Meta and Vodafone Collaborate to Reduce Video Congestion

Vodafone Group and Meta Platforms announced collaboration around network traffic optimization. The two companies plan to tackle the capacity required to deliver short-form video in key European markets.

The operator stated the results of its joint network optimization with Meta in 11 European countries vary depending on loading and the devices involved. Vodafone explained a three-week test held in the UK during April delivered a meaningful reduction in network traffic for Meta's content, though added all customers stand to benefit because it also freed up additional network resources on some of its most popular 4G and 5G sites.

The UK seems to have been the trailblazer, with Vodafone stating the optimization was applied in ten other European nations in June. The operator focused on busy areas such as shopping centers and transport hubs. Vodafone and Meta stated they are open to working with all players to improve network efficiency, with the pair planning to maintain a focus on helping to grow digital services, conserve power, and keep critical applications free of congestion.

Last month, Ericsson rated video as one of the most data-intensive applications, accounting for 73% of all mobile traffic at end-2023. In the latest edition of its Mobility Report, Ericsson placed monthly data usage during Q1 at 145 exabytes, with the overall figure in the 12 months to end March up 25% year-on-year and a forecast of a CAGR of 20% until the close of 2029.