Vodafone is undertaking a significant overhaul of its global data centre operations, responding to the rapid evolution of digital technologies and the increasing demands of AI and cloud computing. In 2024, the company committed US$1.5 billion over a decade to support this transformation, focusing on enhancing digital capabilities and streamlining data centre migrations. This investment is designed to ensure Vodafone remains competitive in a market where robust, scalable infrastructure is critical for business growth and technological advancement.

Paul Greenley, Vodafone’s Senior Principal Manager DC Infrastructure & Facilities, who has spent over a decade at Vodafone and now leads data centre infrastructure and facilities, has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s approach. Vodafone’s core data centres are located in Ireland, Italy, Germany, and the UK, each supported by a network of smaller satellite sites. These secondary facilities follow the same stringent operational standards, although they are managed locally, allowing the group to maintain consistency while adapting to regional needs.

A central element of Vodafone’s strategy is to modernise existing facilities rather than simply expanding their physical footprint. According to Greenley, the company’s transformation is being driven by the need to support various in-house programmes with tailored, on-premises solutions. This involves upgrading legacy infrastructure to accommodate greater computational power and advanced cooling requirements, all while maximising the value of current sites and avoiding unnecessary new construction.

The ultimate aim is to rejuvenate traditional data centres from within, turning them into state-of-the-art hubs capable of supporting high-performance computing. By focusing on internal upgrades and efficient resource management, Vodafone is positioning itself to meet future technological challenges, all while keeping sustainability and operational efficiency at the core of its strategy.