

The big unknown of Vodafone's satellite connectivity and rival systems is how much they'll cost. Vodafone hasn't yet commented on pricing, only stating that it'll start rolling out the service "following further tests this Spring" (so between March and June).

The need for satellite coverage, particularly video calls, depends greatly on where you live. In the UK, Ofcom has estimated that 9% of the country "lacks good quality 4G coverage from any operator". But those who live in urban areas will also be familiar with phone network "dead zones" caused by interruptions between cell towers.

Apple's iPhones and now Android phones like the Google Pixel 9 series have received free Emergency SOS Satellite features, which can be potential lifesavers. iOS 18 also introduced the ability to text anyone via a satellite connection, plus the option of getting roadside assistance.

It's possible that those services will eventually need a subscription, but Apple hasn't started charging yet. So, the question for mobile networks like Vodafone is how many people will need full mobile broadband via satellite compared to the emergency features that are currently available for free from Apple.

Still, we're not complaining about getting more connectivity options, and competition will hopefully drive the prices of satellite-based services down in the long term.

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• Vodafone Italy snapped up by Swisscom in €8 billion deal
• Move means Vodafone no longer operates networks in Italy or Spain
• Vodafone says it is focused on growth in the UK ahead of Three merger

Vodafone has confirmed the completion of the sale of its Italian business (Vodafone Italy) to Swisscom AG in a deal with €8 billion ($8.3 billion).

Switzerland’s Swisscom, primarily operating in its home country through its self-named network and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) such as Coop Mobile, already has some market share in Italy with its Fastweb brand, which it partly acquired in 2007 (€3 billion for 82%) before fully acquiring in 2010.

As part of the deal, Vodafone has agreed to continue providing certain services in Italy for up to five years post-completion.

Vodafone sells off Italian subsidiary to Swiss giant

The company confirmed that the proceeds of its sale would go toward reducing the Group’s net debt.

Walter Renna, CEO of Swisscom’s Fastbweb, will head the new Fastweb + Vodafone brand.

The sale of its Vodafone Italy follows the sale of its Spanish business in late 2023 – the Zegona Communications deal was worth €4.1 billion in cash.

At the time, company CEO Margherita Della Valle said the sale would “enable [Vodafone] to focus [its] resources in markets with sustainable structures and sufficient local scale.”

Vodafone has also had a busy few months in the UK, following CMA approval of its merger with Three at the beginning of December 2024. The deal, set to benefit “tens of millions of consumers and businesses,” will see the two former network giants invest £11 billion ($13.7 billion) into the UK’s 5G infrastructure.

Margherita Della Valle commented: “Today’s approval releases the handbrake on the UK’s telecoms industry, and the increased investment will power the UK to the forefront of European telecommunications.”

Speaking about the sale of Vodafone’s Italian business, Swisscom CEO Christoph Aeschlimann said: “The improved positioning in Italy will create long-term value for all stakeholders – thanks to growing cashflows and dividends in the future.”

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• Vodafone boss has promised that prices won't rise following the merger

The long-mooted merger between Vodafone and Three has been given the green light by regulators, in a move that creates the UK's biggest mobile phone operator. But what does this all mean for customers of both networks?

Ever since the £15bn merger was announced back in June 2023, opinions have been divided on what might happen – and whether or not it'll ultimately be a good deal for customers.

On the downside, evidence given to the Business and Trade Committee last year suggested that the typical result of these mergers is ultimately higher bills for consumers.

But in defending the deal, Vodafone's Chief Executive Margherita Della Valle has promised in an interview with the BBC's Today programme that the deal will be "self-funded" and that means "no extra costs from public funding and no extra cost for our customers".

Today's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) statement says that Vodafone and Three need to agree to legally-binding commitments, including "certain mobile tariffs to be capped for three years" while "virtual mobile providers will have access to pre-set wholesale prices and contract terms".

So what happens next? Here's what experts are predicting.

What's the latest Vodafone and Three merger news?

Today's statement from the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) marks then end of months of wrangling between Vodafone, Three and the UK watchdog.

Since announcing plans for a huge merger in June 2023, Vodafone and Three have been at loggerheads with the UK's watchdog about whether or not the deal should go through.

But today that process appears to be over, with Vodafone and Three given the green light to merge, based on commitments to investing billions in the UK's 5G network and freeze existing prices on tariffs and data plans for the first few years.

This all follows the CMA's "provisional" declaration a month ago that strongly hinted that it would approve the merger with these stipulations. This is big news for anyone who use mobile networks in the UK – here's what it means...

What are analysts saying about the Vodafone and Three merger?

Opinions are still split on whether or not the Vodafone-Three merger is good news long-term for UK consumers, with the impact likely to hinge on how well the CMA enforces the companies' commitments – but everyone agrees it's a huge shakeup.

"This mega-merger marks one of the most significant moments in the history of UK mobile", according to Kester Mann, Director, Consumer and Connectivity at CCS Insight.

According to Mann, the decision is "the right one" and could be good news for all UK mobile network customers, in the long-term at least. "It should pave the way for more-efficient investments to bring about much-needed improvements to mobile services in the UK".

But not everyone is quite as positive on the impact for consumers. Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said: "The two companies are currently close competitors so the merger is likely to reduce competitive pressure in the market which could lead to higher prices and lower quality for consumers, at least in the short term".

Concha added that "the CMA has taken a gamble with the package of remedies it has settled on" and that, for it to work for consumers, "the CMA and Ofcom must rigorously monitor whether the merged company sticks to its commitments and be prepared to act decisively if it does not."

What does the Vodafone and Three merger mean for you?

Right now, EE is the UK's most popular mobile network, according to Confused data, with around 25 million customers. O2 is close behind with 24 million customers, with Vodafone and Three currently behind those big two. This merger catapults the joint company (MergeCo) into becoming the new market leader with 29 million customers.

In the short term, little will change for both existing and future customers. Vodafone says "existing Vodafone and Three contracts will stay the same". And the CMA's stipulations mean both networks will need to "commit to retaining certain existing mobile tariffs and data plans for at least three years, protecting millions of current and future Vodafone / Three customers (including customers on their sub-brands) from short-term price rises in the early years of the network plan".

So whether you're on Vodafone, Three, or one of the so-called Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) providers that piggyback on both networks, you should be protected from any price rises or big contract changes – for the first few years following the merger, at least.

The question is what happens after that – and in his analysis provided to the Business and Trade Committee on the merger last year, Professor Tommasso Valleti (former chief competition economist at the European Commission) said that "the answer is unambiguous" and that these mergers typically see "prices go up by 16%".

This means the longer-term result of the merger on consumers could come down to how successfully Ofcom (the telecoms regulator) and the CMA get Vodafone and Three to stick to those commitments on mobile tariffs, data plans, and wholesale deals for MVNOs.

Either way, the CMA seems confident that the Vodafone-Three merger will be a net positive for the UK's mobile networks. It says the deal would see "a multi-billion-pound commitment to upgrade the merged company’s network across the UK, including the roll-out of 5G".

In theory, the merger shouldn't have a huge effect on existing Vodafone and Three customers in the short-term, due to the CMA's proposed stipulations. But the long-term landscape of the UK's mobile networks will undoubtedly change – and despite Vodafone's proclamations today, customers could ultimately end up footing some of the bill for those much-needed infrastructure upgrades.

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• The companies must invest in the UK network and cap their prices
• Together with VMO2, they expect to support 50 million customers

After a year-long investigation, Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has given approval to the Vodafone-Three merger, a deal worth £15 billion ($19 billion).

By consolidating their UK operations, Vodafone and Three hope to become a market leader with 29 million customers, making the merged firm even bigger than EE, which claims to have 25 million customers.

As part of the process, the CMA stipulated that the two companies must “sign binding commitments to invest billions to roll out a combined 5G network across the UK.”

Vodafone-Three merger given the go-ahead

Under the agreement, Vodafone will have a 51% stake, with Three owner CK Hutchison taking the remaining 49%.

Previously concerned about the potential for higher prices due to decreased competition and less advantageous terms for virtual network providers, the CMA concluded: “The group has confirmed it is now satisfied that the proposed network commitment, supported by shorter term protections for both retail and wholesale customers, resolve its competition concerns.”

The CMA says that by upgrading their networks over the course of the next eight years, Vodafone and Three’s work would actually boost competition. As a component of the terms set out by the CMA, Vodafone and Three must also cap their mobile tariffs and data plans for three years to protect customers against sharp price rises in the early years of the merger.

Stuart McIntosh, chair of the independent inquiry group leading the investigation, commented: “Having carefully considered the evidence, as well as the extensive feedback we have received, we believe the merger is likely to boost competition in the UK mobile sector and should be allowed to proceed – but only if Vodafone and Three agree to implement our proposed measures.”

Vodafone CEO Margherita Della Valle said: “Consumers and businesses will enjoy wider coverage, faster speeds and better-quality connections across the UK, as we build the biggest and best network in our home market.”

