Vodafone unveils gigantic connected ‘Wait for a Mate’ stations to elevate the wait for the nation’s friends before their summer adventures begin.
- New research from Vodafone reveals that Brits will spend 16.5 collective hours waiting for their mates to arrive at social occasions this year.
- While 60% say summer is their favourite time to socialise, and many (20%) feel closest to friends during this season, it also means more time spent waiting.
- Over a quarter (28%) say they deliberately arrive early as they are too excited to see their friends (12%), while 80% admit they’ve previously waited up to an hour for late pals.
- “Are you on your way?” (37%), “Where are you?” (36%) and “Are you nearly here?” (25%) are the most common messages sent to late mates.
- Putting pressure on both phone batteries and boredom, 42% spend this time scrolling on socials, reading the news (30%) or catching up on unread emails (27%).
- To elevate the wait for the nation’s mates, Vodafone has unveiled a collection of ‘Wait for a Mate’ stations across the UK. The oversized, connected chairs come complete with charging units, hydration points, sunshades and extra padded seats, to keep both phone and social batteries buzzing this summer.
New research from Vodafone suggests the average Brit will spend 16.5 collective hours waiting for their mates to join them at social occasions this year. That’s equivalent to two full working days, a flight to Perth in Australia, the time taken to drive from Land’s End to John o’ Groats or 43 episodes of Friends!
Summer has proven the perfect time for socialising, with 59% of the nation stating it’s their favourite season to hang out with pals, and four-in-10 (37%) saying they feel happier spending time with friends outside in the warmer weather. During this time, plans make it out of the group chat an average of two times a week, increasing to almost four times a week amongst Gen Z.
Going out for drinks (45%), dinner (43%) and meeting groups of friends (34%) are the most popular activities in summer, proving it’s the season for spontaneous plans, shared laughs, and making the most of long evenings together.
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The study by Vodafone, The Nation’s Network* found nearly a third (28%) of Brits pride themselves on never being tardy to the party, deliberately turning up early when catching up with a friend. In fact, six-in-10 (57%) intentionally show up first, arriving approximately nine minutes early on average, in anticipation of their summer adventures with friends.
However, not all Brits share the same values. A whopping three quarters of those asked say that certain friends are always late. The longest friends have been kept waiting hits an average of 34 minutes, and over a quarter (25%) have waited more than 40 mins for mates in the past.
When waiting, friends tend to play it cool initially, holding off for an average of 19 minutes before messaging or calling their late pals. Gen Z are more impatient, with 18% admitting to calling or texting a late friend within 5 minutes.
When they do chase their mates, the research found the most common text is “are you on your way?” (37%), followed by “where are you?” (36%) However, 16% of eager Brits are more direct in asking their pals to simply “hurry up”.
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The study finds batteries take the strain while waiting for mates, with 38% draining data and power by sharing their location to friends (15%). Those waiting also noted that, once they’d found their spot, they didn’t want to leave to grab a snack or drink for fear of missing their mate (20%).
To help early birds stay chilled and connected this summer, Vodafone has installed a collection of ‘Wait for a Mate’ stations across the UK. The oversized seats measure 9ft high and 6ft wide, so your mates definitely won’t miss you, and are equipped with integrated power ports, sunshades and hydration stations. They’re designed to make those moments before meetups even more enjoyable, giving friends a place to relax and recharge ahead of their summer adventures.
Broadcaster Roman Kemp tested the wait station in central London today and commented: “Vodafone’s latest research shows that more than a quarter of us say we deliberately turn up early to meet friends and, in my friendship group, I’m definitely the early bird. I find I can use the time to catch up on a bit of life admin – reply to texts or emails, and maybe check the football scores. Vodafone’s Wait for a Mate stations make hanging around, waiting for everyone else to turn up, just that bit easier – I can chill out, charge my phone and enjoy the summer while it lasts.”
Vodafone’s Wait for a Mate stations kicked off their nationwide tour at Battersea Power Station, a hotspot during the summer months. Before heading to Cardiff, Belfast and Glasgow. Follow Vodafone for more information.
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Notes to Editors
* The Nation’s Network: Vodafone – nation’s most valuable brand, verified by Kantar BrandZ Most Valuable UK Brands Report 2024, and supporting the nation since 1984 through to 2025’s major summer events. See full verification of the substantiation, vodafone.co.uk/network.
Research methodology
Research conducted by OnePoll across 2000 adults between 19 to 23 June 2025.
