Latest news with #VodafoneThree
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Millions of Vodafone and Three customers receive mega mobile speed upgrade at no extra cost
Customers' devices will automatically connect to the best coverage available – whether that's on the Vodafone or Three network NEED FOR SPEED Millions of Vodafone and Three customers receive mega mobile speed upgrade at no extra cost Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MILLIONS of Vodafone and Three customers have received a mega mobile speed upgrade - at no extra cost to them. In a recent update, Vodafone Three says it's boosted coverage by upgrading over 600 mast sites in the UK. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Millions of Vodafone and Three customers have received a mega mobile speed upgrade - at no extra cost to them Credit: Getty Mega Mobile speed upgrade Mobile operator VodafoneThree (Vodafone and Three UK) is allowing 27 million customers to roam across both networks at no extra cost. Customers' devices will automatically connect to the best coverage available – whether that's on the Vodafone or Three network. The aim is to deliver improved coverage, reliability, and speed when using 4G and 5G. The rollout of this 'Multi-Operator Core Network' technology is being hailed as an early benefit of the two networks' recent merger and will be live in over 9,000 sites by the end of this year. However, some 7 million Three UK customers are already said to be experiencing an average 20% boost in 4G speeds. Rising to 40% in some key towns and cities, thanks to the integration of combined spectrum reports ISPreview. Andrea Donà, Chief Network Officer, VodafoneThree, said: 'Bringing our networks together marks a major milestone for VodafoneThree, unlocking greater capacity, reducing 4G not spots, and expanding 5G coverage. 'Just weeks into the rollout, millions of customers are already seeing the benefits of a nationwide boost. "Powered by our spectrum integration and Multi-Operator Core Network technology. 'It's a clear signal of VodafoneThree's ambition and ability to move at pace to deliver a new era of connectivity.' Brits will always have mobile phone & internet signal at home after tech breakthrough that beats Elon Musk's Starlink The biggest UK mobile network Back in June, Vodafone completed its £15billion mega-merger with rival Three UK and pledged to invest billions in infrastructure. The newly-created joint business VodafoneThree said the deal would create a 'new force in UK mobile'. It is now the biggest mobile phone network in the UK with around 27million customers. But the deal cuts the UK's four main network operators down to just three, with the new joint business competing with BT/EE and Virgin Media O2. The tie-up was first announced in 2023 but faced a probe by the competition watchdog, which was worried about the negative effect on consumers. The Competition and Markets Authority feared it could substantially reduce options for mobile customers and lead to higher bills. The CMA gave the thumbs up in December, as long as the two firms agreed to invest billions of pounds to roll out a combined 5G network across the UK. They were also told to offer shorter-term customer protections requiring the merged company to cap certain mobile tariffs for three years. Solving Mobile complaints quickly From last month, customers have been able to take advantage of a new "Just Ask Once" promise which aims to solve complaints quickly. As part of the service, users will be able to message with a customer service member through the Vodafone app. The move aims to speed up how customers' problems are handled and cut down the time users are placed on hold. Only Vodafone customers will be able to use the service. Customers will be able to message with the person handling their complaint directly and will receive regular message updates until the issue is resolved. Mobile and broadband users facing problems will also only have to deal with one staff member handling their complaint. The mobile and broadband giant said if the issue isn't resolved to the customers' satisfaction, they will be able to "simply part ways without penalty". However, it stressed this only applies to "genuine" issues that aren't resolved - not any problems that aren't solved to the customer's satisfaction. Typically, customers are charged an exit fee if they wish to end their contract early, even if they are unhappy with the service.