Given that Virgin Media O2 agreed earlier in 2024 to a long-term network-sharing agreement with Vodafone and Three, subject to the now-approved merger, an anticipated 50 million UK customers will see the benefits.

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The rise of sophisticated AI-powered phishing attacks has introduced a new level of threat to businesses across all sectors.

These attacks use machine learning, natural language processing and generative AI to create convincing phishing attacks that are far more sophisticated, hyper-personalised, scalable and in some cases, near impossible to detect by even the most tech-savvy of professionals.

As companies quickly adapt to digital transformation, staying aware of these AI-driven threats and understanding how to protect against them has become even more crucial.

To foster awareness of this rising threat, Vodafone Business has launched a new campaign to educate businesses, large and small, on the threat of AI-driven sophisticated cyber-attacks and the strategies businesses can employ to identify, manage and mitigate them.

As part of the campaign, we spoke to businesses across the country to find out how prepared they were to manage an advanced AI cyber-attack, and we found:

• 94% of business leaders were concerned about falling victim to phishing and other forms of cyber-attacks.
• More than half of business leaders had been targeted by a phishing scam in the past two years.
• Those who had been targeted revealed a staggering 82% of those attempts were made over emails, 39% by phone and 22% through social media.
• Only 40% of business leaders felt suitably trained to identify and manage a phishing attempt.
• 80% of business leaders agreed that cybersecurity training would be helpful for their employees but only 64% had provided any in the past 2 years.

With such a significant and harder to detect threat on the rise, businesses both large and small must adopt a proactive, multi-layered approach to their cybersecurity, combining technical safeguards with employee education and AI-driven solutions of their own.

So, what can businesses like yours do to stay ahead of the curve and stay protected online? Let’s break it down.

What makes AI phishing so dangerous?

AI has given cybercriminals a powerful new tool to launch highly targeted, convincing attacks at scale. Malicious actors are now able to easily craft emails, messages, and even phone calls that feel incredibly real. These attacks are no longer generic: they’re specific, realistic and incredibly sneaky.

AI-driven phishing schemes often use data from social media profiles, business networks and even internal communications to craft messages that appear completely legitimate by using some of the following techniques:

• Spot-on impersonations: AI can mimic communication styles, making it hard to tell if that email from your boss is real or fake.
• Deepfake calls: Imagine receiving a voicemail from a client or your CEO, only to find out it was an AI-generated deepfake trying to scam you.

Sounds terrifying, right? And it’s not just large companies being targeted - small businesses are just as likely to fall victim because they often don’t have huge IT departments or the latest security tools. Don’t worry, however. Your business can take several measures to ensure you and your employers remain vigilant.

How to spot AI-powered phishing attempts?

While these attacks are often more sophisticated, there are still a few things you can look out for:

• Odd requests: If an email or message is asking for something unusual - like urgent money transfers or confidential info - pause for a moment and think. AI phishing often relies on creating a sense of urgency to get you to act quickly.
• Tiny details: Pay close attention to small things like email addresses or wording that’s slightly off. AI can be super accurate, but mistakes happen.
• Does it feel off? If something feels impersonal or just doesn’t sound like the person who sent it, trust your gut. AI-generated messages may miss those subtle human touches.

Make sure your team knows what to look for

One of the most effective defences is creating a culture of awareness throughout your company. Regularly training employees on how to spot phishing attempts - especially AI-driven ones - is critical. This should include:

• Simulate phishing attacks: Test your employees with fake phishing emails to see how they respond. It’s a great way to build up their defences without any real risk.
• Keep your team updated: Cybercriminals are always evolving, so make sure your team knows about the latest phishing trends, especially AI-driven ones.
• Encourage a ‘double-check’ culture: Foster a work environment where employees feel comfortable double-checking unusual requests, even if they come from senior leadership.

Strengthen your tech defences

Just like attackers are using AI to strengthen their attack strategies, so too can businesses to bolster their own defences. Here are a few technical measures you can implement to help you fight back:

• AI-powered detection tools: As phishing attacks evolve, so too must the tools used to detect them. Invest in AI-driven security software that can identify anomalies in emails and flag suspicious communications.
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Requiring two or more methods of verification can prevent unauthorised access, even if login credentials are stolen in a phishing attempt.
• Email security filters: Keep your email filtering systems up to date. They’re your first line of defence in catching phishing attempts before they even reach your employees. They can be configured to catch not just spam, but subtle phishing attempts as well.

Have a response plan in place

No matter how prepared you are, there's always a chance that an attack will slip through. Having a resilient response plan in place can help mitigate the damage.

• Incident response team: Ensure your IT or security team knows how to respond swiftly to a breach, containing it before it spreads.
• Clear reporting process: Make it easy for employees to report phishing attempts or potential security incidents, with clear instructions on what to do if they fall victim.
• Post-incident reviews: After any attack, review what went wrong and how to prevent it in the future. Constant improvement is key to staying ahead.

Additionally, we would also ask the Government to consider the following policy proposals to ensure businesses are suitably equipped to manage the rising threat of AI-driven cyber scams:

• Introduce financial incentives, such as tax breaks, grants or subsidies, for businesses that invest in cybersecurity measures, including training and certification.
• Develop a nationwide PR campaign to promote Cyber Resilience Centres (CRCs) and the Cyber Essentials certification among businesses of all sizes.
• Reallocate funds within the National Cyber Security Strategy budget to support targeted local initiatives for businesses
• Promote the development and adoption of AI-driven cybersecurity tools and provide training to businesses on preventing AI-led cyber-attacks
• Establish additional Cyber Resilience Centres in underserved regions and enhance the capabilities of existing centres to offer tailored support for businesses

Instead of fearing AI phishing, businesses should use it as an opportunity to strengthen their cybersecurity defences and create a more secure environment for your business. Vodafone CybSafe for example is a great tool your business can employ to help develop a security first culture.

Remember, cybercriminals are counting on us to make mistakes—but with a little preparation, we can outsmart them and keep data safe. The key is to remain vigilant, stay informed, and never assume that you're too small or too smart to fall victim.

No matter the size of your business, Vodafone Business offers a range of cybersecurity solutions to help keep your organisation protected online from sophisticated threats.

• To find out more visit: https://www.vodafone.co.uk/business/cyber-security-solutions?cid=ref-ent_pr_ebu/mltprd/prosec/aws/10.24/ntst

• CMA rules Vodafone-Three merger could be viable
• Combined network would be one of the UK's biggest
• Networks hail decision as pivotal moment for UK's network infrastructure

The proposed merger between Vodafone and Three has taken a major step forward following an apparent declaration of support from the UK's competition regulator.

The companies announced plans to join together in a £15bn merger deal back in 2023, combining two of the country's most established mobile networks.

Following months of consultations, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has said the merger could now go ahead, provided both companies make promises concerning pricing and 5G network expansion.

Vodafone-Three merger progress

In its provisional conclusions, the CMA has said the deal had "the potential to be pro-competitive for the UK mobile sector".

"We believe this deal has the potential to be pro-competitive for the UK mobile sector if our concerns are addressed," noted Stuart McIntosh, chair of the CMA inquiry group leading the investigation.

"Our provisional view is that binding commitments combined with short-term protections for consumers and wholesale providers would address our concerns while preserving the benefits of this merger."

"A legally binding network commitment would boost competition in the longer term and the additional measures would protect consumers and wholesale customers while the network upgrades are being rolled out."

A final decision will now be made before the December 7 statutory deadline, with feedback on this initial news invited now.

The news is perhaps somewhat surprising, as back in September 2024, the CMA's "provisional view" had "provisionally concluded" the merger would, "lead to price increases for tens of millions of mobile customers, or see customers get a reduced service such as smaller data packages in their contracts."

"The CMA has particular concerns that higher bills or reduced services would negatively affect those customers least able to afford mobile services as well as those who might have to pay more for improvements in network quality they do not value," it added.

It highlighted potential effects on MVNOs such as Lyca Mobile, Sky Mobile and Lebara which utilise the existing network operators, as the merger would reduce the number of network operators from 4 to 3, making it more difficult for MVNOs to "secure competitive terms".

It also added the merger, "would lead to a substantial lessening of competition in the UK – in both retail and wholesale mobile markets."

A final report will be published on December 7, 2024, with a further period of consultation now taking place.

Unsurprisingly, Vodafone and Three have positively to the news, calling the merger, "a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the UK’s digital infrastructure," in a joint statement.

"The merger will be a catalyst for positive change," the companies added, "it will bring significant benefits to businesses and consumers throughout the UK, and it will bring advanced 5G to every school and hospital across the country. The merger is also closely aligned with the Government’s mission to drive growth and to encourage more private investment in the UK.

"As the Government has recognised, high quality digital networks are pivotal to this, as all countries’ future prosperity and technological advancement will be underpinned by world-class connectivity."

The merger was announced in June 2023, with plans to form a new £15bn-valued telco giant and "create one of Europe's leading 5G networks." Vodafone was set to be the slight majority owner of the new combined group, currently known as MergeCo, controlling 51%, with CK Hutchinson keeping the remaining 49%.

