$VOD

Vodafone is launching Vodafone TV, a 4K streaming device with Dolby Vision and Atmos support, to compete with Apple TV, Sky Stream, and Amazon Fire TV. The device offers live TV via Freely, access to apps like Netflix and HBO Max, and 302 cloud games. Vodafone aims to differentiate with an open ecosystem and gaming features, but faces stiff competition in the streaming market.

Vodafone UK is accelerating the withdrawal of legacy copper services to October 2026, earlier than the industry deadline of January 2027. This move aims to reduce risks associated with aging infrastructure but has raised concerns among partners about vulnerable customers. Vodafone is working with partners to ensure a smooth transition to IP-based services, with 1.5 million UK lines still needing migration.

DigitalBridge, Legal & General, and TD Asset Management have acquired Vodafoneziggo Towers, a joint venture between Vodafone and Ziggo. The deal values the towers at €1.4 billion, with Vodafone retaining a 20% stake. The acquisition aims to expand the companies' infrastructure portfolios.

Vodafone UK and Ericsson trialed AI-powered real-time language translation in a test mobile network, enabling multilingual voice calls without special apps. The trial also featured live noise cancellation, improving call clarity. Vodafone's AI platform and Ericsson's network technology were used. Commercial deployment plans are under consideration for 2024, with potential third-party business applications.

Ericsson and VodafoneThree launched an upgraded 5G Core network, powered by Ericsson's dual-mode 5G Core, for VodafoneThree's 28.6 million customers. The network offers faster speeds, guaranteed minimum download speeds, and dedicated network slices for consumers and businesses. The project is part of an SEK 12.5 billion partnership and aims to support growing data demands with a capacity of 9 Tbps.

The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) approved $8B in investments, including $185M for DTEK to modernize Ukraine's energy infrastructure and $350M for Vodafone Ukraine to upgrade telecom infrastructure. Vodafone Group Plc, the parent company, is listed on NASDAQ (VOD). DTEK's 200MW battery system is operational in Ukraine. Vodafone Ukraine reported H1 2026 revenue of Hr. 14.95B ($334.4M) and net profit of Hr. 1.95B ($43.6M).

Vodacom Group will appeal a Kenyan High Court ruling that invalidated the government's sale of a 15% stake in Safaricom, valued at about 204 billion Kenyan shillings. The court ordered the stake to revert to the state, citing unconstitutional transaction. Vodacom seeks to suspend the ruling pending appeal.

Vodafone is set to launch Vodafone TV in the UK in October, aiming to strengthen its fixed-mobile convergence strategy. According to GlobalData, this move could boost multiplay adoption and support 5G+ and broadband cross-selling, but Vodafone needs stronger operator-specific benefits to compete in the market. Vodafone TV will be available to mobile-only customers, a key differentiator from UK telco rivals. The service is built on Netgem’s Pleio platform, which will manage day-to-day operations.

Berenberg upgraded GSK to 'buy' with a £22 target, citing strong growth prospects and undervaluation. Deutsche Bank upgraded AstraZeneca to 'hold' with a 11,700p target, noting improved risk-reward. Citi raised Vodafone's target to 127p, highlighting potential positive catalysts. Analysts cited pipeline momentum, valuation gaps, and upcoming catalysts for these moves.

Vodafone (VOD) reached a 52-week high of $17.14 after Goldman Sachs upgraded it to Buy, expecting faster ROIC and UK market recovery. The company is in talks with Deutsche Telekom, Orange, and Telefónica to bid for EU IRIS² satellite spectrum. Vodafone also launched Africa Data Centers Egypt with partners, targeting up to $1B investment and significant job creation.