VodafoneThree has switched on a new cloud-native 5G Core network supplied by Ericsson.
The new core is intended to increase capacity and reliability for customers, while supporting services such as Vodafone SuperMobile and network slicing.
Vodafone SuperMobile uses 5G Standalone (SA) technology to offer faster and more consistent connections. In areas with 5G SA coverage, customers can get speeds of up to four times faster, with a minimum download speed of 15 Mbps, the company said.
The service uses network slicing, which allows different types of traffic to be given their own dedicated part of the network.
Meanwhile, a separate National Business Slice is aimed at business customers, keeping business traffic separate from customer demand.
The new core also follows the launch of Vodafone Business’s 5G+ Local Slicing service, which is designed for busy locations such as entertainment venues, transport hubs and logistics sites.
Meanwhile, Ericsson’s new core is built to handle up to 9Tbps of traffic, giving VodafoneThree room to deal with growing demand from services such as video streaming, gaming and fixed wireless access.
VodafoneThree Network Engineering Director, Hrvoje Jerkovic, said: “The activation of our new cloud-native 5G core network is a major milestone in our journey to build the UK’s best network. Following the successful integration of our radio networks earlier this year, we are now taking the next step by creating a single, highly advanced core network that will underpin the future of connectivity for consumers and businesses across the UK.
“Together with Ericsson, we are building a network designed for the demands of tomorrow – delivering greater capacity, resilience and performance, while creating the foundation for innovations such as network slicing and new AI-powered services.”
Ericsson North Europe Head, Luca Orsini, added: “We are immensely proud to partner with VodafoneThree on this pivotal stage of their network transformation. The activation of the new 5G Core network is a testament to the trust, innovation, and close collaboration that defines our partnership.
“This deployment delivers a massively scalable and future-ready core and represents a key milestone in our shared journey to provide exceptional connectivity for people and businesses across the UK.”
The new core is part of an eight-year, SEK 12.5 billion partnership announced in September 2025, which made Ericsson VodafoneThree’s sole supplier for its nationwide core network.
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