Vodafone has partnered with Ericsson in a five-year strategic agreement to modernize its radio access network (RAN) infrastructure across key markets, including Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal, Germany, Romania, and Egypt.
The deal positions Ericsson as Vodafone’s sole RAN vendor in Ireland, Netherlands, and Portugal, and a major vendor in Germany, Romania, and Egypt, deepening a decades-long collaboration between the two companies.
The partnership will see Vodafone deploy Ericsson’s cutting-edge, Open RAN-compatible Massive MIMO radios, RAN Compute solutions, and 5G Advanced RAN software to enhance network performance. This modernization effort is designed to support the widespread rollout of 5G Standalone, enabling Vodafone to deliver tailored connectivity solutions with guaranteed performance for both consumer and enterprise customers.
A cornerstone of the agreement is the integration of the Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform and AI-powered rApps, which will optimize RAN operations, boost energy efficiency, and manage multi-vendor networks. Germany will lead the rollout, with implementation starting in Q4 2025, setting a benchmark for autonomous network capabilities across Vodafone’s European markets.
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Alberto Ripepi, Vodafone Group’s Chief Network Officer, emphasized the transformative impact: “This partnership with Ericsson is a pivotal step in our network evolution. By leveraging advanced 5G capabilities and AI-driven automation, we’re building a high-performing, efficient network that enhances customer experience and unlocks new opportunities through network APIs via our joint venture, Aduna.”
Patrick Johansson, Ericsson’s Senior Vice President and Head of Market Area Europe, Middle East and Africa, added: “This agreement strengthens our shared vision for programmable networks, enabling Vodafone to deliver innovative, performance-driven services and drive the next wave of telecom innovation.”
The partnership also builds on a recent SEK 12.5 billion, eight-year deal between Ericsson and VodafoneThree, which aims to provide 99.95 percent 5G SA coverage across the UK by 2034. By embracing AI, automation, and programmable architectures, Vodafone is positioning itself as a leader in telecommunications, ready to meet future demands and drive innovation across its global markets.
