Ericsson and Vodafone Sign Five-Year Network Modernization Deal

Brickinfo News Agency – Vodafone and Ericsson have entered into a major five-year strategic partnership to modernize the telecom company’s network infrastructure across several key markets. The agreement establishes Ericsson as the sole Radio Access Network (RAN) vendor for Vodafone in Ireland, the Netherlands, and Portugal, and maintains its status as a major vendor in Germany, Romania, and Egypt. The partnership focuses on deploying advanced 5G hardware and software, including Massive MIMO radios and 5G Advanced RAN software, to lay the groundwork for widespread 5G Standalone deployment and improve overall network performance and efficiency.

This comprehensive partnership will involve the deployment of Ericsson’s state-of-the-art and Open RAN-compatible technology, including RAN Compute solutions, across Vodafone’s networks in the designated markets. Modernizing the RAN infrastructure is intended to enable Vodafone to offer differentiated connectivity solutions with guaranteed, performance-based characteristics for both consumer and enterprise customers.

A significant element of the deal is the implementation of intelligent and open network management and automation. Vodafone will deploy the Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform and a number of AI-powered rApps to deliver automated RAN optimization, improved energy efficiency, and management of the multi-vendor network. Germany is scheduled to be the first market to implement the platform and rApps for both Ericsson and multi-vendor RAN management, with work slated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025.

The collaboration will also see Vodafone utilize Ericsson 5G Advanced RAN software solutions that employ AI and automation for intelligent, real-time network management. These efforts are aimed at improving operational and energy efficiency, delivering superior device and network performance, and creating opportunities for new revenue streams through differentiated connectivity services.

Alberto Ripepi, Chief Network Officer at Vodafone Group, commented on the agreement, stating, “This strategic partnership with Ericsson marks a significant step in our network evolution journey. By modernizing our network with latest generation equipment and embracing high-performing new 5G Advanced capabilities, we’re transforming our infrastructure for best customer experience and high network efficiency, utilizing automation and AI agents to seamlessly meet network demands in real time.” He added that this effort is “laying the groundwork to capitalize on the emerging market for network APIs through our joint venture, Aduna.”

Patrick Johansson, Ericsson Senior Vice President and Head of Market Area Europe, Middle East and Africa, said the company is “proud to expand our long-standing relationship with Vodafone through this transformative agreement. This partnership aligns with our vision for high-performing programmable networks, laying a robust foundation for Vodafone to deliver differentiated connectivity experiences.”

This announcement follows Vodafone’s separate partnership with Ericsson, signed in September, to power the majority of the next-generation mobile network for VodafoneThree. That agreement, valued at SEK 12.5 billion over eight years, secured Ericsson as the sole UK nationwide core network vendor for VodafoneThree.