- Vodafone highlights 5G SA’s potential to save UK police 11 million hours annually, linking it to its Three UK merger bid.
- The £11 billion investment hinges on its merger with Three, set for a CMA decision next month.
What happened
Vodafone is taking an unusual approach to secure approval for its merger with Three UK by emphasising the benefits of standalone 5G (5G SA) for policing. The company commissioned a report by WPI Strategy, which claims 5G SA could save UK police 11 million hours a year, equal to 5,400 full-time officers.
Vodafone says a nationwide 5G SA network would improve efficiency with features like live-streaming between police stations and courts, reducing officers’ travel time. It would also allow real-time uploading and secure sharing of evidence, speeding up case handling and supporting victims more effectively. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Welsted of West Midlands Police backed the idea. He noted that 5G SA could drive digital transformation and improve connections between officers and communities. Andrea Donà, Vodafone UK’s Chief Network Officer, linked it to the government’s “Take Back Our Streets” campaign. She highlighted its potential to strengthen frontline policing.
However, Vodafone insists this £11 billion infrastructure investment depends on its merger with Three. The company has repeatedly tied the deal to nationwide 5G expansion, aiming for 95% population coverage by 2030. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will decide on the merger next month. Vodafone’s push for approval makes this decision a key moment for the UK’s telecom future.
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Why it is important
Vodafone’s focus on 5G for policing highlights the transformative potential of standalone 5G (5G SA). The technology promises significant time savings for UK police, equivalent to adding 5,400 officers. It achieves this by enabling live-streaming and real-time evidence sharing. These features could reduce travel, speed up cases, and support victims more efficiently.
This £11 billion investment ties directly to Vodafone’s merger with Three UK, making the deal pivotal for the country’s telecom future. Vodafone links 5G SA to improved public safety, aligning it with government goals like the “Take Back Our Streets” campaign.
The merger would enable nationwide 5G SA rollout, aiming for 95% population coverage by 2030. Backed by police leaders, the proposal connects digital transformation with community-focused policing. With the Competition and Markets Authority’s decision imminent, the stakes are high, as this merger could shape the UK’s technological and public service landscape.
