Google Cloud, Liberty Global Partner to Revolutionize European Telecom

A five-year partnership will bring AI, cloud tech, and smart devices to enhance automation, security, and services across Liberty Global’s European networks.

A five-year strategic partnership between Google Cloud, Alphabet's quickly growing cloud division, and Liberty Global will integrate Google's Gemini artificial intelligence models and other cloud technologies across the cable operator's European operations.

According to Liberty Global, which provides services to almost 80 million fixed and mobile users across Europe, the partnership will allow for new AI-based products and services for customers. These include more automation in customer service operations and improved search and discovery capabilities on its Horizon TV platform. Liberty Global CEO Mike Fries, stated about their increased partnership with Google Cloud is a major turning point for the company.

The expanded accessibility of Google products via Liberty Global's regional brands is also covered by the agreement. These include Google watches, Pixel smartphones, and smart-home appliances sold by companies like Sunrise in Switzerland, Telenet in Belgium, VodafoneZiggo in the Netherlands, and Virgin Media O2 in the UK.

According to Liberty Global, the initiative aims to improve autonomous network operations, increase network security and dependability, and possibly enable Google Cloud to access excess capacity in Liberty's data centers, including through the AtlasEdge joint venture.

The companies also intend to investigate ways to monetize Liberty Global's telecommunications data while respecting privacy standards and to target small-business clients with a combination of cloud, cybersecurity, and AI services. Tara Brady, Google Cloud president for the EMEA region, stated, their goal is simple: to use technology to cut through complexity and bring value to customers and partners.

This partnership is part of a larger trend in the telecom industry, where operators are increasingly using cloud and AI platforms to reduce network costs, open up new revenue streams, and support continued investments in fiber and 5G infrastructure.