VodafoneThree 5G Deal
New Delhi, India – September 22, 2025 – Ericsson and Nokia secure a $2.7 billion deal to help build VodafoneThree’s new 5G network across the United Kingdom. The agreement was confirmed on September 22 and represents a major step forward in UK mobile technology. Consequently, VodafoneThree, formed after the recent merger between Vodafone UK and Three, selected both Nordic companies to deliver essential 5G infrastructure.
Ericsson will act as the main supplier and will provide its advanced 5G radio and core network equipment. Furthermore, the company confirmed that its share of the contract is worth around $1.3 billion. Its technology will improve coverage and speed across cities such as London, Belfast, Cardiff, and Edinburgh. Smart antennas and low-energy hardware will be key to achieving this upgrade.
Meanwhile, Nokia will supply its equipment to around 7,000 sites across the country. Although the company did not specify its financial portion of the deal, it confirmed its return as a supplier for Vodafone and Three in the UK. This partnership, therefore, marks an important milestone in Nokia’s renewed involvement in the UK mobile sector.
VodafoneThree aims to invest £11 billion (roughly $14.8 billion) over the next decade. As part of this long-term plan, it will roll out next-generation 5G infrastructure. The contract with Ericsson and Nokia is a core part of that strategy. As a result, it will enable faster mobile internet, better reliability, and a stronger digital foundation for the future.
The merger of Vodafone UK and CK Hutchison’s Three earlier this year created a more competitive telecom force in the UK. Now, through this deal, the new company intends to bring cutting-edge 5G services to millions. Moreover, as demand for faster and more reliable mobile services grows, VodafoneThree is positioning itself at the forefront of this digital shift.
Ericsson will install smart radios and core systems built for 5G Standalone networks. This technology, in turn, allows lower latency, higher capacity, and smoother performance for advanced mobile applications. Nokia’s equipment will also contribute to this transformation. It will provide high-performance network components built to handle large data traffic volumes efficiently.
Consumers will benefit from better performance and greater consistency. They can expect stronger signal coverage, faster download speeds, and fewer disruptions. Additionally, the new infrastructure will support everything from streaming and gaming to business tools and smart city features. Both urban centers and rural areas are included in the network expansion plan.
Deployment will start soon. Ericsson and Nokia will work closely with VodafoneThree to carry out site upgrades across the UK. Thousands of existing locations will receive new hardware. Moreover, energy-efficient designs are expected to lower operational costs and environmental impact. Planning teams will aim to ensure smooth transitions with minimal service interruptions.
This contract arrives at a critical time for both Ericsson and Nokia. Each faces growing global competition and tighter margins in several markets. Therefore, with this UK deal, both companies reinforce their position in Europe. The partnership also brings financial stability through long-term collaboration with a major operator.
The UK benefits by gaining a future-ready network that meets both current and emerging demands. The deal is expected to create jobs and stimulate investment in supporting sectors. Furthermore, local contractors will help carry out the infrastructure work. This offers a boost to the economy beyond just the telecom industry.
In conclusion, Ericsson and Nokia secure a $2.7 billion deal to build VodafoneThree’s 5G network across the UK. This strategic move will modernize the nation’s mobile systems, enhance user experience, and drive long-term innovation. With new equipment and better coverage, VodafoneThree is setting a new standard in the British telecom space.
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