MergeCo intends to invest over £6 billion in the first five years, and £11 billion over a ten year plan, to create a "best-in-class 5G network", supporting between 8,000 and 12,000 new jobs in the wider economy, as well as expecting to deliver up to £5 billion per year in UK economic benefit by 2030, supporting the digital transformation for schools, hospitals and businesses, with its standalone 5G network will cover every school and hospital in the UK.

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When we reviewed the Galaxy Z Flip 6 a few months ago, we called it Samsung’s best flip foldable ever, adding that it “offers undeniable power, professional-grade software, and the peace of mind that comes with improved durability and years of Android upgrades ahead.”

Vodafone now offers it on its most affordable plan, great for solopreneurs, small businesses, micro-enterprises and startups, eager to get their hands on the best devices on the market without impacting the balance sheet.

Users get more flexibility with two plans that can be paid separately. On a standard 36-month, contract, you pay £25.83 per month for 36 months (+ £41.67 upfront) for the Galaxy Z Flip 6 (in this example, a 256GB model). A 3-year, 3GB Airtime plan will cost only £15.75 per month, increasing by £1.50 every April. Prices exclude VAT and can be modified as part of Vodafone’s Evo promise (sole traders only).

Vodafone offers a unique free lifetime warranty against manufacturer faults for as long as you are a client. This is great if you have any qualms about the screen crease on the Flip 6; the network also promises to replace your existing battery for free if it underperforms.

About the Flip 6

Samsung’s latest flip phone is a technological marvel with a powerful Snapdragon 8 processor, 12GB of RAM and at least 256GB onboard storage, its flexible display pairs well with the smaller but very useful external screen.

Business users will love that it comes with Knox Vault to stay connected and protected with what Samsung calls defense-grade security. It is a shame that it doesn’t offer DeX, a very useful productivity feature only available on the Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy S series. Find out more about Dex and how it can change your work life.

It is also dust and water-resistant, great for busy professionals, and its 4000mAh is one of the biggest in this category for longer work sessions. Flip 6 integrates Galaxy AI and a slew of other Google-powered AI features (such as circle to search) which will boost employer productivity. My favorite is Interpreter, which is real-time translation without additional software.

The figures and estimates presented in this article are provided by Google Finance and are accurate as of September 13, 2024. At no point should readers consider any part of this article to be financial or legal advice. 

Apple has officially revealed the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, with preorders live now and the phones going on sale Friday, September 20. 

iPhone fans and those looking for their next phone upgrade will naturally be keeping an eye out for iPhone 16 deals in the coming months. This is especially true for UK residents who end up paying a premium for iPhones thanks to the high value of the pound. 

In this article, we use the term "resident" to refer to anyone who lives in the UK, regardless of their legal definition. 

Apple lists its iPhone lineup at the same numerical prices for all models and configurations in the US and UK, but depending on market conditions, the dollar is about 24% less valuable than the pound, meaning iPhones in the US are cheaper. 

The recommended retail price (RRP) for the base iPhone 16 in the US is $799, the equivalent of £608.83 as of September 13, 2024. 

However, any UK resident buying an iPhone in the US should be looking to buy an unlocked iPhone – that’s an iPhone that doesn’t come pre-connected to any American mobile network provider. 

If you buy directly from Apple US, an unlocked iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Plus costs $30 more than a carrier-locked one. The prices of the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are the same whether you buy a carrier-locked or unlocked model, but you should still buy an unlocked iPhone to avoid initiating a contract with a foreign mobile network provider. 

 iPhones sold by Apple in the UK are unlocked. Prices listed are for the cheapest configuration of each iPhone model.  

Obviously, it’s not going to be economical for a UK resident to travel to the US just to buy an iPhone, but those heading there anyway may be tempted by these lower prices.

However, before you head to the bureau de change, there are some factors to seriously consider before buying an iPhone in the US, from hardware differences to tax technicalities.

1. Sales tax

In the UK, the listed price of an item is typically what you pay at the point of sale, including relevant taxes and duties such as VAT. 

This is because VAT – set at 20% since 2011 – is decided by the UK government, making it easy for manufacturers and retailers to factor it into prices. 

This is decidedly not the case in the US, where sales taxes are decided and applied at not just the state level, but also by counties and cities. The amount of sales tax you’ll pay varies from 0% in Oregon, New Hampshire, and most of Montana and Delaware, up to a maximum of 13.5% in Arab County, Alabama. 

Taking this maximum sales tax and applying it to the unlocked base-model iPhone 16 gives us a total price of $940.92 / £716.97 - a fair bit more expensive than the listed price of $829.

Granted, this still results in a discount when compared to prices in the UK. But it’s important to factor sales taxes into your budget if you’re hoping to buy an iPhone in tourist hotspots like New York City or Los Angeles. 

2. Be ready for eSIM

Starting with the iPhone 14 family, iPhones sold in the US have eschewed the SIM tray for an eSIM-only approach. 

An eSIM – or embedded SIM – is effectively a digital contract that allows you to connect to a carrier’s phone network without a physical SIM card. 

Earlier this year, a report by Juniper Research suggested that as many as half of all connected devices in the US use eSIMs – they’re available in the UK, but a 2023 YouGov poll showed that adoption sits at around 4%.

Using an eSIM in the UK should be simple enough if you’re willing to go digital-only with your mobile network contract. But those who rely on prepaid SIMs when travelling, or just like to have the option, will be relieved that the SIM tray survives on new iPhones sold in the UK. 

Carriers like EE, Vodafone, and O2 do offer eSIMs in the UK. We contacted all three companies to ask whether a US iPhone will work with an eSIM issued in the UK.

EE told us that any iPhone should work with an eSIM in the UK, and we have yet to hear back from Vodafone and O2.

3. Warranty and returns

Buying an iPhone from a US retailer may leave you stuck if your new device turns out to be faulty or broken. 

We can’t yet verify whether Apple honors warranties for products purchased abroad – we have contacted Apple for clarification on this matter but received no response. 

We can’t summarise the specifics of each retailer’s warranty, but we’d suggest this is especially relevant when dealing with retailers with no or limited presence in the UK.

If you need to send your iPhone back, a retailer in the US could ask you to pay for shipping costs, which comes with the possibility of your phone being held at customs or lost in transit. 

We strongly advise you to carefully check the warranty and returns policy of any US retailer you’re considering purchasing an iPhone from, whether you plan to buy in person or by order. 

For reference, the UK has strong consumer protection laws that give customers the right to cancel an order for a full refund within 14 days of the day the goods were received. The customer then has a further 14 days to return the goods. This applies to orders made online, by mail, and over the phone, but not in person. 

Though Apple does not legally have to, the company’s returns policy indicates that this grace period is extended to purchases made at the Apple Store. 

Furthermore, UK law mandates that faulty goods can be returned for a full refund if sold as faulty, and if a fault develops after purchase you have six years to make a claim for repair or replacement (five years in Scotland).

It may be harder to make warranty claims against international dealers simply because of the logistics of getting your iPhone across to the US. Those who value peace of mind in the rare chance of opening a faulty product may want to purchase an iPhone domestically.

As for AppleCare+, Apple’s insurance product for iPhones and other devices, coverage is international, though Apple may use locally available parts and models for repairs and replacements. 

4. Delivery, customs duty, and VAT

Those looking to bring an iPhone into the country themselves may have concerns about customs duty at the airport or when their package arrives in the UK.

The good news for those physically bringing a new iPhone into the UK with them is that there is no customs duty on mobile phones bought for personal use, although you will have to declare goods at customs if the total value of goods brought into the UK exceeds £390, or £270 if travelling by private plane or private boat. 

iPhones bought outside the UK or EU for business use are subject to a 3.3% customs duty. You must declare goods bought abroad for business purposes at customs. 

As for deliveries, VAT is charged on all goods entering the UK by mail unless they are gifts worth £39 or less or non-excise goods worth between £39 and £135 (excise goods include alcohol, tobacco, and energy products). This includes packages sent from person-to-person.  

As mentioned, the rate of VAT is 20% for electronics. This bumps the price of the unlocked base iPhone 16 up from $829 to $994.80, which works out to around £757.59 – not far off of the standard list price in the UK, and that’s before shipping charges, which are themselves likely to be drastically higher than domestic delivery costs. 

Any potential savings are barely more noticeable for the iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

You may be liable to pay further handling charges when your package is held for inspection at the UK border, charges which are notoriously difficult to predict. 

Apple’s US website will not let you purchase an iPhone for delivery to a UK address, but other retailers may choose to allow this. You’d probably pay hefty shipping fees in addition to unpredictable customs charges. In short, it’s just not a good idea.

5. Frequency bands

The frequency bands that phones use to connect to cellular networks are different from country to country. 

iPhone 16 series phones sold in the US support all of the frequency bands supported by their UK counterparts, so you don’t need to worry about this for Apple’s latest handsets. As for older models, we advise you to check Apple’s website and that of your carrier to assess whether a US-made iPhone will work on your chosen UK network. 

