Vodafone Calls for Stronger Safeguards as Global Network Shutdowns Reach Record Levels and Economic Costs Approach $20 Billion

Vodafone Calls for Stronger Safeguards as Global Network Shutdowns Reach Record Levels and Economic Costs Approach $20 Billion

(IN BRIEF) Vodafone’s new Network Shutdowns in a Connected World report warns that deliberate internet and communications restrictions have reached record levels, creating growing social, security and economic costs. Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition recorded at least 313 shutdowns … Read the full press release →

The global cost of internet shutdowns in 2025

A new report by Vodafone has revealed that internet shutdowns are imposing growing social, economic and security costs worldwide, with governments often failing to achieve the policy objectives behind the restrictions. The report, Network Shutdowns in a Connected World, indicated that at least 313 deliberate internet shutdowns were recorded across 52 countries in 2025, making …

Eurobites: Vodafone highlights network-shutdown epidemic

Also in today's EMEA regional roundup: Deutsche Telekom expands multi-orbit IoT roaming with Iridium; Ericsson trials drone-sensing technology; Nokia teams up with Microsoft on AI-driven network automation.

Vodafone pushes for change in network shutdowns

Vodafone Group argued governments must take action to safeguard online access after telecom network shutdowns wrought havoc on societies and economies due to big increases in the number and duration during 2025. Joakim Reiter, chief external and corporate affairs officer, said Vodafone’s research showed shutdowns diminish the public’s trust and hamper services. Vodafone is calling for governments to implement a transparent governance framework t…