Ericsson has entered into an eight-year agreement worth SEK 12.5 billion (around GBP £1 billion) to deliver core and radio network infrastructure for VodafoneThree for UK network upgrade. The deal positions Ericsson as the exclusive nationwide core network vendor, forming the backbone of one of Europe’s largest mobile network consolidation efforts. Under the arrangement, Ericsson Radio System products and software will power majority of VodafoneThree’s radio network.
The collaboration will involve the rollout of Ericsson 5G Standalone (5G SA) technology, bringing high-performing and programmable connectivity to support nearly 29 million customers. VodafoneThree expects the advanced 5G SA capabilities to accelerate UK network upgrade with digital transformation, enabling industries to leverage AI, automation, and virtual or augmented reality. Börje Ekholm, President and CEO, Ericsson, said: “Trusted high-performing programmable networks are critical to success in the digital economy. AI, automation and virtual/augmented reality won’t reach their potential without them. We are proud to partner with VodafoneThree as their primary vendor to power them with the most advanced programmable network products, software, and solutions in the world.”
Ericsson will provide sole UK-wide core network infrastructure and solutions for VodafoneThree. The partnership will deploy Ericsson 5G SA hardware, software, and network systems to enhance enterprise and industrial connectivity.
The company’s radio and core services will cover London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast, and major urban centers including Leeds, Sheffield, Bristol, Aberdeen, Hull and Bournemouth. VodafoneThree has set a target of achieving 99.95% 5G SA population coverage across the UK by 2034.
Max Taylor, CEO, VodafoneThree, said: “We said we would deliver at pace and, just a few months in, we are delighted to be working with trusted strategic partners such as Ericsson, to deliver our ambition of building the UK’s best network. They bring the scale and expertise needed to accelerate the delivery of a resilient, secure, world-class and future-ready network, and together, we are laying the foundations for the UK’s digital future.”
As part of the rollout, new Ericsson 5G RAN products will be integrated into VodafoneThree network, including compact energy-optimized radio hardware, smart multi-band antennas and efficient basebands. The technology aims to provide faster data speeds and consistent connectivity across varied geographies. In parallel, Ericsson will deploy its dual-mode 5G Core, Cloud Native Infrastructure Solution and IP Multimedia Subsystem to manage increasing data traffic and strengthen voice capabilities. The deal builds on Ericsson’s established role as a global 5G leader, with its technology already powering 187 5G networks across 78 countries, including 42 of the world’s commercially live 5G Standalone networks.