VODAFONE WINS AWARD FOR ITS ROLLOUT OF FIBRE IN EUROPE

Vodafone’s “outstanding contribution” to fibre-to-the-home (“FTTH”) adoption in Europe was acknowledged by the FTTH Council Europe, which presented Vodafone with the “FTTH Operator Award 2014” at its annual conference in Stockholm.

 Vodafone’s optical fibre investments in Portugal, Spain and Italy were the focus of the award.  Collectively:

·         Vodafone Portugal has passed more than 700,000 homes with fibre and aims to reach 1.5 million by mid-2015; 

·         Vodafone Spain has partnered with Orange in a €1 billion partnership to co-invest in fibre and aims to reach 3 million homes in 2015, increasing to 6 million in 2017; and 

·         Vodafone Italy offers fibre services in 37 cities and aims to build out fibre-to-the-cabinet coverage in 150 cities over the next two years, reaching around 6.5 million households.

The award comes as Vodafone embarks on the largest and fastest period of investment in network and services in its history with plans to spend £19 billion over the next two years. 

 Philipp Humm, Vodafone CEO Europe, said:“Vodafone’s investments in Portugal, Spain and Italy are a key part of our commitment to offer customers an unmatched customer service, to help them be the best connected and to enjoy all the benefits of technological innovation in and out of their homes. Our investments in Portugal, Spain and Italy will be increased significantly over the next two years under Vodafone’s Project Spring programme with nearly €3 billion committed to establishing even stronger network and service differentiation in these countries. We are delighted to be recognised by the FTTH Council Europe and will continue to strive to bring the best to our customers.” 

The FTTH Council Europe is an industry organisation with a mission to accelerate the availability of fibre-based, ultra-high-speed access networks to consumers and businesses.