Scotsman
30-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Why rural connectivity is vital for the future of Scotland
Bridging the digital divide in overlooked communities such as the Shetland Islands will unlock untapped potential, writes Nick Gliddon Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... My family's roots lie on islands – my Nanna was born on the Isle of May, my Mum on the Isle of Man. As lighthouse keepers, communication was essential for our family. In too many parts of rural Scotland, communication and digital connectivity is stuck in the past. And in today's world, where almost every aspect of life relies on fast, reliable connections – that's unacceptable. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Genuine connectivity in Scotland means investing directly in areas that have been overlooked for far too long – especially rural communities and notorious 'not-spots' like the Shetland Islands. That's why VodafoneThree is making rural connectivity a top priority, working hand in hand with the Scottish Government to explore laying a new subsea cable joining mainland Scotland to Shetland to greatly improve connectivity on the Islands. This effort is part of a sweeping infrastructure programme aimed at finally closing the UK's digital divide. Nick Gliddon, CEO, Vodafone Business Building on our recent merger with Three UK, Vodafone is committing £11 billion over the next eight years to create one of Europe's largest 5G Standalone (5G SA) networks. This will be the UK's most advanced network yet – what we proudly call 'The Nation's Network'. This investment brings faster speeds, lower latency, and greater reliability – not just for cities, but for rural and remote communities across the UK. By exceeding the government's Shared Rural Network target, it will help close the digital divide, improving access to vital services. And, we're not merely enhancing the network; we're redefining who gets to benefit from it. By 2028, VodafoneThree is on track to cover 90 per cent of the UK, reaching near-universal coverage by 2034. Our aim is to build a secure, sustainable, and inclusive digital infrastructure that empowers everyone – whether you live in Aberdeen, Inverness, or on a croft in Yell. Significant progress is already being made. Take Glasgow, for instance – over the next three years, thousands of residents and local businesses will gain access to dramatically improved indoor 5G coverage. These enhancements will transform education, healthcare, and logistics, positioning Glasgow as a hub of smart innovation. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Yet, in rural Scotland, nearly half the population still lacks access to 5G – a stark contrast to the much better coverage in urban areas. This widening digital divide restricts essential services, limits economic growth, and encourages young people to leave in search of better opportunities elsewhere. Lerwick harbour in Shetland. The Islands are a notorious connectivity 'not spot' (Picture: Lisa Strachan/ The Shetland Islands perfectly illustrates both the challenge and the promise. Their current connectivity trails the national average, but these islands hold tremendous untapped potential – as a centre for renewable energy, a tourism hotspot, and a home to entrepreneurs, educators, and families eager for new opportunities. Improved connectivity has real-world impact: it lets people book medical appointments online without endless loading screens, gives students seamless access to digital learning, and supports small businesses that depend on tourism and remote sales. This is a vital boost for the wider economy, especially as UK SMEs lose up to £8.6 billion annually to slow 5G rollout – a trend our £11bn investment is determined to change. But our mission is about more than just installing fibre and masts. Connectivity is about strengthening communities: helping local businesses grow, empowering young people to build their futures locally, and ensuring families stay connected with the wider world. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Shetland Islands deserve the same digital opportunities as anywhere else in the UK. By delivering modern, reliable infrastructure in partnership with government and local communities, we can unlock that potential. True progress isn't only about faster data – it's about more vibrant communities, stronger economies, and a fairer, better-connected Scotland for everyone.
Daily Record
28-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Unlocking Scotland's digital potential with a new era of connectivity
