Vodafone brings in Tech Mahindra to help businesses put 5G and AI to work

Vodafone Business has partnered with Indian technology groupy Tech Mahindra to help UK companies turn 5G and artificial intelligence into practical business systems.

Vodafone will provide the communications network and connectivity, while Tech Mahindra provides the technical expertise to connect that network to a company’s computers, machinery, software and data.

The companies will jointly develop services aimed at particular industries and sell them to UK business customers.

They will work together on projects involving private 5G networks, artificial intelligence, automation, connected devices, cloud computing and data.

For example, a manufacturer could use a private 5G network to connect machinery, cameras and sensors around a factory. AI software could then analyse the information to predict when equipment needs maintenance.

Similar technology could be used by retailers, logistics companies, hospitals and other large organisations.

Installing such systems involves considerably more than providing a mobile connection. Networks have to work with customers’ existing IT systems, software and equipment and then be managed and maintained.

Tech Mahindra employs more than 150,000 people worldwide and specialises in building and managing technology systems for large organisations.

Vodafone Business wants to provide the foundation for more sophisticated enterprise services rather than just selling mobile and data connections.

The Tech Mahindra agreement is part of a wider Vodafone Business strategy to bring technology partners into its enterprise operation. 

Nick Gliddon, Business Director, VodafoneThree, commented: “By combining Vodafone Business’ connectivity, technology and security expertise with Tech Mahindra’s specialist transformation capabilities, we’re giving customers access to integrated solutions across cloud, AI, cyber security and digital transformation’.

Harshul Asnani, President and Head of Europe Business, Tech Mahindra, said: “This framework with Vodafone Business brings together our complementary strengths to help UK organisations accelerate AI-led transformation”.