VodafoneThree Report | Page 8

THE SUSTAINABILITY INTERVIEW
Nicki argues that connectivity should be considered alongside these sectors. Recent events, like a network outage that left customers without service for several hours, have highlighted its importance. The public reaction to the outage, Nicki recalls, was intense.“ We had people banging on the doors of our shops,” she reveals.
The incident underscored the extent to which daily life depends on digital connectivity. From accessing bank accounts to contacting emergency services, the consequences of disconnection can be severe. For vulnerable individuals, the impact is even greater – people without connectivity cannot access support systems.“ You are absolutely cut off from everything,” she says. This reinforces the need for policies that recognise and support the role of telecommunications infrastructure.

“ If we can connect every community, it can change the UK for the better”

Nicki Lyons Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer VodafoneThree
Addressing online safety is our responsibility Connecting everyone is not solely about access – it also involves ensuring that online environments are safe and appropriate for all our users. Made to be safe is VodafoneThree’ s promise to keep our customers safe online, whether that is scam or fraud protection, helping them to spot phishing or blocking inappropriate content, right through to keeping their data safe and secure, from the individual consumer through to the largest corporate or public sector customer.
VodafoneThree’ s“ Made to be safe” pillar addresses this dimension. Nicki sits on the NSPCC’ s Child Safety Online
8 vodafonethree. com