Vodafone Greece unveils €1 billion plan to expand fibre and 5G networks through 2029

News

Vodafone Greece has outlined an ambitious €1 billion investment plan for the period 2024 to 2029, with a firm focus on expanding and upgrading the country’s telecommunications infrastructure. Central to this strategy is the accelerated development of the fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) network and the enhancement of the 5G mobile network, positioning the company not merely as a connectivity provider but as a comprehensive technology partner for households and businesses alike.

Currently, Vodafone’s fibre optic coverage reaches 360,000 households and businesses, with projections set to increase coverage to 500,000 by the end of 2024 and to 850,000 by 2028. While active fibre connections remain modest relative to coverage, a steady rise is noted, driven in part by government-backed subsidies such as the Gigabit Voucher and Smart Readiness coupons that encourage consumer uptake. Parallel to fixed network expansion, Vodafone’s 5G network already covers over 91% of the Greek population, with plans to extend this to 94% coverage by March 2025.

This expansion drive includes significant infrastructural upgrades beyond conventional land-based networks. Most notably, Vodafone has completed a state-of-the-art submarine fibre optic cable landing station in Tympaki, Crete. This station is set to serve as a hub for major international undersea cable systems, including the India-Europe-Xpress which is already operational, and the forthcoming 2Africa cable system. The 2Africa project, described as the world’s largest subsea cable system, will enhance connectivity between Africa, Europe, and Asia, delivering unprecedented capacity and reliability to Greece. With a capacity of up to 180 terabits per second, 2Africa is anticipated to elevate Greece’s standing on the global digital map and help transform it into a key telecommunications hub throughout the Mediterranean.

Vodafone’s strategic repositioning under its new leadership includes a focus on new market opportunities within the ICT sector, particularly supporting the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises. The company has already engaged in over 30 digitalisation projects for the public sector in recent years, with contracts valued at €325 million. This broad approach signals a commitment not only to infrastructure but also to leveraging digital technologies to support the evolving needs of both businesses and public administration in Greece.

Competition in the fibre market has intensified with the recent entry of the Public Power Corporation (DEI), which is expanding coverage primarily in urban areas where Vodafone already operates. While overlap remains limited for now, Vodafone’s CEO Achilleas Kanaris anticipates increased competitive pressure as DEI continues its rollout. On the consumer side, there is a discernible trend in Vodafone’s mobile business: contract plans are growing, whereas prepaid subscriptions are declining, with many users migrating to subscription-based services. Similarly, the subscriber base for Vodafone’s subscription TV services continues its upward trajectory.

Addressing persistent rumours regarding the future of Vodafone Greece, Kanaris was unequivocal: the company is not for sale. He emphasised that the Greek market remains profitable and promising, dismissing speculation that his appointment was linked to preparations for a sale.

In summary, Vodafone Greece is undertaking a comprehensive transformation and significant investment aimed at securing its role as a pivotal player in Greece’s digital future. Through substantial infrastructure projects, strategic market manoeuvres, and a clear vision to be more than just a connectivity provider, Vodafone is positioning itself as a catalyst for broader economic and technological advancement in the region.

Source: Noah Wire Services
Total Telecom is trialling AI tools for content generation – please flag any errors!

Author: Ernestro Casas -

This post was originally published on this site