Vodafone and Spirent Accelerate Introduction of 5G Core Voice Network Software at Scale with Automated Testing

Key Terms

5g standalone technical

5G standalone is a mobile network built entirely on native 5G core and radio technology rather than relying on older 4G systems — like constructing a new end-to-end highway designed for modern traffic instead of adding lanes to an old road. It matters to investors because it unlocks lower delays, greater capacity and flexible virtual “lanes” for different business uses, which can drive new services, higher device demand and different capital and revenue dynamics for carriers and equipment makers.

network slicing technical

Network slicing is a way telecom operators create multiple virtual networks on the same physical infrastructure, each tuned for a specific purpose — like carving a cake into pieces for different tastes: one slice optimized for very fast mobile video, another for highly reliable industrial sensors. It matters to investors because slices let carriers sell tailored, higher-margin services, improve network efficiency and support new business models (enterprise contracts, IoT, critical communications), which can boost recurring revenue and change capital and partnership strategies.

continuous integration technical

Continuous integration is a software development practice where programmers frequently combine their code into a shared project and run automated checks to catch errors quickly, much like an assembly line that inspects each part as it arrives. For investors, it matters because it reduces the risk of costly software failures, speeds up product updates, and typically lowers development costs—factors that can improve reliability, time-to-market, and a company’s operational efficiency.

continuous deployment technical

Continuous deployment is a software development practice where small, tested code changes are automatically released to users as soon as they pass automated checks, rather than waiting for big, infrequent updates. For investors, it signals a company can innovate and fix problems rapidly—like a bakery that delivers fresh loaves several times a day—reducing development risk, accelerating product improvements, and often lowering costs associated with large releases.

voice over wi-fi technical

Voice over Wi‑Fi is the technology that sends ordinary phone calls over a Wi‑Fi internet connection instead of a cellular network, like making a call through your home router rather than a cell tower. For investors, it matters because it can reduce carriers’ network costs, change roaming and call-revenue patterns, and shift where users get service—affecting telecom operators, device makers, and businesses that sell connectivity or related services.

donor advised fund financial

A donor advised fund is a charitable savings account you fund with cash or assets (including stocks) that lets you take an immediate tax benefit while recommending when and which charities receive grants over time. Think of it like a dedicated piggy bank for giving: you get tax relief when you put money in, can avoid selling appreciated securities and triggering capital gains, and still control the timing and recipients of donations, which affects tax planning, portfolio decisions, and public giving signals.

Jointly developed testing platform helps speed up widespread deployment of multiple vendor 5G software releases from months to days

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Spirent Communications, now part of Keysight Technologies, a leading provider of test and assurance solutions for next-generation devices and networks, today announced it was selected by Vodafone as its partner to automate and streamline the integration of new 5G software across Vodafone’s pan-European core voice mobile networks. Using a new jointly developed automated platform, Vodafone can now more easily check and quickly deploy 5G software releases from multiple vendors.

By automating the testing and deployment of new software features from multiple equipment vendors, Vodafone can enhance its core voice network and deliver services to customers more quickly while maintaining quality and addressing any bugs beforehand. This approach also means Vodafone is well prepared to take advantage of the increasing number of software releases anticipated with the rollout of cloud-native 5G Standalone core technology, which the company is deploying across Europe. As networks become more programmable, automated testing is a key strategy for maintaining resilience.

Following the initial implementation of the new testing platform, Vodafone has seen a 75% reduction in the time required to introduce software upgrades to its core voice infrastructure—decreasing from months to days. This infrastructure includes nearly 160 nodes and supports services such as cellular voice and voice over Wi-Fi. A more agile and responsive testing environment also allows Vodafone to adapt quickly to regulatory and compliance changes.

Fragkiskos Vellis, Head of Core Enablers and Solutions, Vodafone, said: “Cloud-based core 5G standalone networks are highly programmable and responsive engines driving new features like network slicing. However, these advancements introduce added complexity. Our new automated testing platform developed with Spirent allows us to check and deploy software at scale.”

Dougie Rankin, Vice President, International Sales, Spirent, added: “Vodafone recognized the importance of automated testing due to the speed and frequency at which modern disaggregated networks need to be updated. By working with Spirent to fully automate its testing capabilities, Vodafone is now able to accelerate delivery of new network products, version upgrades and features to its customers, while ensuring strict compliance and benefitting from efficiency gains.”

Working closely with Vodafone, Spirent developed an automated testing platform for use throughout Vodafone’s lab-to-live lifecycle process. By incorporating uninterrupted testing into Vodafone’s operations, which includes continuous integration (sharing code and automating its build and test) and continuous deployment (preparing code for use), Vodafone can release software faster and more reliably. The new platform is part of Vodafone's drive to automate the deployment of new software releases, which are now implemented every three months by vendors across all markets.

For more information about lab and test automation, visit spirent.com/products/lab-and-test-automation.

About Spirent

Spirent Communications, now part of Keysight (NYSE: KEYS), is a leading global provider of automated test and assurance solutions for networks and positioning. The company provides innovative products, services and managed solutions that address the test, assurance and automation challenges of a new generation of technologies, including 5G, AI, cloud, autonomous vehicles and beyond. From the lab to the real world, Spirent helps companies deliver on their promise to their customers of a new generation of connected devices and technologies. For more information, please visit www.spirent.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook.

About Vodafone Group

everyone.connected

Vodafone is a leading European and African telecoms company.

We serve over 360 million mobile and broadband customers, operating networks in 15 countries with investments in a further five and partners in over 40 more. We have capacity on more than 70 subsea cable systems – the backbone of the internet – and we are developing a new direct-to-mobile satellite communications service to connect areas without coverage. Vodafone runs one of the world’s largest IoT platforms, with over 220 million IoT connections globally, and we provide financial services to around 94 million customers across seven African countries – managing more transactions than any other provider.

From the seabed to the stars, Vodafone’s purpose is to keep everyone connected.

For more information, please visit www.vodafone.com follow us on X at @VodafoneGroup or connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/vodafone.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251209816703/en/

SPIRENT MEDIA:

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Sherri Walkenhorst

Connect Marketing

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Spirent Communications

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qianqian.liu@spirent.com

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Source: Spirent Communications