Liberty Global to deploy Google’s Gemini in Europe

Google Cloud, a rapidly expanding segment of Alphabet, and Liberty Global have established a five-year strategic partnership to implement Google’s Gemini AI models and other cloud tools throughout the cable group’s European operations, Reuters reported.

Liberty Global, which maintains approximately 80 million fixed and mobile connections in Europe, stated the agreement would facilitate new consumer services. These include AI-enhanced search and discovery on its Horizon TV platform, as well as customer-service automation. Reuters first reported the deal on Tuesday.

Mike Fries, CEO of Liberty Global, noted in a statement that the expanded partnership with Google Cloud constitutes a significant milestone for the company. The collaboration will also involve offering more Google products, such as Pixel phones, watches, and smart-home devices, through Liberty Global’s operating units. These units include Virgin Media O2 in Britain, Telenet in Belgium, VodafoneZiggo in the Netherlands, and Sunrise in Switzerland.

This agreement extends prior collaborations between the two firms. Liberty Global indicated the new program aims to enhance network reliability and security, advance autonomous network operations, and explore potential uses of spare capacity in Liberty’s data centers. This includes capacity via its AtlasEdge joint venture.

The partnership will also focus on providing cloud, cybersecurity, and AI services to small-business customers. The companies will examine methods to monetize Liberty’s telecommunications data while adhering to privacy requirements.

Tara Brady, Google Cloud president for the EMEA region, stated their objective is to utilize technology to reduce complexity and deliver value to customers and partners.

AI partnerships have become more prevalent in the telecommunications sector as operators aim to lower network costs and create new revenue sources, while maintaining substantial investment in fiber and 5G infrastructure.