VodafoneThree signs deals with Ericsson and Nokia to speed up 5G rollout
The investment could create up to 13,000 jobs, mostly outside London and the South East.
VodafoneThree has signed multibillion-pound investment deals with Ericsson and Nokia to accelerate the rollout of what it calls the UK’s best mobile network. The move marks the latest milestone in the newly merged operator’s £11 billion plan.
The partnerships will deliver one of Europe’s largest privately funded infrastructure builds, modernising existing 4G and 5G networks while preparing the country for nationwide 5G Standalone. Four British site-build companies will also support construction across the UK.
VodafoneThree estimates the investment could boost the UK economy by up to £102 billion between 2025 and 2035. Up to 13,000 jobs are expected to be created in engineering and construction, with most based outside London and the South East.
The company says nearly three-quarters of the population will have access to its fastest 5G speeds in the first year, rising to 90% by year three. By 2034, 99.95% of the population is forecast to be covered by 5G Standalone, creating what VodafoneThree describes as the UK’s first nationwide AI-ready network.
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