Three UK has selected Ericsson to build its next-generation cloud-native core network (set to become the largest in Europe), increasing its core capacity to 9 terabits per second (Tbps), more than three times its current capacity.
The surge in data usage on Three’s network, which exceeded 2 Tbps in December, 2024, is attributed to factors such as Premier League streaming on Amazon Prime and gaming updates. This increase follows achieving speeds of 1 Tbps just over two years ago, a milestone that previously took nearly two decades to reach.
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The Data Consumption Catalyst
Three UK remains the leader in mobile data consumption, boasting the highest traffic among operators, according to Enders Analysis. In 2024, customers averaged 31.5 GB of data usage per month, representing 2.4 times the national average and an 18% increase year-on-year (YoY).
The new cloud-native core network, powered by Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core solution and supported by its cloud-native infrastructure, will be hosted on Three’s distributed data center network, enhancing network proximity to customers and improving latency.
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Iain Milligan, Chief Network Officer at Three, said, “The last few years have seen a tsunami of data growth, with traffic at peak times doubling in a little over two years driven by home broadband, streaming, and gaming usage on our network grow[ing] faster than ever. Our new core network with Ericsson ensures we are able to support our customers’ data usage over the medium- and long-term.”
Katherine Ainley, CEO of Ericsson UK & Ireland, stated, “Our longstanding partnership with Three is one built on trust, innovation, and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional mobile experiences. This project is a significant milestone in our collaboration, and we’re excited to help Three build a new core network to meet the ever-growing data demands of its customers.”
The cloud-native infrastructure and core network solution is currently being set up in Three’s data centers and is expected to be partially operational by the end of this year, with a gradual migration of all traffic planned over the coming years.
