Under the contracts, Ericsson and Nokia will provide equipment and services across more than 17,000 sites. Ericsson will deploy its next-generation Radio Access Network (RAN) and core solutions across over 10,000 sites, while Nokia will supply its AirScale RAN and core portfolio to around 7,000 sites. The build will modernise existing 4G and 5G infrastructure and support VodafoneThree’s plan for a nationwide AI-ready network.
The operator has said its fully funded investment plan could add up to £102bn to the UK economy between 2025 and 2035 and create up to 13,000 engineering and construction roles, with 74% of these positions located outside London and the South East. Four British-based site-build partners—Beacon Communication Services, Circet Wireless, M Group, and WHP Telecoms—will deliver essential site work across the UK.
VodafoneThree described the build plan as “front loaded.” In the first year, nearly three-quarters of the UK population will have access to the fastest 5G services, rising to 90% within three years. By 2034, the company targets 99.95% 5G Standalone population coverage. Integration of Vodafone and Three networks is expected to eliminate 16,500 sq/km of mobile “not-spots” by the end of 2025.
Max Taylor, CEO of VodafoneThree, said: “We said we would deliver at pace and, just a few months in, we are delighted to announce our strategic partners, Ericsson and Nokia, that will work with us 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.”
Ericsson President and CEO Börje Ekholm commented: “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. Trusted high-performing programmable networks are critical to success for the UK’s digital economy.”
Nokia President and CEO Justin Hotard said: “We are pleased that VodafoneThree has chosen our industry-leading network solutions to build a future-proof 5G Standalone network across the UK to meet the needs of customers today and as the AI supercycle accelerates.”
Ericsson will modernise 4G and 5G sites and deploy RAN and core infrastructure for 5G Standalone services. Nokia will cover approximately 7,000 sites with energy-efficient Massive MIMO radios, multiband remote radio heads, and upgrades to the voice core, supported by its MantaRay NM intelligent network management system. Existing active RAN sharing with Virgin Media O2 will continue, with Nokia providing necessary configurations.
The VodafoneThree merger created the UK’s largest mobile operator, with a spectrum portfolio well positioned for advanced 5G applications. The £11bn investment is expected to support sectors including energy, manufacturing, finance, and security, and the agreements with Ericsson and Nokia secure long-term access to advanced technology, enabling the network to meet future demands for AI, automation, and digital services.
