VodafoneThree has named Ericsson and Nokia as key partners to build out its 5G infrastructure across the UK over the next decade in a deal worth £2.7 billion.

On Monday, VodafoneThree confirmed that the communications tech giants will be tasked with delivering part of its £11 billion network investment plan which aims to build the UK’s most advanced standalone 5G network, reaching 99.95 per cent population coverage by 2034.

Under the agreement, Ericsson will deploy its high-performance next-generation radio access network (RAN) and core network solutions at over 10,000 sites across the UK.

Nokia will supply equipment from its high-performance RAN product range to approximately 7,000 sites across the UK.

Nokia will also modernise part of the voice core, while Ericsson will deploy nationwide voice capabilities through its dual-mode 5G Core solution, a cloud-native platform designed to support 4G and 5G networks within a single and unified core infrastructure.VodafoneThree added that UK-based communications specialists Beacon Communication Services Limited, Circet Wireless Limited, M Group Limited and WHP Telecoms Limited will support the technology partners in carrying out “vital work” to boost construction across the UK.

VodafoneThree says that network investment plan aims to provide nearly three-quarters of the population with access to VodafoneThree's highest 5G speeds in the first year, increasing access to 5G SA to 90 per cent of the population in the third year.

It added that by providing renewed connectivity the investment will boost the British economy by up to £102 billion between 2025 and 2035, providing the infrastructure needed for all sectors to power a range of increasingly digital sectors including energy, financial services, manufacturing, security and technology.

Vodafone also said the project aims to create up to 13,000 jobs in engineering, construction and maintenance of telecoms towers, fibre and base stations.

The agreement, which will run for eight years, will utilise the latest technology and research and development to ensure that the VodafoneThree network delivers world-leading 5G technology throughout the decade, the firm said.

Commenting on the partnership, Max Taylor, chief executive at VodafoneThree, said that the two companies bring the scale and expertise needed to accelerate the delivery of a world-class network that is ready for the future, delivering the foundations for the UK's digital future.

Commenting on the infrastructure development plans, Börje Ekholm, president and chief executive at Ericsson, added: “Trusted high-performing programmable networks are critical to success for the UK’s digital economy. AI, automation and virtual/augmented reality won’t reach their potential without them.”

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