Meta, the owner of Instagram, has collaborated with Vodafone to enhance capacity on 11 European mobile networks by optimizing the delivery of short-form videos, ensuring minimal impact on the viewing experience. The surge in demand for video content on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube continues to drive significant growth in mobile data usage.
According to Ericsson’s 2024 Mobility Report, global mobile traffic increased by 25% in the 12 months leading up to the first quarter of 2024, with video accounting for 73% of all mobile traffic by the end of 2023. Telecom operators, including Vodafone, have voiced concerns about bearing the costs of network upgrades while Big Tech companies, which benefit from increased traffic, do not contribute financially.
Efforts within the EU to compel Big Tech to contribute to 5G infrastructure investment stalled last year and are unlikely to be revived before the end of this year, if ever. Vodafone described partnering with platforms like Meta as a practical approach to addressing the ongoing debate about equitable cost-sharing.
“Meta’s willingness to optimise the delivery of video for its applications leads the way for a more efficient use of existing network resources. Vodafone and Meta have implemented these optimisations across Vodafone’s European markets and intend to continue collaborating to foster additional efficiencies,” said Vodafone’s chief network officer Alberto Ripepi.
