VodafoneThree switches on Ericsson 5G core for network slicing
The cloud-native core underpins VodafoneThree's new standalone 5G services and gives the operator a base for selling committed performance targets to business customers
- The core is designed for 9 terabits per second of capacity, which the companies say will make it one of Europe's largest mobile packet cores
- VodafoneThree says the switch-on follows the integration of its radio networks earlier in 2026
- Luca Orsini, head of Ericsson North Europe, called the deployment a key milestone for the two companies
Business customers may be able to buy mobile connectivity with committed performance targets rather than best-effort service, which could suit payments, field service and backup links. Before signing, ask what the targets are, what remedies apply if they are missed, how the business slice is priced and what happens at sites outside standalone coverage. Businesses tendering for mobile contracts can now ask rival networks to match that kind of guarantee.
“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.”Hrvoje Jerkovic, network engineering director, VodafoneThree
Ericsson and VodafoneThree said on 17 September that VodafoneThree's upgraded cloud-native 5G core network had gone live, running on Ericsson's dual-mode 5G core. The companies say it will serve VodafoneThree's 28.6 million customers.
Three UK first contracted the core network project in January 2025. It now sits inside an eight-year partnership, announced in September 2025, that made Ericsson the sole vendor for VodafoneThree's nationwide core network and the provider of most of its radio access network.
The core carries the slices behind Vodafone SuperMobile. The release says SuperMobile delivers up to four times faster speeds and a minimum download speed of 15Mbps in 5G standalone coverage. One slice, 5G+ FastTrack, is for consumers. The other, the National Business Slice, keeps business traffic apart from consumer demand and comes with committed performance targets, according to the companies.
Sources
- Ericsson, “Ericsson and VodafoneThree begin rollout of next-generation 5G Core network”, press release, 17 September 2026. https://www.ericsson.com/en/press-releases/3/2026/ericsson-and-vodafonethree-begin-rollout-of-next-generation-5g-core-network
