Virgin Media O2 has selected Ericsson as its primary radio access network (RAN) partner under a five-year extension of its Mobile Transformation Plan, significantly expanding Ericsson’s footprint across the UK operator’s nationwide network. The agreement, valued at several hundred million euros over the term, positions Ericsson to supply the majority of the radio network infrastructure as Virgin Media O2 accelerates its transition to 5G Standalone (SA) and prepares for 5G-Advanced evolution.
In parallel, Nokia secured a major multi-year RAN deployment and modernization contract with Virgin Media O2, reinforcing its role as a strategic supplier. Nokia will deliver its AirScale RAN portfolio, including modular baseband systems and Massive MIMO radios, alongside AI-enabled and energy-efficient network technologies. The dual-vendor strategy reflects Virgin Media O2’s approach to scaling capacity, improving spectral efficiency, and enhancing coverage as mobile data traffic continues to rise across its network.
The combined upgrades will focus on expanding 5G mid-band spectrum utilization, densifying network coverage, and deploying advanced radios such as Ericsson’s AIR 3229 and Radio 4486. Both vendors will support the integration of AI-driven network optimization, network slicing capabilities, and programmability features designed to enable differentiated enterprise and consumer services. Virgin Media O2 aims to migrate a larger share of its subscriber base onto its 5G SA network, which already reaches approximately 87% of the UK population, while laying the groundwork for Cloud RAN architectures and future 5G-Advanced capabilities.
- Ericsson becomes primary RAN partner with majority share of Virgin Media O2’s UK radio network
- Five-year deal valued at several hundred million euros
- Nokia retains and expands role with AirScale RAN and Massive MIMO deployments
- Focus on 5G Standalone expansion using mid-band spectrum acquired in 2025
- Deployment of AI/ML-driven optimization and energy-efficient radio platforms
- Introduction of network slicing and programmable network capabilities
- Supports transition toward Cloud RAN and future 5G-Advanced evolution
- Network upgrades include densification, small cells, and targeted hotspot improvements
“Our Mobile Transformation Plan is all about delivering a step-change in network performance for our customers, ensuring they have fast, reliable connectivity wherever they are,” said Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Media O2.
🌐 Analysis: Virgin Media O2’s dual-vendor RAN strategy aligns with a broader European trend toward supplier diversification while maintaining scale efficiencies in 5G deployment. By allocating the majority share to Ericsson while retaining Nokia as a key partner, the operator balances performance optimization with supply chain resilience and competitive pricing dynamics.
🌐 Analysis: The emphasis on 5G Standalone, AI-driven RAN optimization, and Cloud RAN readiness reflects the industry’s transition toward more software-defined and programmable mobile networks. Similar strategies are visible across Tier-1 operators in Europe and North America, where mid-band spectrum, Massive MIMO, and automation are central to scaling capacity for AI-driven applications and enterprise services.
