‘Our story has always been one of connection’
Sabrina Casalta, chief executive, Vodafone Ireland: ’Over the past 25 years, Ireland has undergone a remarkable transformation. The way we live, work, communicate and do business has changed beyond recognition.’
This year marks an important milestone for Vodafone Ireland as we celebrate 25 years of connecting people, businesses and communities across the country.
Milestones like this offer an opportunity to reflect on the journey so far, but they are also a chance to look ahead. As we mark this anniversary, I am incredibly proud of what Vodafone has achieved in Ireland over the past quarter century and excited about the role we can continue to play in shaping Ireland’s digital future.
Over the past 25 years, Ireland has undergone a remarkable transformation. The way we live, work, communicate and do business has changed beyond recognition. Technology has become an essential part of everyday life, creating new opportunities for individuals, businesses, public services and society as a whole.
Throughout this period of change, Vodafone has been privileged to support Ireland’s digital journey. Today, we serve 2.4 million customers and support businesses of all sizes across Ireland, from sole traders and start-ups to multinational organisations and public sector bodies. Every day, our networks connect people to what matters most, helping businesses grow, enabling public services to operate and keeping communities connected.
Since entering the Irish market, Vodafone has contributed more than €20 billion in Ireland, in today’s terms, to the national economy. These investments have helped build and strengthen the digital infrastructure that underpins our modern economy, from mobile communications and broadband connectivity to cloud, cybersecurity, Internet of Things technologies and advanced digital solutions.
Through our investment in SIRO, we have also helped expand access to world-class fibre infrastructure, enabling homes and businesses across Ireland to participate in the digital economy. More recently, we announced a further €360 million investment programme to strengthen our networks, digital platforms and customer experience, reaffirming our long-term commitment to Ireland. This builds on our ongoing annual investment of approximately €100 million in maintaining, enhancing and future-proofing our network infrastructure.
Alongside investment in our networks, we have invested more than €10 million over the past five years in enhancing customer care, with a further €1 million committed annually through our CARE programme. This investment is helping transform the customer experience through infrastructure upgrades, operational improvements and the integration of AI-powered tools, including our digital care assistant, TOBi.
Innovation has always been central to Vodafone’s story. We have consistently sought to bring new technologies to market, helping customers realise the benefits of digital transformation and ensuring Ireland remains connected to the opportunities of tomorrow.
From introducing Ireland’s first 3G, 4G and 5G networks to today’s advancements in satellite-enabled mobile connectivity, Vodafone has played a leading role in bringing new communications technologies to Ireland. Today, we continue to pioneer innovations that will help shape the future of connectivity.
Our focus on innovation is not simply about technology for technology’s sake. It is about creating solutions that help people live better lives, help businesses compete and grow, and help Ireland remain one of the most connected and competitive economies in the world.
As our reliance on connectivity has increased, so too has the importance of the infrastructure that supports it. Telecommunications networks are critical national infrastructure. They support everything from healthcare and education to emergency services, transport systems and economic activity. They enable citizens, businesses and public services to function effectively in an increasingly digital world.
With that responsibility comes a commitment to ensure our networks remain secure, resilient and future-ready. Investment in digital infrastructure is no longer simply about faster connectivity. It is fundamental to economic growth, national resilience and Ireland’s ability to compete in an increasingly digital and data-driven global market.
AI is one of the clearest examples of this opportunity. It has the potential to transform productivity and business models, improve public services, accelerate innovation and unlock significant economic value. However, realising those benefits requires strong digital foundations. High-capacity networks, secure and resilient infrastructure and widespread access to connectivity will all play a vital role in enabling Ireland to fully harness the potential of AI and other emerging technologies.
The countries that succeed in the coming decades will be those that continue to invest in innovation, digital infrastructure and economic resilience. Ireland has many strengths to build upon, including a talented workforce, a vibrant digital and technology sector and a strong track record of attracting investment.
However, maintaining that position cannot be taken for granted. Continued long-term investment by infrastructure providers, businesses and Government, supported by policies that incentivise innovation and growth, will be essential if Ireland is to remain competitive, attract future investment and fully realise the opportunities of emerging technologies.
While investment and innovation are critical, for real societal and economic competitiveness, we also believe technology should benefit everyone.
Through Vodafone Foundation, we have worked to ensure that digital progress is inclusive and accessible. Technology can be a powerful force for good, but only if people have the confidence, skills and opportunity to use it. Through initiatives such as Hi Digital, digital wellbeing programmes and social innovation projects, we have supported communities across Ireland and helped more than 200,000 older people build the skills needed to participate confidently in an increasingly digital society.
This commitment reflects our belief that connectivity is about far more than technology. It is about opportunity. It is about empowering people and businesses, strengthening communities and helping ensure nobody is left behind as the world becomes increasingly connected.
As we mark our first 25 years in Ireland, I would like to thank the customers who have placed their trust in Vodafone. Your support has enabled us to invest, innovate and grow alongside you. I would also like to recognise the thousands of colleagues, past and present, whose dedication, expertise and passion have made Vodafone Ireland what it is today.
Finally, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this report and helped tell the story of Vodafone’s journey in Ireland. It highlights not only how far we have come, but also the partnerships and people that have shaped our success. As we look to the future, it also reminds us of how much more we can achieve together through technology, innovation and connectivity.
While we are proud of our legacy, our focus is firmly on the future. The next 25 years will bring new technologies, new opportunities and new challenges. Vodafone will continue to invest in the networks, services and innovations that underpin Ireland’s digital economy and support the country’s long-term competitiveness, resilience and prosperity.
Our story in Ireland has always been one of connection, innovation and progress. Together with our customers, partners and employees, we look forward to helping shape the next chapter of Ireland’s digital future.
