Google Cloud has agreed a five-year strategic partnership with Liberty Global to roll out Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence models and other cloud tools across the cable group’s European operations.
Liberty Global, which serves around 80 million fixed and mobile connections across Europe, said the deal would underpin the launch of new consumer services, including AI-powered search and content discovery on its Horizon TV platform, as well as greater automation in customer service.
“Our expanded partnership with Google Cloud represents a significant milestone for Liberty Global,” chief executive Mike Fries said in a statement, adding that the collaboration would help simplify operations and improve customer experiences across markets.
As part of the agreement, Liberty Global will also widen the range of Google products sold through its operating companies, including Pixel smartphones, smartwatches and smart-home devices. These businesses include Britain’s Virgin Media O2, Belgium-based Telenet, the Netherlands’ VodafoneZiggo and Switzerland-based Sunrise.
The partnership builds on existing collaborations between the two groups and goes beyond consumer-facing services. Liberty Global said the new programme would aim to improve network reliability and security, pursue more autonomous network operations, and explore opportunities for Google Cloud to use spare capacity in Liberty’s data centres. This could include facilities linked to AtlasEdge, Liberty’s data centre joint venture.
The companies said they would also jointly target small and medium-sized businesses with cloud, cybersecurity and AI services, seeking to tap demand from enterprises looking to modernise their IT systems. They will also examine ways to monetise Liberty Global’s telecoms data, while ensuring compliance with privacy and data-protection requirements.
“Our goal is simple: to use technology to cut through complexity and bring value to our customers and partners,” said Tara Brady, president of Google Cloud for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
AI partnerships have been proliferating across the telecoms sector, as operators look to reduce network costs and create new revenue streams while continuing to invest heavily in fibre broadband and 5G infrastructure.
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