Vodafone, Microsoft Agree to 10-Year Deal Across AI, Payments

Vodafone Group Plc has struck an agreement with Microsoft Corp. to invest $1.5 billion over the next decade to develop a range of businesses including artificial intelligence, digital payments and the Internet of Things.

As part of the agreement, Vodafone will use OpenAI technology running on Azure to enhance customer service operations including its consumer chatbot, and Vodafone employees will have access to Microsoft Copilot, the companies said in a statement on Tuesday.

For Vodafone, the deal helps Chief Executive Officer Margherita Della Valle streamline company operations and enhance its offers for the enterprise division, which she’s prioritized. It will ...