Telefonica’s O2 UK has selected Ericsson to deploy its 5G radio access network (RAN) even farther across the UK, upgrading the existing 2G/3G/4G sites as part of a substantial network modernization program.

O2 started 5G commercial network in October last year. The extended 5G network deal with Ericsson includes hardware, software and service upgrades in the West of the UK, bringing greater coverage, voice and data capacity.

The announcement from Ericsson assumes significance because UK is reviewing the role of China’s Huawei in the roll out of 5G network due to security concerns.

Brendan O’Reilly, CTO of O2, said: “We are pleased to be moving forward with Ericsson as one of our primary vendors for our 5G rollout.”

Ericsson will continue to support O2 with the rollout of commercial 5G in other cities, towns and locations in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, bringing enhanced mobile broadband services and increased connectivity to UK subscribers.

Arun Bansal, president of Europe and Latin America, Ericsson, said: “5G will be crucial for the UK’s economic recovery and underpin its digital future.”