About Sustainable Business News Investors Careers COVID-19 Vodafone Foundation Rural.connected Introduction Our vision Case-studies Latest News We have the opportunity to sustainably boost the development of rural communities across Europe. We know that access to digital infrastructure can help citizens to improve their livelihoods, enable businesses to flourish, make society more resilient and transform the way we live. Fast, reliable, connectivity is necessary for economic growth and social well-being. For rural economies, next-generation networks are critical for creating new jobs, enabling flexible working, improving the productivity of agriculture, and enhancing local public services. Explore our Rural.connected case-studies Our vision for rural.connected 15% of the EU’s population live in predominantly rural areas and almost half of all homes in rural or remote areas have no access to fast broadband, leading to a significant urban rural digital divide. Inadequate broadband coverage means that rural communities do not have the infrastructure needed to get online and access digital services. If the digital divide is left unaddressed, it will widen and people in remote areas will be left behind in an increasingly digitalised world. At Vodafone, our Social Contract is how we bring our Purpose to life through what we do. It is our commitment to society. Connectivity and digital services help rural communities remain vibrant and realise their economic and social potential. Together we can achieve it. Read about our approach to rural connectivity Download our Rural Connectivity report .money-box-heart-raised_svg__cls-1,.money-box-heart-raised_svg__cls-2{fill:none;stroke-width:3px}.money-box-heart-raised_svg__cls-1{stroke:#333;stroke-linecap:round}.money-box-heart-raised_svg__cls-2{stroke:#e60000;stroke-linejoin:round} Income and Employment Our support of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and rural entrepreneurs can drive income and employment opportunities. Digital connectivity can boost local economies and employment through increased teleworking and productivity while attracting and developing new digital businesses. Environment and Climate Change Many rural areas are highly dependent on agriculture. If farming can adopt smart technologies, there are enormous opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, use fewer natural resources and encourage a more sustainable economy. .road_svg__cls-2{fill:#ddd} Infrastructure and Public Services Access to high quality public services including health, education, and transport can keep rural communities vibrant. Digitalisation can create and improve access to public services in rural areas so that rural residents are not at a disadvantage to those who live in urban areas. .person-three-family_svg__st3{fill:#ebebeb}.person-three-family_svg__st4,.person-three-family_svg__st5{opacity:6.000000e-02;enable-background:new}.person-three-family_svg__st5{opacity:.12}.person-three-family_svg__st6{fill:#e60100} Social Inclusion Connectivity gives people in rural communities the opportunity and the flexibility to work, learn, stay in touch with family and friends and access public services. Discover how we are helping to keep rural areas connected 11 Nov 2021Digital Society Watch: Smart agriculture in Uka Farm, Albania Discover how Uka Farm in rural Albania is using technology to automate its agricultural processes. Mobile SDG 9 Data Digital services Connectivity Digital Society Europe Inclusion Networks SDG 10 SDG 11 SDGs Technology Social Contract Smartphone 9 Nov 2021Digital Society How 5G is transforming rural Dorset Discover how Vodafone’s 5G technology is bringing new opportunities to rural Dorset. Mobile SDG 9 Data Digital services Connectivity Digital Society Europe Inclusion Networks SDG 10 SDG 11 SDGs Technology Social Contract Smartphone 5 Nov 2021Digital Society Introducing Greece’s first “green island” Discover how 5G is transforming the Greek island of Chalki into a greener and more sustainable place to live. Mobile SDG 9 Data Connectivity Digital Society Europe Inclusion Networks SDG 10 SDG 11 Technology Social Contract Smartphone 4 Nov 2021Planet Watch: Vodafone’s Green Gigabit Network powers the Greek Island of Ammouliani Vodafone’s Green Gigabit Network powers the tiny Greek island of Ammouliani, giving 100% green energy to the school and healthcare centre on the island. Net Zero Planet SDG 9 SDG 7 Europe SDG 13 SDGs Sustainability 1 Nov 2021Digital Society Powering the world’s smallest football league Discover how Vodafone’s 5G network is supporting the world’s smallest football league. Mobile SDG 9 Data Digital services Connectivity Digital Society Inclusion Networks SDG 10 SDG 11 Technology Social Contract Smartphone 1 Nov 2021Planet How connected forests are helping fight climate change Discover how IoT technology in forests is helping fight climate change and protect rural areas. Innovation Planet Data Digital services Connectivity COP26 IoT SDGs Technology Sustainability 24 Oct 2021Inclusion Connecting villages in rural Romania Discover how Vodafone is connecting rural villages in Romania to high-speed internet, transforming the lives of people who live there. Infrastructure SDG 4 SDG 16 SDG 1 Resilience Digital services Connectivity EU Europe Inclusion SDG 11 SDGs Social Contract Smartphone 24 Oct 2021Inclusion Connecting businesses and communities in rural Ireland Discover how high-speed connectivity is transforming lives in rural Ireland. Infrastructure SDG 4 SDG 16 SDG 1 Resilience Digital services Connectivity EU Europe Inclusion SDG 11 SDGs Social Contract Smartphone 2 Jan 2020Digital Society Sabugueiro – Portugal’s connected mountain village Discover how Vodafone has connected the mountain village of Sabugueiro in Portugal. Everyone.connected Connectivity Digital Society Europe See our strategy in action 25 Mar 2021Public Policy news The right steppingstones for Europe’s Digital Decade Earlier this month, the European Commission announced its vision for Europe’s Digital Decade, setting out a roadmap for Europe’s future technological direction. 4 Mar 2021Technology news Tackling the Digital Divide in Limpopo, South Africa Vodacom will enable hundreds of people in 11 villages across the Limpopo province in South Africa to access mobile services 16 Feb 2021Public Policy news Ensuring the promise of a better digital future is inclusive The digitalisation of African businesses will help build stronger, more sustainable and resilient communities in Africa. 14 Jan 2021Technology news Women Farmers: using tech to boost their farm businesses in Africa Vodacom Foundation's Women Farmers Programme is providing digital literacy training to female smallholder farmers in Africa. Load more Related content Europe.connected Building our digital recovery Africa.connected The world as we know it has changed with the COVID-19 pandemic having profoundly impacted our lives, our countries, and the digital landscape. Interested in unlocking the potential of your rural communities? Contact us today Contact us Investors Annual report Financial results Shareholders Operating responsibly Code of Conduct Modern Slavery Statement Supply chain Mobiles, masts and health Suppliers Ethics Policies and requirements Management help Vodafone Pass Partner Portal Careers Early careers Professionals Be yourself and belong Our locations Site map Legal terms Privacy and cookies Accessibility Report a Vulnerability Contact us ©2021 Vodafone Group Vodafone Group Plc. Registered Office: Vodafone House. The Connection, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2FN. Registered in England No 1833679 We use cookies to improve your experience on this site. 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