VodafoneThree taps Ericsson and Nokia for UK expansion

(Sharecast News) - VodafoneThree has awarded a £2.0bn contract to Ericsson and Nokia to supply 5G communications equipment across the UK, marking a major step in the newly merged group's long-term network investment strategy. Ericsson, named as the lead vendor, said its share of the deal was worth SEK 12.5bn (£985.31m), while Nokia declined to disclose financial terms but noted the agreement marked its return as a supplier to Vodafone and Three in the UK. Nokia will provide radio access and core network equipment to approximately 7,000 sites nationwide. Ericsson will deploy AI-driven, energy-efficient hardware and smart antennas to boost data speeds in key cities, including London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast.

The contract follows the completion of Vodafone and CK Hutchison's UK merger in June, which created VodafoneThree and outlined plans to invest £11bn over the next decade to build one of Europe's most advanced 5G networks.

The deal will also provide a much-needed boost to both Nordic firms, which have faced pressure from slowing global demand and tariff-related headwinds in the US.

As of 0950 BST, Vodafone shares were down 0.54% at 84.94p.







Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com