Ericsson and Huawei Power Vodafone UK’s 5G Launch

Vodafone UK became the second mobile operator in the United Kingdom to launch 5G services on a commercial basis and said it will reach eight million consumers with 5G services by 2021. Vodafone UK had already flagged its intention of offering 5G service in seven cities beginning today. True to its word, Wednesday saw the unveiling of data plans for consumers and business users, the launch of new converged fixed and mobile packages under its Vodafone Together brand, and plans to support 5G roaming in 20 cities across Germany, Italy, and Spain beginning this month. Ericsson was quick to trumpet its involvement in the launch, saying its Radio System supports the 5G radio access network (RAN) in London. A spokesperson for Vodafone UK confirmed that the carrier was using Huawei equipment for the 5G RAN in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Manchester, and Liverpool. The spokesperson, sensitive to the ongoing controversy about the use of Chinese equipment in the more intelligent parts of the network, was keen to stress that Huawei equipment is used only in the RAN; Cisco kit is used in the network core.