Ericsson’s AIR 3218 will be deployed at 50 sites within the Vodafone UK network during 2023
British carrier Vodafone and Swedish vendor Ericsson have begun deploying compact active/passive antennas in the UK to improve 5G capacity, coverage and performance on carriers’ existing network infrastructure. .
Ericsson’s Interleaved AIR 3218 solution combines integrated antenna radio technology and multiband passive antenna technology in one housing, meaning you can add high-performance 5G capacity without adding an additional antenna footprint, the vendor released It is stated in
According to Ericsson, Vodafone will use a single antenna footprint and Massive MIMO (Massive Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology to leverage wider bandwidth in the mid-band spectrum to increase and enhance 5G capacity. He said it will provide a better mobile broadband experience.
Combining the radio and antenna in one unit provides an “optimized modular form factor” and easy installation on rooftops, towers, walls, and poles. This means simplifying site upgrades and acquisitions and accelerating his 5G deployment in areas previously restricted by building codes and regulations. According to the vendor, planning law.
AIR 3218 is expected to be deployed across 50 sites within the Vodafone UK network during 2023.
Kerr Anderson, Head of Radio and Performance at Vodafone UK, said: “5G is the UK’s digital future, but we must never underestimate how difficult it will be to deliver a future-proof network at scale across the UK. We are always looking for new ways to accelerate this transformation, and this is another example of innovation coming through collaboration.”
“This is a game changer for Vodafone and the rollout of 5G Massive MIMO in the UK. Together we are increasing 5G capacity without increasing the visual antenna footprint in the field. Less resources. We continue our work to bring the benefits of next-generation connectivity to more people in the UK, reduce our impact on the environment and beat the energy curve by enabling more people to do more with their Ericsson UK and Ireland network and managed services.
Last month, Vodafone UK announced the launch of Standalone (SA) 5G in several major cities. Branded 5G Ultra, the initial areas covered by the service include London, Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff. According to the carrier, this is the region’s first consumer-facing 5G SA mobile network.
Vodafone CEO Ahmed Essam recently said that the decision to block the proposed merger between Vodafone and Three UK would reduce investment in digital infrastructure and help meet the UK government’s 5G targets. It warned regulators that it would run out.
The merger requires approval from the Competition and Markets Authority, which is currently investigating the proposed transaction in detail. If the deal is approved, the new entity will provide 5G Standalone (SA) networks to 99% of the UK population. The combined business will also invest £11 billion ($13.95 billion) in the UK.
The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2024.
