Vodafone has taken a major step by becoming the first UK operator to offer customers a 5G Standalone (5G SA) network.
Branded 5G Ultra, this network is a significant upgrade over previous 5G services.
Where earlier 5G deployments relied in part on 4G infrastructure (known as 5G Non-Standalone), Vodafone’s 5G SA is built as a fully standalone network, modernised and designed for future needs.
Customers who took out a Pay Monthly contract with a compatible handset from February 24 onwards will automatically receive 5G Ultra at no extra cost. New and upgrading customers will also be able to access the enhanced network as part of their plans.
The 5G Ultra rollout will take place in phases over the summer to ensure a smooth transition for eligible users.
Owners of eligible 5G Ultra devices will benefit from broader 5G coverage and improved battery life—up to 25 percent longer in some cases. The network also delivers much faster speeds, with 5G performance roughly ten times faster than typical 4G connections.
Initial availability will cover key cities such as London, Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff, with plans to extend coverage to additional locations across the UK in the coming months.
Attendees at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships will be able to use 5G Ultra, thanks to specially upgraded masts that provide coverage across the courts and outdoor fan zones.
Vodafone is also serving Small Office and Home Office (SOHO) business customers, recognising the potential of 5G SA to enable new services and boost productivity across industries.
“We’re excited about what the future holds for our customers,” said Nick Gliddon, Business Director, Vodafone UK.
“5G Standalone is a truly transformative technology that can have an impact on industry and businesses, especially when blended with IoT and cloud solutions.”
The adoption of 5G SA carries wide-ranging implications for public services and commercial sectors in the UK. Its increased efficiency, improved service control and higher reliability can transform critical operations.
In healthcare, for example, 5G-enabled capabilities such as remote-assisted surgery and drone delivery of medicines are highlighted as ways the sector could achieve significant savings and service improvements.
Across manufacturing, transport and agriculture, 5G-driven technologies can help reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency. Manufacturing in particular stands to gain from Mobile Private Networks (MPNs) powered by 5G SA, with forecasts pointing to substantial increases in Gross Value Added over the coming years.
Vodafone is also exploring advanced features like network slicing, which creates tailored virtual networks for specific applications or user groups—adding flexibility and precision to service delivery.
By launching 5G Ultra, Vodafone reinforces its leadership in the 5G evolution across Europe. A proposed merger with Three UK, if approved, could further strengthen the company’s reach and capacity, supporting ambitions to deliver 5G SA coverage to the vast majority of the UK’s populated areas in the years ahead.
The arrival of 5G SA is expected to act as a catalyst for innovation across sectors, enabling new digital experiences and supporting economic and societal progress.
(Image Credit: Vodafone)
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