We asked EE, Vodafone, and O2 about whether iPhones sold in the US are likely to have any issues connecting to UK frequencies. A representative of EE said: “We are not aware of any issues connecting to UK frequency bands,” but added, “EE cannot guarantee the performance of the device which was brought in the US [sic].”

We have not yet received a response from Vodafone or O2. 

Buying an iPhone in the US - is it actually a good deal? 

Ultimately, whether buying an iPhone in the US is a good idea depends on whether you were planning to travel to the US to begin with, and just how eager you are to save a bit of money.

If you’re tech savvy enough to deal with eSIM and stay apprised of local sales taxes, buying an iPhone on a trip to the US could be a viable way to save a bit – but honestly not a lot – of money. 

This is barely worth it when you tally up the benefits of buying an iPhone domestically. Buying in the UK means you’ll have greater ability to exercise your consumer rights, easier warranty claims, cheaper delivery, more SIM options, and won’t even have to consider customs charges or additional taxes.

We’d go so far as to say you should never order an iPhone for delivery from the US to UK, as you’re likely to incur high shipping costs and may have to pay VAT and additional customs charges.

So there you have it. In general, we don’t think buying an iPhone in the US is a good idea if you’re a UK resident. But if you stay aware of the risk factors and really want to save a little money, the option’s there.  

And if you’ve now decided where you’d like to buy your new iPhone, head on over to our guide to the best iPhones in 2024 for help deciding on which model is right for you.  

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Vodafone and Three have reacted strongly to initial findings by the UK's anti-competition watchdog concerning their planned merger.

The companies announced plans to join together in a £15bn merger deal back in 2023, combining two of the country's most established mobile networks.

However, the first report by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has raised doubts, saying the deal could lead to higher prices and tougher market conditions for MVNOs.

Vodafone-Three merger plans

In its "provisional view", the CMA said it had "provisionally concluded" the merger would, "lead to price increases for tens of millions of mobile customers, or see customers get a reduced service such as smaller data packages in their contracts."

"The CMA has particular concerns that higher bills or reduced services would negatively affect those customers least able to afford mobile services as well as those who might have to pay more for improvements in network quality they do not value," it added

It highlighted potential effects on MVNOs such as Lyca Mobile, Sky Mobile and Lebara which utilise the existing network operators, as the merger would reduce the number of network operators from 4 to 3, making it more difficult for MVNOs to "secure competitive terms".

The authority did note there could be some positive effects from the merger, admitting the combination of Three and Vodafone's infrastructure could, "improve the quality of mobile networks and bring forward the deployment of next generation 5G networks and services".

However, it noted these claims could also be overstated, concluding the merger, "would lead to a substantial lessening of competition in the UK – in both retail and wholesale mobile markets."

A final report will be published on December 7, 2024, with a further period of consultation now taking place.

Unsurprisingly, Vodafone and Three reacted strongly to the report, noting in a joint response the opportunities the merger offered to improve the UK's mobile infrastructure for a combined 50 million strong customer base.

“Our merger is a catalyst for change. It’s time to take off the handbrake on the country’s connectivity and build the world-class infrastructure the country deserves. We are offering a self-funded plan to propel economic growth and address the UK’s digital divide," said Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone’s Chief Executive.

“Great network connectivity is a critical enabler of so many elements of our daily life and is central to the future prospects of so many sectors. Businesses large and small are dependent on it and it enables new industries – like AI – to thrive. It facilitates a step change in productivity and care across the public sector, and it lies at the heart of every nation’s future prosperity.”

“The current UK 4 player mobile market is dysfunctional and lacks quality competition with 2 strong players and 2 weak players," added Robert Finnegan, Chief Executive of Three UK.

"This is reflected in the current state of the UK’s digital infrastructure that everyone agrees falls well short of what the country needs and deserves. We are determined to reassure the CMA in relation to their provisional concerns and work with them to secure the extensive benefits this merger brings for UK customers, businesses and wider society.”

The merger was announced in June 2023, with plans to form a new £15bn-valued telco giant and "create one of Europe's leading 5G networks." Vodafone was set to be the slight majority owner of the new combined group, currently known as MergeCo, controlling 51%, with CK Hutchinson keeping the remaining 49%.

The CMA said back in April 2024 an "in-depth investigation" into the merger would be needed, following an initial warning that Vodafone and Three would need to provide "meaningful solutions" to concerns surrounding the deal.

The two companies were also keen to highlight the advantages of combining their two 5G networks for consumers and businesses alike, with MergeCo intending to invest over £6 billion in the first five years, and £11 billion over a ten year plan, to create a best-in-class 5G network, supporting between 8,000 and 12,000 new jobs in the wider economy.

MergeCo also expects to deliver up to £5 billion per year in UK economic benefit by 2030, supporting the digital transformation for schools, hospitals and businesses, with its standalone 5G network will cover every school and hospital in the UK.

• Check out the best cheap cell phone plans

As proud sponsors of Wimbledon, the Welsh Rugby Union and Principality Stadium, at Vodafone, we know first-hand that sporting events are no small feat to pull off and can place significant demand on the network. 

Thankfully, the world is waking up to the power of 5G and realising how it can transform sporting events for venues, merchants, and fans alike. In fact, the International Olympic Committee is already leveraging the power of AI in this year’s Paris games. However, beyond athlete analytics and live-action replays on TV, many people are still unaware of the exciting role tech, particularly 5G, can play in their favourite sports.

Why 5G is better than 4G and 3G at sporting events

We know that fans use their phones to meet up with friends, capture match highlights on social media, share their experience with friends and families who can’t make the event, and plan their journey home – but everyone doing this at once puts the network under pressure, which is added to by the venues and merchants needing to operate tills and payment machines. 

That’s where 5G comes in. 5G is the latest generation of wireless technology and offers much faster speeds than 4G, as well as a more reliable connection and low latency (bufferless) experience. This means more phones and devices can be connected in the same area without slowing down download speeds, which is crucial in a crowded stadium. And, now that we’ve retired our 3G network in line with the Government’s deadline, its radio waves can be used to bolster the 4G network for even more improved coverage across UK stadiums. 

Earlier this year, we installed 5G in Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, a 74,000-capacity venue, in record time for the 2024 Guinness Six Nations Championships. This saw a huge 40% increase in data usage on our network at the Wales vs Scotland game compared with the Wales vs South Africa game in 2023 – enough to rewatch the match 360 times over.

Improving connectivity

We’re currently preparing for the rollout of the next generation of connectivity – 5G Standalone: an entirely new, upgraded network that will offer even faster speeds and lower latency, but will also bring exciting new possibilities such as network slicing. 

Today, all internet traffic happens on the same network. With slicing, a dedicated virtual slice of the network can be isolated to serve different purposes, this means everyone can access the network without delay or interruption, no matter how busy the crowds get. For instance, a slice could be dedicated to emergency services so they can respond to incidents as quickly as possible; another slice could be dedicated for broadcasters; one for food and drink merchants, and another for fans – putting an end to the dreaded stadium black spots! 

We successfully trialled network slicing last year to support ITN in broadcasting The Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III – the first of its kind for UK broadcasting. We were able to help ITN seamlessly broadcast the Coronation live from a jam-packed Westminster to the nation’s TV screens wirelessly without a hitch – a promising blueprint that could be replicated at the likes of the Olympics and the Euros in the future.

Opening up new experiences for businesses

A quicker and greener half time snack and drink: 

With thousands of empty stomachs all queuing at once across several events this year, many fans are put off grabbing a bite to eat because of the dreaded queue. That means venues risk losing out on sales during what should be their most profitable period of the year, but that’s where 5G can step in. We recently conducted some modelling with Development Economics which found that 5G-powered technologies could provide a huge economic boost for food and drink vendors, whilst also helping venues reduce their carbon footprint.

Clever monitoring technologies working in parallel with Internet of Things (IoT) technology and the cloud will enable food and drink vendors in stadiums to monitor customer demand and stock levels allowing them to serve more customers with speed during busy periods. What’s more, mobile apps will enable customers to place orders in advance with more customisation options to suit dietary needs. 

Let’s take professional rugby as an example; our research shows this could add £24 million to the matchday economy over the next 5 years. In a typical 30,000-seat stadium, this could mean a 42% uplift in revenue from food and drink sales – per fixture. 

Using 5G-powered sensors and IoT would also enable food and drink vendors to reduce their carbon emissions on match days, by reducing the energy required for lighting, refrigeration and ventilation of goods. Overall, these seemingly small changes could trim their greenhouse gas emissions on a typical rugby match day by around 450 tonnes of CO2e per season by 2029 – that's the same as powering 14.1 million household TVs viewing a full rugby match.

Unlocking new broadcasting experiences

Sporting events are often looking for ways to boost broadcasting revenues and offer more immersive experiences for fans. Stadiums equipped with 5G will have better broadcasting quality and could facilitate new tech like robotic cameras and sensors in balls and on the pitch for example, which would let fans view the action from their chosen camera angle and get real-time player performance stats on their phone, or even AR glasses.

