Ericsson signed an SEK 12.5 billion ($1.13 billion USD) agreement with VodafoneThree to build the majority of the UK operator’s next-generation mobile network, including its entire core infrastructure. The eight-year partnership is one of Europe’s largest network consolidation projects and will deploy Ericsson’s 5G Standalone (5G SA) technology. VodafoneThree aims to provide 99.95% 5G SA population coverage across the UK by 2034.
Ericsson will serve as VodafoneThree’s sole nationwide core network vendor and will supply the bulk of the upgraded radio access network. The company will provide advanced programmable network products and software, including its dual-mode 5G Core, IMS, and Cloud Native Infrastructure solutions. Coverage will initially focus on the four UK capitals — London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Belfast — and extend to major cities such as Leeds, Sheffield, Bristol, Aberdeen, Hull, and Bournemouth.
The deployment will introduce energy-optimized radio hardware, multi-band smart antennas, and efficient basebands to deliver higher data speeds and reliability. Ericsson currently powers 187 live 5G networks worldwide, including 42 of the more than 70 commercially active 5G SA deployments.
- Contract value: SEK 12.5 billion ($1.13 billion USD / £1 billion GBP) over eight years
- Scope: Full nationwide core network plus majority of RAN
- Coverage: Four UK capitals plus major regional cities
- Population coverage target: 99.95% by 2034
- Technologies: 5G SA, AI-optimized radio hardware, dual-mode 5G Core, IMS, Cloud Native Infrastructure
Börje Ekholm, President and CEO of 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.”
🌐 Analysis:
This contract positions Ericsson as VodafoneThree’s primary technology partner amid the UK’s ongoing network consolidation. It reflects a broader European shift toward 5G SA deployments, where Ericsson is competing closely with Nokia and Huawei. VodafoneThree’s ambitious coverage goal aligns with the UK government’s drive for nationwide gigabit and 5G services, similar to recent initiatives announced by Deutsche Telekom and Orange.
