Vodafone Group detailed how it put AI into action to boost the resilience of networks accessed by emergency services throughout its European and African operations, a practical example of the long-discussed predictive maintenance potential of the technology.

The Vodafone Enhanced Power initiative targets critical online services and public safety sectors, and was developed to maintain mobile connectivity for vital services during any major outages. The programme involves updates to 10,000 sites across Europe.

Vodafone stated a major power outage across Portugal, Spain and parts of France earlier this year prompted an acceleration in the initiative’s timeline.

The European element is scheduled to take two years to complete.

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Vodafone stated the set-up uses existing temporary backup systems and software-based approaches employing AI to “predict, control and conserve” reserve resources. The initiative tweaks power supplies depending on the severity and scale of any outage.

Outages affecting ten or fewer mobile sites will continue to be handled using Cells on Wheels alongside Vodafone’s existing emergency response network system providing free Wi-Fi and phone charging points. It has been used 28 times globally since launch in 2012.

An adaptive power reserve is on hand for larger outages: the system uses AI to adjust battery backup times, “potentially doubling it in certain scenarios”. The arrangement is in use in Greece and on trial in Turkey, with other nations to be added in 2026.

The AI is used to predict outages and optimise power consumption, an approach Vodafone stated would “help mitigate the intensive capital outlay required” to deploy additional batteries.

Vodafone’s resilience initiative is also relying on backup power supplies at 400 mobile data centres and large backbone sites throughout Europe, and ensuring network junctions have a four-hour battery backup option.

Its Vodacom business in Africa is also employing AI to overcome power problems, with approaches involving renewable energy sources and optimising the load placed on generators.