Ericsson and VodafoneThree have completed a world-first UK network upgrade that combines core and radio sharing technologies across a multi-vendor 4G and 5G network.
The upgrade covers more than 10,000 sites nationwide, allowing Vodafone and Three customers to automatically connect to the strongest available network signal. Around 28.6 million users are expected to benefit from improved coverage, faster speeds, and better reliability for browsing, streaming, and other mobile services.
The project combines Ericsson’s Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) technology with VodafoneThree’s existing Multi-Operator Radio Access Network (MORAN) infrastructure. According to Ericsson, this is the first time core and radio sharing have been integrated at a national scale in a multi-vendor environment.
VodafoneThree also expanded shared C-band spectrum deployment, enabling up to 50 million people — around 71% of the UK population — to access its fastest 5G speeds. C-band spectrum, operating around 3.4–3.8 GHz, provides a balance between coverage and high-capacity performance for services such as HD streaming, gaming, IoT, and smart business applications.
Key customer benefits include:
- Automatic access to the strongest available Vodafone or Three signal
- Removal of 16,500 km² of UK 4G “not spots”
- Expanded high-speed 5G coverage
- Reduced congestion during peak usage periods
- Improved connectivity in busy locations such as stadiums, airports, and event venues
The rollout forms part of VodafoneThree’s £11 billion network investment plan aimed at building nationwide 5G infrastructure. The company says it plans to deliver 5G Standalone coverage to 99% of the UK population by 2030.
Andrea Donà, Chief Network Officer at VodafoneThree, described the project as a major step in transforming the UK’s digital infrastructure, while Ericsson highlighted the deployment as a complex engineering achievement completed at national scale.
source : www.techafricanews.com