In the future, enhanced broadcasting on a dedicated and uninterrupted slice of 5G will deliver a virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) experience to fans who couldn’t make the match or missed out on tickets for sold-out events. In professional rugby, these ‘virtual seat’ sales could generate £115 million worth of ticket sales annually – a 103% uplift on current ticketing income. Overall, 5G-powered monetisation of virtual tickets and game day experiences would add £139 million to rugby per season by 2029.

It’s an exciting time for sports fans as this innovation can soon be at our fingertips thanks to 5G Standalone, which will in turn have a huge impact on the sporting economy. Together, we will ensure that every summer of sport going forward is a win-win for fans, venues and merchants alike! 

The UK's competition watchdog has said it needs even more time to investigate the planned £15bn merger between Vodafone and Three.

In an update, the CMA says it will now need several more months to complete its research and publish its findings.

It says the delay to December 7 is due to “very wide scope” of the inquiry, thanks in part to the large amounts of evidence produced by both companies, and the “technical and regulatory complexity of the sector”.

Vodafone-Three merger delay

The merger was announced in June 2023, with plans to form a new £15bn-valued telco giant and "create one of Europe's leading 5G networks."

However the news immediately caused concerns surrounding competition and fairness in the UK telecoms and mobile market. Chief among the worries is that the deal, which would take the number of major mobile operators in the UK from four to three, would particularly harm smaller MVNOs, who may find it harder to negotiate good deals for their customers from a shrinking pool of providers.

A spokesman from Vodafone told PA it was “not unusual” for such investigations to be extended.

“We appreciate the additional time it is taking to assess the extensive evidence submitted, which sets out how this transaction will significantly benefit over 50m mobile customers, enhance competition and help transform the UK’s digital infrastructure,” the company said.

The CMA had said in April 2024 that it would need to carry out an "in-depth investigation" into the merger, following an initial warning a month earlier that a further investigation would be needed unless Vodafone and Three could provide "meaningful solutions" to initial concerns surrounding the deal.

Vodafone was set to be the slight majority owner of the new combined group, currently known as MergeCo, controlling 51%, with CK Hutchinson keeping the remaining 49%. 

The two companies were also keen to highlight the advantages of combining their two 5G networks for consumers and businesses alike, with MergeCo intending to invest over £6 billion in the first five years, and £11 billion over a ten year plan, to create a best-in-class 5G network, supporting between 8,000 and 12,000 new jobs in the wider economy.

MergeCo also expects to deliver up to £5 billion per year in UK economic benefit by 2030, supporting the digital transformation for schools, hospitals and businesses, with its standalone 5G network will cover every school and hospital in the UK by 2030, helping deliver the Government’s stretch ambition as set out in the Wireless Infrastructure Strategy.

• Check out the best cheap cell phone plans

Private 5G networks, where individuals or companies set up their own cellular connections, could potentially provide a viable alternative to Wi-Fi. 

Vodafone, which wants to make 5G-based mobile private networks (MPNs) more accessible to the 22 million SMEs across Europe, first unveiled a Raspberry Pi-powered prototype of a 5G network-in-a-box at MWC 2023, and followed it up with an improved version at this year’s event.

Produced in collaboration with Lime Microsystems, (whom Vodafone first partnered with on Open RAN technology back in 2017), the LimeNET Micro 2.0 Developer Edition, a crowd-funded series of private 5G base-station kits, is on sale now through Crowd Supply, with prices ranging from $800 to $12,000.

Faster, better connections

The modular radio platform uses the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 and LimeSDR XTRX for computing and RF capabilities respectively, and features a LimePSB RPCM planar system board. There’s also a deluxe version that includes an Amarisoft 5G stack and core, two smartphones, and ten SIM cards, offering a turnkey private 5G network solution.

Private 5G networks have been shown to deliver connections up to ten times faster than Wi-Fi in high-load networks and they offer security and mobility benefits. Santiago Tenorio, network architecture director at Vodafone, gave an example to IEEE Spectrum of how it could be used in a bakery. “You don’t need a password. You don’t need a conversation [with a clerk behind a counter] or a QR code. You simply walk into the bakery, and you are connected to the bakery’s network,” he said.

Talking about the challenge that comes with developing a private 5G base station, Ebrahim Bushehri, CEO and founder of Lime Networks, said, “The solution had to be ultraportable and with an optional battery pack which could be mounted on drones and autonomous robots, for remote and tactical deployments, such as emergency-response scenarios and temporary events.”

At the time of writing, there are still 22 days left to fund the project, which has a $1 goal. “Crowdfunding,” Bushehri told IEEE Spectrum, “is one of the key indicators of community interest and engagement. Hence the reason for launching the campaign on Crowd Supply to get feedback from early adopters.”

More from TechRadar Pro

• The role of 5G in transforming UK's connectivity landscape
• Overcoming the challenges of indoor 5G
• UK SMEs are missing out on millions due to slow 5G upgrades and rollout

Vodafone has announced a new suite of security tools it says can protect more than 150 connected devices in a household.

Anyone trying to keep tabs on children, protect your network from viruses, limit social media usage, and anything else related to broadband security should seriously consider getting the new Secure Net Home service, which comes at no extra cost for customers with its Pro II broadband package.

The company says Secure Net Home is the most comprehensive set of tools on the market, including real-time protection that filters pretty much everything bad on the web at your Wi-Fi router, meaning you can rest a little easier.

Monitor the web with ease 

Via its handy iOS and Android app, Secure Net Home lets the account manager (most likely yourself) create profiles for each internet user, before assigning specific rules to a set of devices. So your kid's iPad, Nintendo Switch, iPhone, and so on will all fall under the same set of restrictions instantly. 

Vodafone includes a handy "pause the internet" feature, too, for family moments like dinner time, letting your restrict internet access for an hour with the press of a button. There's also a "focus time" feature that limits access to games and other distractions for a set period of time. Finally, there's a "set bedtimes" tool.

Like many of the best data removal tools, Secure Net Home includes 24/7 monitoring of your personal data on the dark web, helping keep your data safe. 

Monitoring extends to email addresses, credit card details, and more, and users can choose how much or how little gets monitored. Anything suspicious is then reported instantly to the app. 

Unfortunately for anyone outside of the UK, 24/7 monitoring is UK-only, so keep that in mind if you're choosing a broadband plan. 

TechRadar closely tracks the best broadband deals around to help find the right mix of speed, price, features, and coverage. Right now, Vodafone's Full Fibre 74 package is our favourite, offering up to 74Mbps download speeds and a more reliable FTTP connection. While this might not be the absolute fastest, it's a good blend of cheap and cheerful. 

Of course, to get Secure Net Home you'll need to opt for the Pro II package. 

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• We've found the best Vodafone SIM only deals and plans
• Get 150GB of data with Vodafone for just £12.50
• And here's the best cheap broadband deals right now

One of the best SIM-only deals we've spotted today is perfect for anyone seeking plenty of data at an affordable price, which, OK, is pretty much everyone at this point.

Currently, you can get a 150GB plan at Vodafone for £12.50 for the first six months – before it rises to £25 from month seven onwards. The plan is a 24-month contract and offers unlimited minutes, unlimited texts, and that all-important 150GB data allowance. 

If you’ve already got a phone you love and just want to add a SIM to it, this is a very good value proposition. It works out as a saving of £75, with the full 24-month contract costing £507, or the equivalent of just over £21 per month. That's reasonably cheaper than similar contracts at a lot of other budget networks.

Today’s best Vodafone SIM-only deal

Buying a new SIM-only contract is rarely the most exciting of things to do but it’s necessary given how dependent we are on our phone. Generally, it works out as better value to buy one of the best phones outright and pairing it was a SIM-only contract, which is why the Vodafone 150GB Red plan is worth signing up for.

With 150GB of data, you should be all set for whatever you have planned. Previously, Three determined that customers use about 30GB of data per month on average so five times as much is perfect. 

It should mean an average of 45 hours of high-quality video streaming with more music listening and a near-never-ending amount of social media time. Crucially, you’ll likely be connected to Wi-Fi from time to time so it’s simply nice to have the backup of so much data.

If you’re in the ‘treat yourself’ mood, Prime Day deals are coming up fast too with some early offers already live. We’ve also tracked down many other mobile phone deals if you want to see what else is around right now

Looking to cancel your current Vodafone contract and move to a new broadband deal? Well, you may have a few questions about how the process works, how long it's likely to take, and how much money switching providers will cost you. 

The good news is that regardless of whether you're out of contract or you have plenty of time left to run on your deal, you can leave Vodafone whenever you like. The bad news is that if you're currently under contract then you'll likely need to pay exit fees to do this. 

Unsure whether you're currently in contract? Need to know who to call to discuss the potential move? Well, help is at hand. In this guide, we've answered a number of popular customer queries. If you're ready to make the switch, then you'll be pleased to hear that we've also outlined how you can find a new tariff with a different provider. 

