VodafoneThree has completed a “world-first” network upgrade, successfully unifying core-level sharing through ‘Multi-Operator Core Network’ (MOCN) technology with its existing ‘Multi-Operator Radio Access Network’ (MORAN) infrastructure over a multi-vendor 4G and 5G network.
By integrating these technologies on more than 10,000 sites across the UK, up to 28.6 million Vodafone and Three customers are automatically connecting to the best available coverage, at no extra cost, whether it is on the Vodafone or Three network.
The milestone result is a single, intelligently orchestrated platform that delivers measurable improvements in performance, reliability and efficiency. VodafoneThree has also unlocked the benefits of shared C-band spectrum across sites nationwide, with up to 50 million people – around 71% of the UK population – now able to access the VodafoneThree network’s fastest 5G speeds.
C-band spectrum refers to mid‑band spectrum around 3.4-3.8 GHz, providing a strong balance between coverage and capacity, helping to bring a high‑performance 5G experience to more people in towns, cities and business environments. For individuals, this part of the network is powerful enough to support things like high-definition streaming, video calls and gaming. For businesses, it is ideal for applications that need high throughput and low latency, such as IoT, real-time monitoring, smart devices and connected technologies.
In these areas, customer benefits include:
- Vodafone and Three customers are automatically using each other’s network, getting the best available coverage, improving speeds and reliability.
- Eliminating 4G not spots: VodafoneThree has removed 16,500km² of not spots – an area ten times the size of London.
- Up to 50 million people, around 71% of the UK population, now have access to VodafoneThree’s fastest 5G speeds.
- Reliability and resilience: Busy times put a strain on the network, and now customers can be moved to a site that is able to provide the required level of performance.
- Improved coverage for high-footfall venues, e.g. stadiums, airports and event spaces, ensuring service levels remain strong during spikes in demand.
Andrea Donà, Chief Network Officer, VodafoneThree, said:
“By unifying core and radio sharing at a national level, while also introducing intelligent orchestration and dynamic capacity management, we’re setting a new benchmark for network performance. This upgrade means customers are already experiencing improved reliability and coverage, as well as access to our fastest 5G speeds today. But this is just the beginning. As we continue rolling out upgrades through our £11 billion investment, customers can expect even better performance, with even faster speeds.”
VodafoneThree is also deploying Ericsson’s next-generation, high-performing Radio Access Network (RAN) and core network solutions across the UK, as well as modernising existing 4G and 5G infrastructure. Through long‑term investment, VodafoneThree plans to bring 5G Standalone coverage to 99% of the population by 2030, and 99.96% by 2034, delivering the resilient, high‑quality digital infrastructure needed to support businesses, boost local economies, and power the country’s future growth.
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