- Meta is partnering with Vodafone to optimise video transmission on 11 European mobile networks, freeing up capacity without affecting user experience.
- This collaboration helps address network congestion and the fair distribution of upgrade costs, setting a precedent for sustainable and efficient network management.
OUR TAKE
The increasing use of the Internet undoubtedly benefits various industries and multiple investors. Telecom operators’ complaints about the cost of upgrading networks, including Vodafone, remind the public of the imbalanced situation faced by telecom companies. Meta’s solution set an example to guide the more efficient and fairer operation of the Internet.
–Ashley Wang, BTW reporter
What happened
On the premise that the users’ viewing experience will not be affected, Meta is cooperating with Vodafone, a telecom operator, to optimise video transmission on 11 European mobile networks to release capacity.
According to Ericsson’s 2024 Mobility Report, global traffic rose by 25% in the year leading up to the first quarter of 2024, with video accounting for 73% of this traffic by the end of 2023. With the surge in short-form video and sharing platforms like Facebook and Instagram, the Internet seems to be overburdened. Telecom operators, including Vodafone, have long complained about the high cost of upgrading networks, arguing that Big Tech, such as Google, Amazon, and Meta, are sitting on their laurels.
By optimising video delivery, Meta and Vodafone are demonstrating a more efficient solution for applying network resources. During a trial in April, the collaboration reduced Meta’s data traffic on Vodafone’s British network by a low double-digit percentage, freeing up capacity in busy areas like shopping centres and transport hubs.
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Why it’s important
The partnership between Meta and Vodafone provides a solution to address two key issues within and outside the industry: the fair distribution of costs associated with network upgrades and network congestion. Meta’s cooperation with Vodafone was first implemented across European markets, significantly relieving the burden, and leading the way for more efficient use of existing network resources, said Alberto Ripepi, Vodafone’s chief network officer.
This collaboration is not only beneficial for Vodafone and its customers but also provides a model for other telecom operators and tech companies to work together toward sustainable network development. As the demand for video content continues to soar, such partnerships will become increasingly important in ensuring a seamless and enjoyable viewing experience for users worldwide.
