Vodafone Albania CEO, Balázs Révész, on 5G leadership, critical infrastructure, cloud transformation and the technologies shaping Albania’s next decade of growth.
For many years Vodafone was primarily seen as a mobile operator. Today we see Vodafone involved in mission-critical airport communications together with Airbus. How is Vodafone’s role evolving, and do you now see the company as a technology infrastructure provider rather than a traditional telecom operator?
Many people in Albania still associate Vodafone primarily with mobile communications. While connectivity remains at the core of what we do, Vodafone today is fundamentally a technology company.
Globally, Vodafone is the world’s leading IoT connectivity provider, connecting devices, vehicles and critical assets across industries. We are a strategic technology partner to governments, major enterprises and operators of critical infrastructure throughout Europe and Africa. Our capabilities today extend far beyond telecommunications into cloud, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and mission-critical communications.
This transformation has been underway for nearly a decade. Vodafone has built comprehensive capabilities in cloud services, cybersecurity, IoT solutions, smart energy management and digital transformation. Through our partnership with Accenture, we are also able to deliver complex end-to-end technology solutions as a systems integrator.
In Albania, we are bringing the full strength of these global capabilities to the local market. Today, Vodafone Albania combines local expertise with access to Vodafone’s international technology platforms, cybersecurity operations centers and specialist teams across Europe. The impact is already visible in Albania. Today, Vodafone technology supports critical operations across multiple sectors, from banking and financial services to public infrastructure. For example, 80% of the POS payment terminals on the country operate through Vodafone IoT connectivity, demonstrating how deeply digital infrastructure had become embedded in everyday economic activity.
The project launched a few days ago with Airbus and Tirana International Airport is a clear example of that evolution. It demonstrates how Vodafone’s role has expanded from connecting people to enabling the digital infrastructure that modern economies increasingly depend upon.
Airport, energy networks, transport systems and public services are becoming increasingly dependent on digital connectivity. What role do you believe Vodafone should play in supporting Albania’s critical national infrastructure over the next decade?
Digital infrastructure has become as important to economic development as roads, ports or energy networks. Every business, government institution and public service increasingly relies on secure and resilient connectivity.
The challenge today is not simply providing connectivity, but ensuring that it is secure, reliable and capable of supporting critical operations. Cybersecurity, resilience and redundancy are fundamental requirements.
This is where Vodafone can play a significant role. We combine global infrastructure, international expertise and local investment to provide secure and resilient digital networks. Vodafone Albania already operates the country’s largest 5G network, with 130 stations added since last year, covering over 45% of the Albanian population, Our superior network is independently recognized by Umlaut as the best mobile and fixed network, a achievement which we proudly receive year after year. This creates the foundation upon which future critical services, from transport and energy to public safety and digital government, can operate.
Looking ahead, one of Albania’s key priorities should be accelerating the rollout of digital infrastructure. While significant progress has been made, permitting processes and regulatory barriers can still slow deployment. As digital infrastructure becomes increasingly critical to national competitiveness, creating a more enabling environment for investment and network expansion will be essential.
Countries increasingly compete not only through roads and airports, but through the quality of their digital infrastructure. How important is advanced connectivity for attracting investment, tourism and economic growth in Albania?
Investors today evaluate countries through a much broader lens than physical infrastructure alone. They look at digital readiness, cybersecurity standards, cloud capabilities and regulatory alignment with European frameworks. As Albania advances toward EU membership, compliance requirements such as NIS2 and GDPR will become increasingly important. Businesses need partners that can help them navigate this transition confidently.
Businesses today are looking for trusted partners that can simplify increasingly complex technological environments. They need secure connectivity, cloud services, cybersecurity and digital tools that work seamlessly together. Vodafone is uniquely positioned to provide that integrated approach.
In Albania, we are the only qualified Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider, enabling us to deliver cloud services, licensing and managed solutions backed by one of the world’s leading technology companies. We have already supported some of the countries’ most advanced organizations in complex cloud transformation projects, while also providing co-location services through our Tier III data center infrastructure. Together, these capabilities allow organizations to modernize critical systems while maintaining the highest standards of security, resilience and operational continuity.
Beyond cloud and cybersecurity, we see significant opportunities in IoT, smart energy management and digital transformation. As Albania continues its path toward greater digitalization and European integration, demand for these solutions will continue to grow.
Importantly, our ambition extends beyond large enterprises and government institutions. Small and medium-sized businesses are equally important. Through solutions such as SOHO Digital Plus, we are making advanced digital tools, cybersecurity protection and cloud services more accessible, helping Albanian businesses become more productive, competitive and future-ready.