Before you cancel Vodafone broadband

What to consider before cancelling Vodafone broadband

Before you tell Vodafone that you want to leave, you should first conduct a couple of checks. These will tell you about your rights, the options available to you and any potential costs. So, before you phone Vodafone and ask them to leave, you should check: 

Your contract status

When you took out your current deal with Vodafone, you entered into a fixed contract period (usually 24 months). If you're still under contract, then it's likely you'll need to pay a penalty fee if you'd like to cancel your current deal. As a result, before you make any decisions about leaving the provider, you should look to see whether your current contract has ended already or not. 

If you're out of contract, you can leave for free. So, if you only have a few months remaining on your current deal, it may be best to wait and only leave when your current offer has expired. 

The broadband in your area

Once you know whether you can leave for free, you should check which other providers offer deals in your area. The good news is that Vodafone utilises the Openreach network (which is also used by the likes of Sky, BT, TalkTalk and EE). 

However, if you see a great deal from someone like Virgin Media, then this may not be available at your property. This is because Virgin Media uses its own cable network, which isn't universally available. 

The best way to find out exactly which providers serve your area (and the packages they offer) is to run a broadband comparison. 

What deals are available

Similarly, as well as knowing which providers serve your area, you should also check what deals are currently available. This is the easiest way of finding out exactly how much money you could save by switching. So, you should also do some market research to see how much the best broadband deals right now will cost you. 

How to cancel Vodafone broadband

How to cancel Vodafone broadband

Done some research and thinking about cancelling your Vodafone contract? Then there are numerous ways that you can go about this. Plus, if your circumstances are changing, then Vodafone offers special solutions for critical illnesses and bereavements. 

Here we'll outline everything you need to know, depending on your circumstances. 

How to cancel Vodafone broadband if you're out of contract

If you're currently out of contract, then you may not even need to tell Vodafone that you're leaving. 

This is the case if you're leaving Vodafone and signing a deal with another provider on the Openreach network (such as BT, Sky, TalkTalk or Plusnet). If this is the case, then you simply need to sign up for a new broadband deal with your new provider and they'll sort the switch for you.

You should be aware though, this isn't always the case. For example, if you're switching to a Full Fibre deal or your new provider runs on a different, independent network – such as Virgin Media, you'll need to give Vodafone a call and explain that you're leaving. 

If you need to call Vodafone, then this can be done from 191 on a Vodafone mobile (this is free), or 03333 040 191 from UK landlines or other mobiles (standard charges apply). 

If you don't want to call Vodafone to discuss your cancellation, then you can also start a live chat with one of the company's customer service representatives. 

• Call 191 on a Vodafone mobile 
• Call 03333 040 191 from UK landlines or other mobiles
• Start a live chat

How to cancel Vodafone broadband if you're still in contract

You can cancel your Vodafone contract whenever you like. However, if you cancel within your contract's minimum terms, then you'll need to pay a penalty fee. 

To cancel your contract early, you should follow the process outlined above (as if you're out of contract). This means you should either sign up to a new deal or contact Vodafone and explain your decision. Whichever route you take, Vodafone will contact you and inform you about the early exit fees you need to pay. 

• Call 191 on a Vodafone mobile 
• Call 03333 040 191 from UK landlines or other mobiles
• Start a live chat

Cancelling Vodafone broadband due to a bereavement

Vodafone has provided a dedicated bereavement form that you can fill out. This will help you close the account or transfer the account to someone else. Once you've supplied all the information required, Vodafone will email you within five working days to confirm the change has been made. 

If you'd rather speak to someone about the account, then you can talk to Vodafone's dedicated bereavement team. You can call them for free on 0808 005 7450 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 10pm and Saturday to Sunday, 8am to 8pm).

The good news here is that if the team is busy when you call them, you don't have to wait in the queue. You can simply choose a time that works for you and request a callback. Vodafone will also send you a text message that explains more ways you can reach them. 

• Call the bereavement team on 0808 005 7450
• Complete the bereavement form

Cancelling Vodafone broadband due to critical illness

Similarly, if you or another Voadafone customer is suffering from a critical illness, you can close the account or transfer the account to someone else.

The easiest way to do this is to fill out Vodafone's terminal illness form. Vodafone will then email you within 10 days to confirm that the required changes have been made. 

Alternatively, you can call Vodafone's dedicated team on 0808 005 7452. This phone line is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 10pm and Saturday to Sunday, 8am to 8pm.

• Call Vodafone on 0808 005 7452
• Fill out Vodafone's terminal illness form

Cancelling Vodafone broadband because you want a better deal

If you're cancelling your current contract because you don't think you're getting a good deal, then you should visit the cancellation section of the Vodafone website. 

Simply provide Vodafone with your email address and the provider will show you all of the latest upgrade offers that are available to you. If you still don't think that these deals represent good value, then you can follow the cancellation process. 

• See upgrade options on the Vodafone website

Cancel Vodafone broadband: frequently asked questions

Help is below if you still have further questions about how to cancel your current Vodafone deal:

Finding a new broadband provider

How to find a new broadband provider

If you're ready to switch away from Vodafone and move to a new broadband deal, you're in luck. Using the widget below, you can see all of the best broadband deals that are currently available in your area. 

All you need to do is input your postcode and filter the deals so you can only see the ones that match your needs. Then, you can sign up to the perfect broadband deal for you in just a few clicks.

Looking for a new fibre broadband deal at an affordable price? Well, look no further than this offer from Vodafone.

Right now, you can get the company's popular Fibre 2 broadband for the low cost of just £26 a month, without any upfront fees. To get this deal and make the most of average download speeds of up to 67Mbps, you'll need to sign a 24-month contract and be in a property that can currently access Vodafone's fibre broadband network. 

The package also comes with unlimited data and a landline, and you can get upload speeds of up to 20Mbps. This, alongside the excellent and free 'Power Hub with WiFi 6' you get as your router, makes the deal a solid choice for small or medium-sized households who like to do everything from streaming in UHD to online gaming to just casually browsing the web. The connection can also support the use of multiple devices at once, without impacting the quality of your broadband's performance when online.

Existing Vodafone mobile customers should note that you can also log into your account when looking to sign up for this deal to 'save up to £2 a month'.

In addition, you can also upgrade your package to include Vodafone's 'Xtra' bolt-on. This sees you get Apple TV 4K, 24 months of Apple TV+ and unlimited calls to UK landlines and mobiles, for an extra £14 a month. There are also other upgrade options such as getting a higher-spec 'Super WiFi 6' router (at a cost of £32 a month) or its 'Pro II' bundle that gets the WiFi booster and automatic 4G backup (for £39 a month). 

Lastly, as well as being able to access Vodafone's fibre network, the only other thing customers should note is that the provider states its 'monthly price will increase each April starting from April 2025 by the Consumer Price Index rate of inflation, published in January of that year +3.9%'. 

Looking for a new broadband deal that offers ultrafast average download speeds but without the typically hefty price tag? Well, we've got something for you here...

Right now, you can get Vodafone's CityFibre 'Full Fibre 910' tariff for only £31 a month, with no upfront fees. This comes with a 24-month contract and you can get huge symmetrical download/upload speeds of 910Mbps, an excellent 'Power Hub' router, and a 455Mbps 'download speed guarantee'.

As you might expect, with such speeds nearly any size property can have its online needs met. Vodafone even claims that this package allows up to 36 devices to simultaneously stream – a 4.5Gb download takes 41 seconds and upload of 250Mb in just two seconds!

Like with all Vodafone's broadband deals, you also get the option to upgrade to a better plan if you wish. In this case, you can get the tariff but with 'Super WiFi 6' for improved performance, plus dedicated WiFi support - although this puts the price up to £38 a month.

While we think this is a fantastic offer, you should be aware that you need to be able to access the CityFibre network that Vodafone uses for its ultrafast tariffs to get this particular price - but you can check this when you make an enquiry. Also, Vodafone states that this plan is subject to price increases from April 2025 of the CPI of January that year, plus another 3.9%. 

This week's best Vodafone deal

At Vodafone, connecting everyone and anyone, irrelevant of where they live, has been at the core of our business for decades. That is as true today as it was when we started the business in the 80s, and the reason we continue to invest millions in our rural network.

Today, we deliver 4G coverage to 99% of the UK population. This is a complex task in itself, but it still means some customers in remote areas may still be missing out on the benefits of a strong and reliable connection.

This is why we were early shapers of the Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme – a £1 billion joint-funded initiative between government and the UK mobile network operators, it uses mast sharing on existing rural sites, alongside the building of new shared masts to connect areas that currently have no coverage at all.

The SRN programme started with our customers in the Wye Valley, and now, more than 200 additional sites from the Scottish Highlands to Cornwall have strong and reliable Vodafone 4G as part of our ongoing commitment.

Turning obstacles into opportunities

We’re proud of this progress. But, as with all complex projects, there have been some challenges. We’ve been open and transparent about these with government at national, devolved and local levels. And, even though most of these challenges are outside of our control, we’ve been working hard to overcome them.

