Ericsson and VodafoneThree begin rollout of next-generation 5G Core network

• Major milestone achieved in SEK 12.5 billion partnership as VodafoneThree's upgraded cloud-native 5G Core network goes live.
• Powered by Ericsson (ERIC)’s dual-mode 5G Core, the network is designed to become one of Europe’s largest mobile packet cores, with a capacity of 9 terabits per second (Tbps) to meet future data demand.
• Ericsson's 5G Core and Radio technology is supporting the transition from traditional "best-effort" connectivity to a new generation of differentiated connectivity services, including the recently launched Vodafone SuperMobile network slicing propositions for consumers and enterprises.

Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) and VodafoneThree announced a significant milestone in their strategic partnership with the go-live of VodafoneThree's upgraded cloud-native 5G Core network. Powered by Ericsson's dual-mode 5G Core, the upgraded network provides the foundation for a more resilient, efficient and higher-performing network for VodafoneThree's 28.6 million customers.

Ericsson's 5G Core and Radio technology underpins VodafoneThree’s introduction of a new generation of differentiated connectivity services, including the recent launch of Vodafone SuperMobile. The announcement marks a critical evolution in UK mobile services toward connectivity with predictable and deterministic performance characteristics, in this case by delivering up to 4x faster speeds and a minimum download speed guarantee of 15 Mbps when in 5G Standalone (SA) coverage.

These benefits are delivered through two dedicated network slices: 5G+ FastTrack gives consumers access to a dedicated ‘slice’ on the network, helping their data move faster and more reliably, especially where there is high demand. The National Business Slice separates business traffic from consumer demand, enabling up to 4x faster speeds and committed performance targets, so employees, applications and critical workflows can stay connected and productive.

The Vodafone SuperMobile launch builds on 5G+ Local Slicing, launched by Vodafone Business earlier this year to deliver contracted performance at specific high-density sites such as entertainment venues, travel hubs and logistics sites; and paves the way for the National Critical Slice, launching next year to give blue-light organisations and critical public services priority connectivity and assured performance for mission-critical work.

The upgraded 5G Core represents the second major phase of VodafoneThree’s ambitious network transformation. It follows the successful completion of a world-first network upgrade earlier this year which unified core-level sharing through ’Multi-Operator Core Network’ (MOCN) technology with its existing ’Multi-Operator Radio Access Network’ (MORAN) over a multi-vendor 4G and 5G network. This enabled Vodafone and Three customers to automatically connect to the best available coverage from either network, at no extra cost.

Today’s announcement marks the evolution from shared infrastructure to a single, dedicated, and highly advanced core network from Ericsson, designed to deliver a step-change in performance, reliability, and readiness for future innovation for Vodafone and Three customers.

Originally contracted by Three UK in January 2025 to support increasing data demand, the core network project has been seamlessly integrated into the wider VodafoneThree network strategy. It is designed to deliver a capacity of 9 terabits per second (Tbps), creating what will be one of Europe’s largest mobile packet cores to support the growing data needs of customers across services such as streaming, gaming, and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) home broadband.

The network is powered by Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core solution, which unifies 4G and 5G core functions onto a single cloud-native platform. This architecture, deployed on Ericsson’s Cloud Native Infrastructure Solution (CNIS), provides a simplified, more resilient, and automated network environment. Key benefits of the new core network include:

• Foundation for 5G SA and network slicing: The cloud-native, programmable core is the engine for delivering value through 5G SA including differentiated connectivity services, such as network slicing.
• Scalable capacity: Built to handle rapid data growth and support future needs as new services emerge.
• Enhanced stability and lower latency: A distributed architecture brings the core network closer to customers, improving latency, while advanced resilience reduces downtime.
• Operational agility: In-service software upgrades allow for infrastructure updates without disrupting customer traffic, enabling faster rollout of new features.

Hrvoje Jerkovic, Network Engineering Director at VodafoneThree, said: "The activation of our new cloud-native 5G core network is a major milestone in our journey to build the UK’s best network. Following the successful integration of our radio networks earlier this year, we are now taking the next step by creating a single, highly advanced core network that will underpin the future of connectivity for consumers and businesses across the UK.

"Together with Ericsson, we are building a network designed for the demands of tomorrow – delivering greater capacity, resilience and performance, while creating the foundation for innovations such as network slicing and new AI-powered services."

Luca Orsini, Head of Ericsson North Europe, said: “We are immensely proud to partner with VodafoneThree on this pivotal stage of their network transformation. The activation of the new 5G Core network is a testament to the trust, innovation, and close collaboration that defines our partnership. This deployment delivers a massively scalable and future-ready core and represents a key milestone in our shared journey to provide exceptional connectivity for people and businesses across the UK.”

This achievement is a key component of the eight-year, SEK 12.5 billion partnership announced in September 2025, which established Ericsson as VodafoneThree's sole vendor for its nationwide core network, and provider for the significant majority of its radio access network. The ongoing network modernization includes the deployment of Ericsson’s latest energy-efficient radio hardware and smart multi-band antennas, particularly across the UK’s four capital cities and other major population centers, enhancing data speeds and connectivity for customers nationwide.