Google Cloud, the rapidly expanding cloud division of Alphabet, and Liberty Global have agreed a five-year strategic partnership to integrate Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence models and additional cloud technologies across the cable operator’s European businesses.
Liberty Global, which serves around 80 million fixed and mobile subscribers throughout Europe, said the collaboration will enable new AI-driven offerings for customers. These include enhanced search and discovery features on its Horizon TV platform, as well as increased automation in customer support functions.
“Our expanded partnership with Google Cloud represents a significant milestone for Liberty Global,” Mike Fries, CEO of Liberty Global, said in a statement.
The agreement also covers the broader availability of Google products through Liberty Global’s regional brands. These include Pixel smartphones, Google watches, and smart-home devices offered by units such as Virgin Media O2 in the UK, Telenet in Belgium, VodafoneZiggo in the Netherlands, and Sunrise in Switzerland.
Liberty Global said the initiative is intended to strengthen network reliability and security, advance autonomous network operations, and potentially allow Google Cloud to access surplus capacity in Liberty’s data centres, including via the AtlasEdge joint venture.
The companies also plan to target small-business customers with a combination of cloud, cybersecurity, and AI services, and to explore ways to monetise Liberty Global’s telecommunications data while upholding privacy standards.
“Our goal is simple: to use technology to cut through complexity and bring value to our customers and partners,” Tara Brady, Google Cloud president for the EMEA region, said.
This collaboration reflects a broader trend in the telecommunications sector, where operators are increasingly turning to AI and cloud platforms to lower network costs, unlock new revenue opportunities, and support ongoing investments in fibre and 5G infrastructure.