We live in an age where digital technology and internet access shape almost every aspect of daily life. From staying connected with loved ones to accessing essential services, learning new skills, or running a business, being online is now woven into the fabric of how we live, work, and interact. While digital connectivity has made significant strides, ensuring every corner of Scotland can benefit from it remains a challenge – it now underpins almost every aspect of daily life. Whether it's applying for work, booking a GP appointment, studying online or launching a business, being connected is essential. In 2023 alone, 18,275 new small businesses were launched across Scotland*. Digital access plays a critical role in fuelling ambition and growth. Whether it's from the lively streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh to the far-flung islands and remote Highland villages, Scotland's geography is as varied as its communities, and this diversity means digital progress looks very different depending on where you live. With Scotland experiencing its fastest population growth since World War II** – demand for digital services continues to rise – but so does the need for solutions that reflect local realities rather than blanket approaches. Different communities with different needs There are stark differences in how communities are able to harness these digital opportunities. According to VodafoneThree, while some areas are thriving, others risk missing out unless support is tailored to their unique circumstances. What works for a city like Aberdeen may not be suitable for Inverclyde or Argyll and Bute. For some areas, progress means building new infrastructure; for others, it's about empowering people and businesses to get more from what's already there – whether that's digital training for jobseekers or better online access for families managing their health needs. Recognising this, VodafoneThree commissioned new research to investigate how digital connectivity links with economic and social outcomes, from employment and education to business growth. The research, carried out by WPI Strategy, shows that good infrastructure is only part of the puzzle. Real value, it says, comes when people have both the skills and affordable access needed to make the most of what's available. That's why VodafoneThree, the newly formed company, has pledged to invest £11 billion over eight years in what it believes is one of the UK's largest-ever private infrastructure projects – aimed at delivering what the company hopes to be one of the UK's leading network. It is set to provide nationwide 5G coverage by 2034, reaching 90% of the UK's landmass within three years – connecting city centres and suburbs alike. Projects like a proposed subsea cable to Shetland show that even Scotland's most remote communities are part of this vision. Max Taylor, CEO at VodafoneThree, highlights the importance of going beyond basic connectivity. He said: 'The findings in Scotland make one thing clear: connectivity is just the starting point. 'At VodafoneThree, we believe in a truly inclusive digital UK. That means fixing poor connectivity, helping communities maximise infrastructure, and working with the government to ensure our network investment aligns with the UK's social and economic renewal. 'That's how we make sure our network delivers for every community in Scotland – and across the UK.' What do the findings say about Scotland? Despite improvements in digital infrastructure, not every Scottish community is seeing equal benefits. To get a clearer picture, researchers assessed each local authority on unemployment rates, life satisfaction, productivity (GVA per hour), new business creation and education levels. Based on these factors, local authorities were grouped into three categories: Communities needing focused support According to the research, these areas underperform across key indicators and risk falling further behind without urgent intervention. Inverclyde is an example of an area in this group, facing higher than average unemployment (4.2%), the lowest productivity in Scotland (£27.10 GVA per hour), and over one in five residents (20.8%) without formal qualifications. Communities performing around average While 18 local authorities, including Dundee City, South Lanarkshire and North Ayrshire, are performing around average, the company said they have significant potential for improvement with the right support. Dundee City, for example, has above average unemployment (5%), below average productivity (£32.50 GVA per hour) and 17% of its population without formal qualifications. South Lanarkshire has an above-average rate of residents without formal qualifications (18.3%) but stands out with strong new business creation (1,115 SMEs started in 2023). North Ayrshire also faces challenges with unemployment at 4.1% and a high proportion without formal qualifications (20.4%), though it enjoys above-average productivity (£39.20 GVA per hour). These areas, said VodafoneThree, could benefit greatly from targeted digital skills initiatives and improved access. Communities with strong foundations The final group includes 13 local authorities in Scotland that are already performing well, but needing to prepare for future demand as technology evolves. Edinburgh leads with high productivity (£49 GVA per hour) and a low proportion of residents without formal qualifications (9.7%). The Orkney Islands combine impressive productivity (£46.20) with one of the lowest unemployment rates in Scotland (2.6%), despite their remoteness. Moray also excels with strong productivity (£42.80), low unemployment (2.5%) and high life satisfaction (7.44/10). Looking ahead to the future As Scotland continues to grow and evolve, so does the demand for reliable high-quality digital services. But as this new research shows, each local authority faces unique challenges and opportunities that demand localised solutions.
Yahoo
27-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Here's why I'm getting excited about the Vodafone share price!
