Vodafone taps Ericsson to upgrade networks with 5G and AI in 5-year deal

As a result, Ericsson will be Vodafone’s sole RAN vendor in Ireland, the Netherlands, and Portugal and a major vendor in Germany, Romania and Egypt.

The modernisation of Vodafone’s RAN infrastructure will support widespread deployment of 5G Standalone, allowing the businesses to deliver connectivity solutions to customers and businesses.

Vodafone will deploy Ericsson’s Open RAN-compatible Massive MIMO radios, RAN Compute solutions and 5G Advanced RAN software across its networks in these markets.

The partnership also introduces Ericsson’s Intelligent Automation Platform and AI-powered rApps to improve RAN optimisation, where Germany will be the first market to deploy the platform and rApps, starting in Q4 2025.

Vodafone chief network officer, Alberto Ripepi, said: “This strategic partnership with Ericsson marks a significant step in our network evolution journey. By modernising 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, utilising automation and AI agents to seamlessly meet network demands in real time.

“We’re also laying the groundwork to capitalise on the emerging market for network APIs through our joint venture, Aduna. This powerful combination will allow us to expose our network capabilities to developers, spurring a wave of innovation in applications and services, and positioning Vodafone at the forefront of network technology and innovation.”

Ericsson SVP and head of market area Europe, Middle East and Africa, Patrick Johansson, added: “We are 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.

“By enabling innovative, performance-based solutions across consumer and enterprise segments, we’re opening new opportunities for service monetisation and driving the next wave of telecommunications innovation.”

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