Vodafone says Labour must let it merge with Three UK to deliver nationwide 5G

Exclusive: Chief executive says government's promise of UK-wide 5G by 2030 needs investment unlocked' by deal

The chief executive of Vodafone has said Labour will fail to achieve its promise of nationwide access to 5G, which is essential for next-generation technology such as artificial intelligence, by 2030 if the telecom company's 15bn merger with the rival Three UK is blocked.

In its election manifesto, the government said nationwide coverage was needed by the end of the decade because the UK was falling behind other countries in terms of the investment and rollout of advanced mobile networks.