Halki emerges as the first project of the GR-ECO initiative of the Ministry of Environment, which was completed and inaugurated by the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, as a green and digital society.
Vodafone supports the green and digital transition of the island, providing digital tools that bring new possibilities to the residents and economy of Halki and helping its transformation into a sustainable, regional community and a possible pilot model in the European Union.
Vodafone completed the upgrade of the island’s connectivity to 5G and implemented the provision of public wi-fi that covers free of charge the public spaces of the settlement of Halki, opening up new opportunities and possibilities for the local economy, with the aim of contributing to the upgrading of its production model.
Moreover, by installing modern networks in the photovoltaic park and the desalination plant of the island, it created the conditions for a “smart transition” of the critical production facilities of Halki. At the same time, by providing Internet of Things (IoT) services to the municipality, it offers better control and reduction of fuel consumption in its fleet, as well as the ability to monitor its vehicles in real time.
Believing deeply in the “twin transition” to a green and digital future, Vodafone actively supports the transformation of Halki into a model of sustainable development, offering networks that will act as a catalyst for the adoption of green technologies and will contribute to the reduction of the environmental impact of the island’s activities. In addition, by combining green and digital technologies, Vodafone installed the “smart”, solar bench and mobile charging devices that are powered by solar energy.
Leveraging the greek innovation of Vodafone Innovus– a global research and development center of the Vodafone Group and a subsidiary of Vodafone Greece, the Vodafone Foundation added Halki to the Telemedicine Program, showing how digital health applications can eliminate the distances and travel needs that would normally be required to conduct health tests.
In addition, the Foundation has created the STEM lab Generation Next standard, which will offer opportunities for extracurricular training in technology and skills development to the island’s young people. Already in the summer during the Generation Next Summer Camp of the Vodafone Foundation, a Mobile App was created for the tourists of the island.
“At Vodafone we believe that our digital technologies can empower the communities of the region and allow their citizens to participate equally in economic and social progress. Digitalisation can transcend physical borders, increasing equality and ensuring access to fundamental services such as health and education. Vodafone plays a key role in digital and Greece’s green transition, and we are pleased to participate in the “GR-ECO” initiative to help Halki transform into a pan-European beacon of sustainable lifestyle.”, said Serpil Timuray, Europe CEO of Vodafone Group.
“Our participation in the GR-ECO initiative for Halki is of particular importance. Bringing 5G, public wi-fi networks, innovative Internet of Things services, telemedicine, the Generation Next program and an innovative STEM workshop in Halki, we are building the digital infrastructure that will not only allow the island to face the future with determination, having all the necessary skills for its next day, but also to become a reference model for the twin transition towards digitization and the reduction of the environmental footprint internationally. At Vodafone it is our deep conviction that the use of digital and of green technologies is what Greece needs to evolve and make its leap to the future.”, commented Haris Broumidis, president and CEO of Vodafone Greece.
Vodafone’s vision for the region
The company recognises that it has the opportunity to sustainably enhance the development of regional communities across Europe. Access to digital infrastructure can help citizens improve their livelihood, enable businesses to flourish, make society more resilient and transform their lifestyles.
Fast, reliable connectivity is essential for economic growth and social well-being. For rural economies, next-generation networks are vital for creating new jobs, facilitating remote work, improving agricultural productivity and strengthening local public services.
Our vision rural.connected
15% of the EU’s population lives mainly in rural areas and almost half of homes in rural or remote areas do not have access to fast broadband, which contributes to a significant digital divide between urban and remote areas.
Insufficient broadband coverage means that regional communities do not have the necessary infrastructure to connect to the internet and access digital services. If this digital divide is not addressed, it will widen and people in remote areas will lag behind in an increasingly digitalised world.
At Vodafone, our Social Contract is the way we implement our corporate purpose through our activity. It is our commitment to society, our vision rural.connected defines the key benefits of rural digitalisation, with real examples from across Europe, such as the following:
-Income and employment – Our support to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs in the region can generate income and employment opportunities. Digital connectivity can boost local economies and jobs by increasing teleworking and productivity, while attracting and developing new digital businesses.
-Environment and climate change – Many rural areas are highly dependent on agriculture. If agriculture adopts smart technologies, huge opportunities are opening up to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, use fewer natural resources and encourage a more sustainable economy.
-Infrastructure and public services – Access to high-quality public services, including health, education and transport, can keep rural communities thriving. Digitalisation can create and improve access to public services in rural areas, so that rural dwellers are not at a disadvantage compared to their fellow citizens living in urban areas.
-Social inclusion – Connectivity gives people in rural communities the opportunity and flexibility to work, learn, keep in touch with their family and friends and have access to public services.
Connectivity and digital services help rural communities stay alive and realise their economic and social potential. Together, we can achieve this goal.
