New Delhi, India- September 22, 2025 – Ericsson, Nokia secure $2.7 billion deal to deliver advanced 5G infrastructure for VodafoneThree’s network expansion across the United Kingdom. This contract, announced on September 22, reflects a major investment in the future of UK telecom services. VodafoneThree selected these two Nordic telecom leaders to upgrade thousands of mobile sites throughout the country.
Ericsson, based in Sweden, will lead the rollout by providing state-of-the-art 5G equipment and core network systems. The company confirmed it will supply high-efficiency radio products, including smart antennas and low-power solutions. With a contract value of approximately $1.3 billion, Ericsson will focus on enhancing 5G coverage in major cities such as London, Cardiff, Edinburgh, and Belfast.
Nokia, headquartered in Finland, will also play a vital role. The firm will supply 5G radio and core technology to roughly 7,000 sites across the UK. While Nokia did not disclose the exact contract value, the agreement marks its return as a trusted supplier for Vodafone and Three in the UK. That re-engagement is significant for its position in the European telecom landscape.
VodafoneThree was formed earlier this year after the merger of Vodafone UK and CK Hutchison’s Three. The newly established company revealed plans to invest £11 billion, or about $14.8 billion, over ten years. This large-scale investment aims to transform the UK’s digital infrastructure by introducing advanced mobile services and broader 5G coverage.
With this deal, VodafoneThree hopes to deliver faster internet access, improved reliability, and broader reach. The company believes that better connectivity will benefit individual consumers and drive growth across industries. Furthermore, the upgraded network will support streaming services, online gaming, business operations, and smart technologies.
Ericsson’s portion of the deal includes delivering 5G Standalone (SA) systems. These technologies offer improved performance with lower latency and higher speeds. This approach allows devices to operate more efficiently while handling greater data demands. Nokia’s contribution focuses on strengthening high-capacity, energy-efficient systems that reduce costs over time.
As the rollout begins, thousands of sites will undergo upgrades with minimal disruption to existing services. Ericsson and Nokia engineers will work alongside VodafoneThree teams to ensure efficient deployment. The collaboration will prioritize both urban and rural areas, helping close the digital divide.
This partnership arrives during a competitive period for global telecom vendors. Both Ericsson and Nokia face slowing growth in other regions, particularly in North America. Securing this UK contract offers not only stability but a chance to solidify their presence in a crucial European market.
Moreover, the United Kingdom stands to gain significantly. A modern, reliable 5G network will support its ambitions to become a global leader in digital innovation. Beyond telecom, industries such as healthcare, logistics, and education will benefit from faster data access and better mobile infrastructure.
The investment will also create jobs and drive collaboration with local contractors and tech specialists. Additionally, the energy-efficient hardware being introduced will support environmental sustainability goals by lowering the carbon footprint of telecom infrastructure.
Consumers are expected to see improvements soon after the deployment begins. Download speeds will increase, connectivity will stabilize, and users can expect better performance during peak hours. Furthermore, business users will be able to leverage 5G to power critical applications in real time.
Ericsson, Nokia secure $2.7 billion deal that will play a crucial role in reshaping mobile services in the UK. VodafoneThree’s vision for a high-performance, nationwide 5G network gains momentum through this agreement. With a clear roadmap and strong partners, the company is preparing to set new standards for British connectivity.
This agreement not only enhances VodafoneThree’s capabilities but also reaffirms Ericsson and Nokia as essential drivers of Europe’s telecom transformation. Their combined efforts will help shape a more connected, faster, and smarter future for the UK.