Let’s not forget, the COVID-19 pandemic was as much of a disruption to the telecommunications industry as any other. We’ve been working hard to try and recover these accumulated delays by shortening and expediting our build process.

We’re also working incredibly closely with the local councils to ensure agreements are reached as quickly as possible, offering extra support to them. Planning applications are taking longer to process than prior to the pandemic, which is an unforeseen challenge.

Finally, there is also some legal delay due to uncertainty around the law that governs the relationship with the landlords on whose land we build our masts. The law has yet to be implemented but, in the meantime, we’ve doubled down on our negotiations for lease agreements.

Connecting communities

The SRN programme itself is one of the most complex and nuanced tasks the telecoms industry has undertaken in its history. Despite this, and the numerous hurdles to overcome, we remain completely committed and on track to hit our regulatory obligation in 2027.

SRN is only a part of our rural connectivity story, however. We’ve also spent a considerable amount of time and investment introducing innovative technology to our rural network. And I like to think we have always been ahead of the competition in this space.

For example, back in 2014, we set an industry benchmark with the launch of our Rural Open Sure Signal (ROSS) programme, which resulted in more than 100 rural communities from across the UK approaching us for first-time mobile coverage using small cell technology.

Fast forward 10 years and the majority of those ROSS communities have now been upgraded to 4G coverage. Meanwhile, with the latest generation of 4G small cells, we continue to reach parts of the UK that other networks cannot reach.

We’re currently rolling these out on existing structures such as rural church towers and telegraph poles in those original ROSS communities, and across other rural villages throughout the UK. This latest small cell deployment uses OpenRAN, a new technology which is changing the telecoms landscape by enabling different vendors to be used for different elements of the core network delivery.

Vodafone was one of the most prominent forces in the OpenRAN community in the early days, and we still lead this innovative segment today. It has now become a core part of our network strategy, including in the rural communities. We can only do this because we’ve spent a significant amount of our time, over a number of years, investing heavily in expanding 4G and 5G, with a significant focus on our rural network.

A history of innovation

5G has the potential to change the rural connectivity landscape further and we were early adopters when introducing it into rural locations. One of the first places across the UK to receive Vodafone 5G, back in 2019, was the Isles of Scilly. Today, we remain the only 5G network on the islands, supporting customers and local businesses, including the all-important tourism industry that the island economy relies on.

We were one of the first to start testing 5G innovation for rural businesses too, including our work with Dorset Council on the government-funded 5G Rural Dorset project. This saw our 5G used for everything from sensors gathering agricultural data, such as soil health and water quality, to Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring of local cliff erosion.

In fact, our IoT network provides the backbone that a large number of rural UK business applications rely on every day, whether that involves monitoring the health of trees or notifying farmers of when their cows go into labour. 

Bigger, better things

In 2023, we announced our proposed merger with Three UK. At the core of this proposal is the ability to deliver advanced 5G to every corner of the UK. The status quo creates a rural digital divide, but we want to do everything in our power to prevent this.

In November 2023 we issued a study that revealed the widening gap between urban and rural areas. The headline was that almost a million (838,000) people were living in deprived rural areas and were subsequently losing out on the benefits of 5G, such as better access to healthcare and educational support tools. It also impacts people’s ability to work and start their own business ventures. 

Because of this, we highlighted the need to accelerate the roll-out of the UK’s 5G infrastructure in rural locations. As part of our proposed merger with Three UK, we can help make this a reality and, in turn, close the rural digital divide by delivering 95% 5G Standalone geographic coverage by 2034. This scale of investment would allow us to enhance 5G up and down the country and, ultimately, supercharge rural communities.

From day one, our customers will also benefit from access to better 4G coverage too, by improving geographic reach from 88% to 91%. The combined business would ultimately deliver more than 95% 4G geographic coverage by 2027 – exceeding the government’s SRN target of 90% from each mobile operator in the same timeframe – while removing 25% of uncovered areas for both Vodafone and Three customers.

Vodafone has unveiled a new initiative – ’Your Business Can’ – designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises across the UK become even more productive.

The telecoms company’s campaign aims to streamline the process of acquiring digital tools to enable SMEs with up to 250 employees to improve productivity and cybersecurity.

‘Your Business Can’ comes in response to an internal survey revealing that nearly half (46%) of UK SMEs felt they could increase profits by making better use of digital tools.

Vodafone wants to streamline digital tool acquisition

The same study found that two in five (40%) admitted they currently lack the knowledge to get the most out of digital tools, highlighting a clear need for support.

Vodafone’s response specifically targets companies that want to improve flexible working, convenience, control and protection. Among the offerings featured under the new initiative, which is set to get its own TV and digital advertising campaigns, are Microsoft 365, Vodafone Business & RingCentral Unified Communications, Vodafone Business Broadband and cyberthreat protection from Vodafone Lookout for Business and Trend Micro.

Vodafone Business Brand Marketing and Communications Director Jo Wedlock commented on the simplicity of offering in-house and third-party packages directly through Vodafone:

“This campaign is a testament to our continued commitment to ensuring small businesses have knowledge of and access to the best solutions to help them unlock untapped profitability, efficiency, and productivity in today’s increasingly competitive landscape - all of which are available to purchase directly with Vodafone.”

The news comes around one month after the company announced it would be setting up community hubs to help IT experts establish their own businesses as part of a Vodafone franchise scheme.

More information on Vodafone’s business-focused products and services can be found on the company’s website.

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Looking for an ultrafast broadband deal that doesn't cost a fortune? Well, we may have found the perfect option for you. 

You can now grab Vodafone's popular Full Fibre 200 broadband for just £30 per month, without any upfront fees. When you take out this deal on a 24-month contract, you'll enjoy incredibly fast average download speeds of 200Mpbs, meaning you'll be able to complete a 4.5 GB download in only three minutes. For peace of mind, this deal also comes with a 100Mbps minimum speed guarantee, and Vodafone says it should be more than fast enough for eight people to stream simultaneously. 

To make things even better, there's absolutely nothing to pay upfront if you choose this broadband deal. Want to make the most of this offer? Then be quick, because it expires on 23rd April. 

This weeek's best Vodafone broadband package

In today's digitally driven society, small business owners are finding themselves at a crossroads of opportunity and vulnerability. The rapid increase in cloud-based services, mobile devices, and remote workforces has made it easier than ever for businesses to grow and operate efficiently. 

However, this digital transformation also exposes SMEs to an ever-increasing array of cyber threats and as that landscape evolves, so must our approach to cybersecurity. Enter the Security Service Edge (SSE), a paradigm shift that is redefining the way SMEs protect their digital assets.

A transformative approach to cybersecurity, Security Service Edge (SSE) shifts the focus from traditional, perimeter-based, security to a more dynamic and proactive model. 

SSE integrates security into the network edge, where data and applications meet the end-user, creating a more resilient and scalable security architecture. In layman’s terms, SSE brings security closer to the digital assets and end-users, improving their visibility and control while reducing the risk of an attack.

How can SMEs benefit from SSE?

Security Service Edge (SSE) offers substantial advantages to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) by providing a comprehensive and cloud-based security solution. SMEs benefit from having access to a simplified network and security management, reduced infrastructure costs, and improved scalability. 

SSE also provides the following opportunities:

• Adaptability in a Changing World: SMEs often operate on tighter budgets than their larger counterparts, making cybersecurity a complex challenge. The beauty of SSE is its adaptability. It accommodates the evolving IT landscape and changing threat vectors without requiring significant overhauls. This means SMEs can stay agile and resilient in the face of ever-changing cyber threats.
• Enhanced Visibility: One of the core tenets of SSE is increased visibility. SMEs can gain deep insights into their network traffic, applications, and user behaviour. This enhanced visibility allows for faster threat detection and a more targeted response. Understanding what's happening on the network is essential for effective security management.
• User-Centric Security: With the rise of remote work and mobile devices, the traditional concept of a network perimeter has dissolved. SSE recognises this shift and focuses on securing individual users and devices, regardless of their location. This user-centric approach is crucial for SMEs as it ensures that the security measures travel with the user.
• Reduced Complexity: Traditional security solutions often require multiple products and platforms, leading to complexity that SMEs may struggle to manage. SSE streamlines security by consolidating various functions into a unified framework. This not only simplifies the security landscape but can also reduce costs associated with maintaining multiple tools.
• Optimised Performance: Security should never compromise network performance. SSE provides the means to secure digital assets without sacrificing speed. This is particularly important for SMEs, as they need to maintain productivity and responsiveness to remain competitive.
• Cost-Efficiency: SSE is designed with cost-efficiency in mind. For SMEs that may have limited resources for cybersecurity, SSE offers a comprehensive and cost-effective solution. By eliminating the need for extensive hardware investments and reducing the time and effort needed for management, SMEs can allocate their resources more effectively.
• Compliance and Risk Mitigation: Many SMEs face industry-specific regulatory requirements and standards. SSE can help with compliance by enforcing security policies and ensuring data protection. This, in turn, mitigates risks associated with non-compliance and data breaches.
• Scalability: As SMEs grow, so does their security needs. SSE is inherently scalable, meaning it can expand with your business as required. SMEs have the capability to add more users, devices, and applications without worrying about a sudden security gap.

