Wedoany.com Report-Sept. 24, Ericsson has entered an eight-year, SEK 12.5 billion (approximately GBP £1 billion) partnership with UK communications provider VodafoneThree to deliver a next-generation mobile network, including its entire core network. This collaboration supports one of Europe’s largest network consolidation efforts, enhancing connectivity across the UK.

As the primary vendor, Ericsson will supply its Radio System products and software to power a significant portion of VodafoneThree’s enhanced radio network. The partnership focuses on deploying Ericsson’s 5G Standalone (5G SA) hardware, software, and solutions, serving nearly 29 million mobile broadband customers and enabling advanced connectivity for enterprises through AI, automation, and virtual/augmented reality applications.

The network will cover major UK cities, including London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Belfast, as well as other key areas such as Leeds, Sheffield, Bristol, Aberdeen, Hull, and Bournemouth. Initial deployments are set to begin soon, with VodafoneThree aiming for 99.95% 5G SA population coverage across the UK by 2034.

Börje Ekholm, President and CEO of Ericsson, stated: “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.”

Max Taylor, CEO of 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.”

The partnership includes new Ericsson 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) products, featuring compact, AI-optimized, energy-efficient radio hardware, multi-band antennas, and advanced basebands to enhance data speeds and connectivity across diverse UK regions. Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core, IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), and Cloud Native Infrastructure Solution will provide nationwide infrastructure and voice capabilities, supporting rapid data growth.

Ericsson’s technology, which powers 187 5G networks in 78 countries, including 42 of over 70 global 5G SA networks, ensures VodafoneThree’s network is equipped for scalability and innovation. This collaboration strengthens the UK’s digital infrastructure, supporting economic growth and sustainable connectivity solutions.