Coronavirus impact: Vodafone data traffic surges 50%

Vodafone, the world’s second largest mobile operator, said the coronavirus crisis was causing data traffic on its networks to surge, with demand already rising 50% in some markets.

The British company, which announced a plan on Wednesday to maintain network service and provide capacity for critical government functions in Europe, said it expected data use to continue to increase.

Vodafone’s European networks include Italy and Spain, which have been hit hardest by the virus in Europe, as well as Germany, its biggest market, and Britain.