VodafoneThree Enlists AI Video Tech for 5G Rollout

One of the frustrating realities of deploying mobile sites is the sheer amount of paperwork that gets in the way, slows things down and makes even seasoned engineers want to pull their hair out. 

All too aware of this problem, VodafoneThree has partnered with Vyntelligence to deploy AI-powered video technology across its network integration and upgrade programme. The collaboration will see field engineers use the Vyn app to capture and validate work at thousands of mobile network sites as part of the operator's £11bn (US$14.7bn) investment to build national 5G infrastructure.

The partnership addresses the challenge of coordinating multiple delivery partners and subcontractors while maintaining consistent build standards. 

Through adopting Vyntelligence’s technology, VodafoneThree aims to reduce the manual paperwork and audit processes that have traditionally slowed network rollout.

How the video technology works

Through the Vyn app, field teams record short guided videos of their work on-site. 

The platform's AI engine then reviews the build quality in near real-time, helping users to identify potential risks or safety concerns and confirm when a site is ready to go live. This creates a digital record of activity, reducing the administrative burden on engineers while providing evidence of completed work.

This approach offers an alternative to traditional methods that rely on detailed written documentation. By catching problems earlier in the process, the technology aims to minimise delays and reduce the need for engineers to return to sites for follow-up visits.

Working at scale

The scale of VodafoneThree's network programme requires coordination across numerous delivery partners working simultaneously at sites nationwide. 

The operator is working to deliver 5G Standalone Access coverage to 99% of the UK population by 2030, rising to 99.96% by 2034, following the merger between Vodafone and Three.

"Upgrading a network at this scale requires close collaboration across delivery partners and teams on the ground,” says Iain Milligan, Director of Network Development & Infrastructure at VodafoneThree. 

“By working with Vyntelligence, we're giving our engineers a more streamlined way to capture and share their work, reducing the need for manual, time-intensive processes while helping to maintain consistent standards across sites.

"Using this technology, we can improve the efficiency, enhance safety and support engineers to progress the network rollout at greater speed and with more confidence – enabling us to deliver better connectivity for our customers."

Bringing sites online faster

The two companies say the technology will enable VodafoneThree’s upgraded 5G sites to come online weeks earlier than through conventional processes. The instant AI verification of work quality speeds up approvals, cuts the need for repeat visits and can accelerate payments to contractor partners. 

"Vyntelligence is proud to support one of the UK's most ambitious infrastructure projects,” says Kapil Singhal, Co-founder & CEO of Vyntelligence. 

“We provide the 'eyes and ears' on the ground, helping VodafoneThree deliver the UK's best network and set a new global standard for how national networks are built and maintained. 

“By fostering a unified ecosystem, we establish shared visibility and intelligence across all sites and assets, enabling faster decisions at scale."

The network infrastructure programme could add £6.6bn (US$8.8bn) to the UK economy, according to VodafoneThree. The operator expects the investment to create up to 13,000 jobs during the rollout phase. Vyntelligence's platform is already used by 90% of top UK utilities alongside telecommunications and retail clients.