Ericsson and Vodafone have announced a five-year strategic partnership aimed at modernizing Vodafone’s radio access network (RAN) infrastructure across several key markets using Ericsson’s high-performing programmable network solutions.
Under the agreement, Ericsson will become Vodafone’s sole RAN vendor in Ireland, the Netherlands, and Portugal, and a major vendor in Germany, Romania, and Egypt. The collaboration marks a major milestone in their long-standing relationship and reinforces Vodafone’s commitment to next-generation 5G Standalone (5G SA) deployment.
Transforming Vodafone’s Network for the 5G Era
The modernization effort will leverage Ericsson’s Open RAN-compatible Massive MIMO radios, RAN Compute systems, and 5G Advanced RAN software to upgrade Vodafone’s network performance and flexibility. The deployment will enable differentiated connectivity services with guaranteed, performance-based characteristics for consumers and enterprises.
A key aspect of the partnership includes the introduction of the Ericsson Intelligent Automation Platform and AI-powered rApps for automated RAN optimization and energy-efficient network management. Germany will be the first market to implement this AI-driven platform starting in Q4 2025, followed by other European markets.
Advancing Toward Autonomous Networks
The partnership is designed to accelerate Vodafone’s evolution toward autonomous network operations, ensuring scalability, efficiency, and agility in managing multi-vendor environments. Through automation and AI, Vodafone aims to deliver a best-in-class customer experience, reduce energy consumption, and improve operational efficiency.
Alberto Ripepi, Chief Network Officer at Vodafone Group, said:
“This strategic partnership with Ericsson marks a significant step in our network evolution journey. By modernizing our network with the latest generation of 5G Advanced equipment and automation, we’re enhancing customer experience and positioning Vodafone for the future of programmable networks.”
Patrick Johansson, Ericsson’s Senior Vice President and Head of Market Area Europe, Middle East, and Africa, added:
“We are proud to expand our long-standing relationship with Vodafone through this transformative agreement. This partnership strengthens Vodafone’s ability to deliver differentiated connectivity and opens new avenues for innovation and monetization.”
Enabling 5G Advanced and Network APIs
The partnership will also support Vodafone’s Aduna joint venture, which aims to commercialize network APIs for developers, enabling a new ecosystem of applications and services built on advanced network capabilities.
By integrating AI, automation, and programmable network architectures, the Ericsson–Vodafone collaboration will pave the way for next-generation 5G Advanced services, improve network sustainability, and solidify Vodafone’s leadership in the global telecommunications landscape.
Vodafone entered a partnership with Accenture to commercialize its shared services operations unit (VOIS). Accenture committed about €150 million in return for a minority stake, enabling Vodafone to boost efficiency, improve customer experience, and create a more agile services organization.
In India, Vodafone Idea (VIL) launched a significant Follow-on Public Offer (FPO) aiming to raise ₹18,000 crore. Vodafone Idea raised about ₹5,400 crore from anchor investors such as GQG Partners, Fidelity, UBS, Australian Super, Motilal Oswal etc. The funds are to be used to expand 4G infrastructure and roll out 5G in key markets.
Vodafone Idea also sealed a major network investment deal worth $3.6 billion (≈ ₹30,000 crore) with Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung, as part of its broader three-year capex plan totaling ~$6.6 billion. The plan is aimed at increasing 4G population coverage, launching 5G, and expanding network capacity.
Vodafone has also been selling off parts of its European footprint: for example, it sold its Italian operations to Swisscom (≈€8 billion) and earlier disposed of its Spanish unit, in line with its strategy to simplify operations, reduce debt, and focus on markets where it can generate stronger returns, AP News reports.
Another investment involves AST SpaceMobile, in which Vodafone has entered a long-term deal (through 2034) to offer space-based cellular broadband connectivity in its countries in Europe and Africa.
Baburajan Kizhakedath