Vodafone Business and Google Cloud have expanded their partnership to equip small-and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with cyber security and agentic AI.

Vodafone Business is launching a managed detection and response (MDR) service enabled by Google Security Operations. It will enhance protection for users from increasingly frequent and sophisticated cyber threats.

This brings together Google’s global security analytics and AI-driven threat intelligence, alongside Vodafone’s expertise in serving the SMB market across Europe, allowing businesses to identify and mitigate threats in real time. The service is scheduled for an inaugural launch in Germany – adhering to the region’s stringent data protection standards – before rolling out across additional European markets later this year.

Vodafone is also introducing Vodafone Business AI Concierge with Google Gemini, the first in a suite of planned agentic AI offerings. Built on Google Cloud’s Gemini Enterprise Agent platform and Gemini models, AI Concierge is a multi-modal, AI agent, including voice and data, designed to operate autonomously within a business environment.

AI Concierge leverages Vodafone’s low-latency connectivity to engage naturally with users, answer enquiries and book appointments. By handling these critical but repetitive tasks, the offering – which will be available in Germany and Greece – helps SMBs capture leads, even outside standard business hours, allowing owners to focus on higher-value growth activities.

“Vodafone Business is helping millions of SMBs unlock the power of AI without the complexity or risk,” said Fanan Henriques, Vodafone Business product and international business director. “By combining our network and support with Google Cloud’s AI expertise, we’re making advanced, secure AI practical for everyday business use, starting with innovations like AI Concierge, one of the first telephony integrations with Gemini.”

Oliver Parker, vice president at Google Cloud (cloud.google.com), added: “Small businesses are the backbone of the global economy, yet they are often the most underserved when it comes to cutting-edge tech. Together with Vodafone Business, we are changing that. By combining our Gemini models and enterprise-grade security expertise with Vodafone’s deep connectivity and customer reach, we are giving SMBs the tools they need to stay protected and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.”

The announcement is a milestone in the landmark $1bn, ten-year partnership signed between the two companies in 2024. The collaboration aims to accelerate digital transformation for millions of customers by combining Vodafone’s European and African reach with Google Cloud’s AI and security platforms.

Vodafone (www.vodafone.com) serves more than 360 million mobile and broadband customers, operating networks in 15 countries with investments in a further five and partners in over 40 more.