5G Core accounted for more than 20% revenue share of the mobile core network market in Q1, according to Dell'Oro Group which claims that broader adoption of 5G core is a “needed step towards a fully 5G network that no longer relies on 4G LTE in the core for control”.
Technology including virtual reality, augmented reality, negligible latency and huge data-handling ability will be facilitated by 5G Standalone according to Ericsson and the use of the technology is a “major catalyst towards Industry 4.0” according to the Swedish company.
In the UK, the 5G Core deployment will span five years and make Ericsson an “end-to-end 5G network partner for Vodafone”. Deployment has already begun in Germany, including the launch of what the duo claimed was Europe’s largest commercial 5G Standalone network in April alongside Qualcomm.
Andrea Dona, chief network officer for Vodafone UK, said: “Our close collaboration with Ericsson has been significant in taking the next step for 5G innovation.
“In choosing to continue working with Ericsson’s leading solutions, we’re able to address new and developing enterprise, industry and society transformation business in the UK and Germany. Together, we’re creating a new digital area for our customers.”
The announcement follows Vodafone’s selection last week of vendors to help deploy open radio access network (O-RAN) sites in the UK.
Arun Bansal, president of Europe and Latin America for Ericsson, added: “As key partners in Vodafone’s digital journey, we have deployed 5G across Europe after years of joint innovation.
“Now, expanding on our existing Radio Access Network, our core network portfolio has been entrusted to bring 5G to the next level in Germany and the UK. With the economic, enterprise and societal gains 5G offers, I am truly excited to see both Germany and the UK flourish.”