Since 25 June, the Vodafone (LSE:VOD) share price has been the 12th-best performer on the FTSE 100, rising by just over 12%. 'So what?', I hear investors in JD Sports Fashion cry. After all, shares in the British 'trainers and tracksuits' retailer have increased by more than 21% over the same period. But Vodafone's shareholders (like me) have suffered for a long time. It was during the first half of 2023 when the group's shares were last regularly changing hands for more than 80p. I'm particularly excited by the recent rally because I'm close to breaking even. Dividends have offset some of my paper losses but, ignoring these, I'm hopeful that I'll soon be in the black again. What's going on? One of the catalysts of the recovery appears to be the merger of its UK operations with Three. The combined business, which will trade as VodafoneThree, is expected to add €400m to EBITDAaL (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation, after leases) each year. Fans of share buybacks will probably claim that the recently-completed €2bn of purchases has helped. And the group's results for the first quarter of its 2026 financial year were encouraging. Group revenue was up 3.9% compared to 12 months earlier, the business in Türkiye and Africa continues to do well, and it's experiencing 'strong demand' from its business customers for digital services. Vodafone's now expecting EBITDAaL of €11.3bn-€11.6bn for the year ending 31 March 2026 (FY26) and adjusted free cash flow of €2.4bn-€2.6bn. Will it continue? But the group's embarked on turnaround plans before. And they've failed. This could be a false dawn. And even though Germany might be on a 'improvement trajectory', revenue is still falling. Despite recent problems brought about by a change in law regarding the bundling of TV contracts, the country still accounts for 34% of turnover. Also, telecoms assets are expensive. It's true that the group's managed to bring its debt down. But this has been achieved by selling some of the 'family silver', most notably its divisions in Spain and Italy. My view However, I'm optimistic. I've long believed that the group's undervalued compared to its peers. I think its enterprise value (EV) – defined as market cap plus net debt — relative to its earnings proves that the shares still offer good value. EV's widely used in the world of mergers and acquisitions as it more accurately reflects what someone would have to pay for a business. By coincidence, BT also reported its first-quarter's results yesterday. They were so well received that its share price leapt 10.4% and the group's now overtaken Vodafone as the FTSE 100's most valuable telecoms company. But it has a slightly higher EV/EBITDAaL than Vodafone. Stock Market cap (£bn) Net debt (£bn) Enterprise value (£bn) FY26 forecast EBITDAaL (£bn) EV/EBITDAaL Deutsche Telekom 137.0 115.1 252.1 39.2 6.4 BT 21.9 19.8 41.7 8.1-8.2 5.1 Vodafone 20.9 29.0 49.9 9.9-10.1 4.9-5.0 If the two were valued on the same basis, Vodafone's share price would be up to 7.5% higher. Compared to Deutsche Telekom, the gap's even bigger. Europe's largest telecoms group trades on a much larger valuation multiple than both of the British groups. I'm hopeful that other investors will soon recognise this and help ensure that the recent good run in the group's share price continues. Due to its attractive valuation, reasonable dividend (no guarantees, of course), and a strong presence in its key markets, I think it's a stock for investors to consider. The post Here's why I'm getting excited about the Vodafone share price! appeared first on The Motley Fool UK. More reading 5 Stocks For Trying To Build Wealth After 50 One Top Growth Stock from the Motley Fool James Beard has positions in JD Sports Fashion and Vodafone Group Public. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Vodafone Group Public. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. Motley Fool UK 2025 Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Time of India
25-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Vodafone says close to returning to growth in Germany
By James Davey LONDON: Vodafone said it is close to returning to growth in Germany, its biggest market, as the mobile operator reported a tick up in first-quarter group organic service revenue growth. Vodafone has struggled in Germany since it was tripped up by a change in the rules on selling cable television to apartments. Its performance there is, however, on an improving trajectory. While first-quarter organic service revenue growth in Germany fell 3.2%, this was an improvement on the previous quarter's 6.0% decline. "We are close to returning to growth (in Germany), it will happen in the next few quarters," Chief Executive Margherita Della Valle told reporters on Thursday. "We can't give you the precise month, but it's coming," she said. The group as a whole reported a 5.5% rise in group organic service revenue in the first quarter, a slight increase on the previous quarter that reflected positive outcomes in Britain, the rest of Europe, Turkey and Africa. Vodafone also reiterated its full-year guidance of growth in profit and cash flow. Della Valle has reshaped the British group in the last two years, by selling operations in Spain and Italy and merging its British operations with those of CK Hutchison to create "VodafoneThree". Analysts have applauded Della Valle's actions, which have reduced debt and sharpened Vodafone's operational performance. Vodafone shares were up 2%, extending 2025 gains to 24%. "After two years of transformation and change, Vodafone is now well positioned for multi-year growth across both Europe and Africa," Della Valle said. VodafoneThree started operating on June 1 and is now fully consolidated in the group's results. Vodafone's full-year guidance includes the impact of the merger. It said it expected to report core earnings of between 11.3 billion and 11.6 billion euros ($13.3 billion and $13.6 billion) and adjusted free cashflow of 2.4 billion to 2.6 billion euros. First-quarter core earnings rose 4.9% on an organic basis to 2.7 billion euros.