In an age where digital innovation and cyber threats go hand in hand, SMEs cannot afford to neglect cybersecurity. Security Service Edge (SSE) offers an elegant solution that addresses the unique needs and challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises.

At Vodafone Business, we have partnered with leading digital security provider Zscaler to launch Vodafone Business Secure Access Gateway providing a range of SSE security products designed specifically for SMEs. By combining Zscaler’s expertise in digital security with our award-winning and secure network, small businesses can rest assured that whether their staff are in the office or at home, they are protected by enterprise grade security - 24/7. 

By bringing security to the network edge, enhancing visibility and prioritising adaptability, SSE empowers SMEs to navigate the digital landscape with confidence. In doing so, SMEs can seize the opportunities that a connected world offers, secure in the knowledge that their digital assets are protected against the ever-evolving array of cyber threats. 

As the business landscape continues to evolve, embracing SSE is a strategic move that can safeguard the future success of SMEs.

Vodafone has partnered with Zscaler to launch Vodafone Business Secure Access Gateway. Developed for small and medium sized businesses, Vodafone Business Secure Access Gateway provides businesses with an agile, intelligent, and scalable cloud-based security solution. Ideal for those who are looking to migrate their existing operations to the cloud, keep homebased or hybrid workers secure or protect their network from cyber threats. 

To find out how Vodafone Business can help to keep your SME secure - follow the link below for more information: www.vodafone.co.uk/business/cyber-security-solutions 

The planned merger between Vodafone and Three is set to face an "in-depth investigation" from the UK's competition watchdog over fears the deal may negatively affect the market.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has confirmed it will be holding a further probe into the planned £15bn/$19bn merger.

In its announcement, the CMA said the action was taken after an examination of current information which it says brought it to the conclusion that the deal, "may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within a market or markets in the United Kingdom."

Vodafone-Three probe

The announcement follows a warning in March 2024 that the CMA was set to launch a further investigation into the deal unless Vodafone and Three could provide "meaningful solutions" to initial concerns surrounding the deal.

Chief among the worries is that the deal, which would take the number of major mobile operators in the UK from four to three, would particularly harm smaller MVNOs, who may find it harder to negotiate good deals for their customers from a shrinking pool of providers.

The two networks had anticipated the CMA's move but said they remained confident the merger will deliver "significant benefits for competition, customers and the country."

The CMA has set a deadline of September 18, 2024 to complete its investigation.

The merger was announced in June 2023, with plans to form a new £15bn-valued telco giant and "create one of Europe's leading 5G networks."

Vodafone was set to be the slight majority owner of the new combined group, currently known as MergeCo, controlling 51%, with CK Hutchinson keeping the remaining 49%. 

The two companies were also keen to highlight the advantages of combining their two 5G networks for consumers and businesses alike, with MergeCo intending to invest over £6 billion in the first five years, and £11 billion over a ten year plan, to create a best-in-class 5G network, supporting between 8,000 and 12,000 new jobs in the wider economy.

MergeCo also expects to deliver up to £5 billion per year in UK economic benefit by 2030, supporting the digital transformation for schools, hospitals and businesses, with its standalone 5G network will cover every school and hospital in the UK by 2030, helping deliver the Government’s stretch ambition as set out in the Wireless Infrastructure Strategy.

• Check out the best cheap cell phone plans

For those of you scouring the markets for quality fibre broadband deals, look no further than this broadband offer from Vodafone.

At the moment, the broadband provider is offering its Fibre 2 broadband package for only £26 a month, without any upfront fees. With this, you'll need to sign a 24-month contract giving you superfast average download speeds of 67Mbps and upload speeds of 20Mbps, all with unlimited data.

With these broadband speeds, it's a fantastic choice for small to medium households with three to four active broadband users. The connection will allow you to play games online, stream on several devices in UHD, and use cloud storage all at the same time. This offer is also boosted by Vodafone's excellent 'WiFi Hub', which works to optimise your broadband connection.

You even get a landline included in the deal and Vodafone promises to fix this offer price until April 2025. You may also be offered the opportunity to upgrade to a 'Pro II' broadband package, which is priced at £40 a month. This will give you a more powerful router, dedicated support and automatic 4G backup should you suffer a broadband outage.

This offer expires on April 3, so you'll need to be quick if you want to make the most of it. Another consideration is that you'll only be able to get this fibre broadband deal if you can access Vodafone's fibre network - although you can check this when you look to sign up. Lastly, if you have a Full Fibre connection at your property, you might be offered the 'Full Fibre' version of this deal, which offers slightly faster download speeds.

Vodafone Business has launched a new venture for tech-savvy entrepreneurs across the UK.

Vodafone Business IT Hubs are designed to give more than 300 franchise partners an opportunity to establish local IT Hubs that will help SMEs get the most from their IT solutions.

The new franchise model seeks to tap into the growing demand for simplified IT solutions among SMEs. IT Hubs serve as one-stop shops for IT and communications support, with categories spanning hardware, applications, connectivity, and security.

Vodafone IT Hubs plan

The network provider envisions these outsourced posts being set up in local areas, targeting SMEs who are resource-limited and don’t have their own internal IT support function.

The company’s announcement cites external research revealing that a significant portion of SMEs struggle to manage multiple ICT suppliers and ensure digital resilience online.

Independently run, these hubs will trade under the Vodafone brand, employing their own technicians, managers, and engineers. Vodafone also sees them as excellent locations for pushing other Vodafone products and services.

Miryem Salah, Chief Data Officer and Head of Vodafone Business IT Hubs, commented: “We can offer our franchisees the capability, scale, and confidence that comes from working with a large global brand, as well as finance and marketing support, while they can offer the technical skills and local knowledge to build a successful business that supports the local SME community.”

The application process for budding entrepreneurs consists of an initial application, followed by attending a Discovery Day, as well as screening and approval processes. More information is available on the Vodafone Business IT Hubs page.

Salah added: “We’re excited to start this journey with our new franchisees in 2024 and beyond. I’d urge anyone with an interest to get in touch.”

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Vodafone and Three have slammed plans by the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to launch a further antitrust investigation into their planned £15bn/$19bn merger.

The CMA has announced "an in-depth, phase 2 investigation" into the deal having uncovered concerns that consumers and businesses alike could be left worse off by rising bills caused by the merger.

The moves come after the body completed its initial Phase 1 investigation, which looked to identify whether the deal may lead to a "substantial lessening of competition" in the UK market, particularly for smaller MVNOs, who the CMA says may find it harder to negotiate good deals for their customers as the number of operators able to offer such virtual services shrinks.

CMA probes Vodafone-Three merger

"Millions of people in the UK depend on effective competition in the mobile market in order to access the best deals for them," said Julie Bon, the CMA Phase 1 decisionmaker for the case.

"Whilst Vodafone and Three have made a number of claims about how their deal is good for competition and investment, the CMA has not seen sufficient evidence to date to back these claims. Our initial assessment of this deal has identified concerns which could lead to higher prices for customers and lower investment in UK mobile networks. These warrant an in-depth investigation unless Vodafone and Three can come forward with solutions."

In a statement, the two networks said although the CMA's move was expected, they remained confident the merger will deliver "significant benefits for competition, customers and the country."

Vodafone UK CEO, Ahmed Essam, said his company looked forward to working with the CMA on the Phase 2 process as the merger reaches an "important milestone".

"By merging our two companies, we will be able to invest £11 billion to help the UK realise its ambitions to be a world leader in next-generation 5G technology, and increase competition across the industry," Essam added.

"This transaction will create an operator with the scale required to take on BTEE and VMO2, give MVNOs greater choice in the wholesale market and is in the wider interests of customers, competition and the country."

"The current market structure is holding the UK back, which is not good for customers or competition," added Three UK CEO, Robert Finnegan.

"By creating a third player with the necessary scale to invest, the combination of our two companies will deliver one of Europe's most advanced networks and move the UK into the digital fast lane, benefiting customers from Day One."

The merger was announced in June 2023, with plans to form a new £15bn-valued telco giant and "create one of Europe's leading 5G networks."

Vodafone was set to be the slight majority owner of the new combined group, currently known as MergeCo, controlling 51%, with CK Hutchinson keeping the remaining 49%. 

The two companies were also keen to highlight the advantages of combining their two 5G networks for consumers and businesses alike, with MergeCo intending to invest over £6 billion in the first five years, and £11 billion over a ten year plan, to create a best-in-class 5G network, supporting between 8,000 and 12,000 new jobs in the wider economy.

MergeCo also expects to deliver up to £5 billion per year in UK economic benefit by 2030, supporting the digital transformation for schools, hospitals and businesses, with its standalone 5G network will cover every school and hospital in the UK by 2030, helping deliver the Government’s stretch ambition as set out in the Wireless Infrastructure Strategy.

• Check out the best cheap cell phone plans