In a huge deal valued at SEK 12.5 billion (approximately £1 billion), Ericsson has been tapped to spearhead the next-generation mobile network for VodafoneThree, one of Europe’s largest communication service providers.
The eight-year partnership, announced today, positions Ericsson as the sole UK nationwide core network vendor, marking a significant milestone in the UK’s ambitious network consolidation project.
The collaboration will see Ericsson’s cutting-edge Radio System products and software solutions power the bulk of Vodafone Three’s enhanced radio network, serving its nearly 29 million mobile broadband customers.
Central to the rollout is the deployment of Ericsson’s 5G Standalone (5G SA) technology, which promises high performance and programmability. This will enable VodafoneThree to drive UK digitalization, offering tailored connectivity for enterprises and industries through AI, automation, and virtual/augmented reality applications.
Börje Ekholm, President and CEO of Ericsson, hailed the partnership, stating, “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 empower VodafoneThree with the world’s most advanced solutions.”
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Max Taylor, CEO of VodafoneThree, echoed the sentiment, saying, “Just a few months in, we are delighted to partner with Ericsson to deliver the UK’s best network. Their scale and expertise will accelerate a resilient, secure, and future-ready infrastructure, laying the foundation for the UK’s digital future.”
The rollout will exclusively cover the UK’s four capital cities—London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Belfast—along with major hubs like Leeds, Sheffield, and Bristol. Initial deployments are slated to begin shortly, with a target of 99.95% 5G SA population coverage by 2034.
Ericsson’s contribution includes new 5G RAN products—compact, AI-optimized radio hardware, smart antennas, and energy-efficient basebands—enhancing data speeds and connectivity. Nationwide, the company will deploy its dual-mode 5G Core, IP Multimedia Subsystem, and Cloud Native Infrastructure, supporting rapid data growth. With Ericsson already powering 187 5G networks across 78 countries, including 42 of the world’s 70+ live 5G SA networks, this deal reinforces its global leadership in next-gen connectivity.
