Both Telefonica and Vodafone are major telecommunications providers with strengths in network coverage, innovation, and corporate social responsibility. Vodafone offers more transparency regarding pricing and device financing. Telefonica's Gartner Peer Insights ratings provide some insight into customer service experiences, but the data breach is a concern. The best choice depends on individual needs and priorities, such as specific coverage areas, pricing preferences, and security considerations.
| Attribute | Telefonica | Vodafone |
|---|---|---|
| Network Coverage | 2G, 3G (switched off in 2021), 4G/LTE (over 99% of German population), 5G (over 98% of German population). Expanding 5G in rural areas. | 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G. Joint-best coverage for calls, just behind EE for 4G. 80% rural reach. |
| Data Speed and Reliability | Up to 800 Mbps on 4G (using MIMO 4x4 and 256QAM). Installing additional network capacities. | Average download speed: 31.1Mbps. Average 5G download speed: 138.7Mbps. Speeds may suffer in rural areas. |
| Customer Service | Gartner Peer Insights: Evaluation & Contracting (4.5 stars), Delivery & Execution (4.5 stars). | Vodafone Intelligent Solutions (VOIS) has consolidated call center operations. |
| Pricing Plans and Contract Flexibility | Not available | Vodafone EVO: Flexible contract lengths up to 36 months, trade-in options, and upgrade allowances. Six price points between $30 and $100. Simplifying plans and offering more flexibility. |
| International Roaming | Roaming charges can be reduced with add-ons or special Europe travel plans. Specific rates for specific countries not available. | Available in over 100 countries. Roaming policy depends on the plan, with some plans including EU roaming at no extra cost. Roaming charges for pay-monthly customers in Zone B (49 European destinations) is £2 per day. |
| Bundled Services | Offers bundled services, such as the Total Vivo bundle in Brazil (mobile, broadband, pay-TV). | Offers bundled services, including TV and internet. Vodafone TV is a cloud-based entertainment service. |
| Device Options and Financing | Not available | Vodafone EVO phone plans: Flexible phone contracts (24-36 months), trade-in, and upgrades. Customers can finance smartphones over 12, 24, or 36 months. Online upgrades hub available. |
| Security Features and Data Privacy | Compliant with data protection legislation. Security measures to prevent data loss. Data and identity protection with encryption. Certificates: ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018, and ISO/IEC 27001:2013. Data breach in January 2025. | Strict governance processes to protect customer data and manage cybersecurity risks. Implemented dual-factor authentication for customer accounts. |
| Network Infrastructure Investment | Investing in 5G and fiber network expansion. Migrating network to the public cloud (AWS). Extended network sharing partnership with Vodafone. | Pioneering a more programmable network built on open standards. |
| Corporate Social Responsibility | ESG commitment: environmental sustainability, social impact, and responsible governance. Goal: net-zero emissions by 2030. Promotes social and volunteering initiatives. | Focuses on community engagement, education, and digital skills development through Vodafone Intelligent Solutions (VOIS). 'Brighter Futures' program supports education. |
| Innovation | Investing in 5G, fiber, IoT, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. Open innovation platform: Wayra. Telefónica Innovación Digital focuses on new technologies and digital products. | Pioneered fixed and mobile technology, including building the world's largest Internet of Things (IoT) platform. |
| eSIM Support | Progressively launching eSIM support on European networks. Germany will be the first country in the Telefónica Group to launch a device with an eSIM card. | Offers eSIMs for Pay Monthly customers buying a phone, on SIM Only, or with a business plan. New customers can request an eSIM during checkout. |
| Ratings | Evaluation & Contracting: 4.5 stars, Delivery & Execution: 4.5 stars (Gartner Peer Insights) | Not available |