Nokia has signed an eight-year agreement with VodafoneThree to supply its advanced AirScale Radio Access Network (RAN) and Core Networks equipment in the UK. This marks Nokia’s return as a supplier for Vodafone and Three, following their recent merger.
The partnership is part of VodafoneThree’s £11 billion investment in the UK’s largest privately funded telecom infrastructure project, aiming to deliver 5G coverage to 99% of the population by 2034. Nokia will provide energy-efficient solutions, including ReefShark-powered AirScale RAN technology, Massive MIMO radios, and multiband Remote Radio Heads across 7,000 sites.
The upgraded network will improve speed, coverage, and reliability for customers while reducing the digital divide in rural areas. Nokia will also continue maintaining the existing Three UK core. Additionally, its MantaRay NM network management system will support efficient monitoring and performance.
VodafoneThree CEO Max Taylor said the collaboration will help build the UK’s best network, while Nokia President and CEO Justin Hotard said that the future-proof 5G standalone network will support both current needs and the growing demand driven by AI and next-generation services.
The merger has established VodafoneThree as the UK’s largest mobile operator, and this deal ensures its customers gain access to a resilient, high-capacity, and advanced 5G experience.
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