VodafoneThree has entered into a long-term deal with Nokia to drive the next phase of its 5G rollout across the UK. The partnership, which spans eight years, signals Nokia’s return as a supplier to both networks following their merger earlier this year.
Announced by Nokia on Monday, the agreement forms part of VodafoneThree’s massive £11 billion network upgrade programme, hailed as the largest privately funded telecoms investment in Europe. The project’s goal is to extend 5G access to nearly the entire UK population by 2034.
As part of the contract, Nokia will provide equipment for around 7,000 sites nationwide, including its advanced AirScale radio systems, next-generation core network gear, ReefShark processors, Habrok Massive MIMO antennas, and multiband Pandion units. These technologies are expected to boost capacity and support future demand as data usage continues to soar.
VodafoneThree’s CEO, Max Taylor, said the partnership would fast-track their mission of building the UK’s strongest network. “We said we would deliver at pace, and, just a few months in, we are delighted to be working with trusted strategic partners such as Nokia to deliver our ambition of building the UK’s best network. They bring the scale and expertise needed to accelerate the delivery of a resilient, secure, world-class and future-ready network, and together, we are laying the foundations for the UK’s digital future,” he stated.
Customers, the company noted, will see better speeds, more reliable connections, and wider coverage — especially in rural communities that have long struggled with patchy service. Nokia will also continue to manage the existing Three UK core network.
Nokia’s President and CEO, Justin Hotard, emphasised the importance of having reliable partners in a fast-changing market. “Today’s networks need new levels of performance, trust, and resilience. We are pleased that VodafoneThree has chosen our industry-leading network solutions to build a future-proof 5G standalone network across the UK to meet the needs of customers today, and as the AI supercycle accelerates,” he said.
The deal also incorporates Nokia’s MantaRay network management platform, a system designed to provide operators with a smarter, consolidated view of performance across their networks. VodafoneThree further confirmed that its RAN-sharing partnership with VMO2 will remain in place.
Since their merger, VodafoneThree has become the UK’s biggest mobile provider, combining resources to strengthen capacity and position itself for next-generation services. For Nokia, the agreement marks not just a partnership but also a strategic comeback in the British telecoms market.
