Vodafone has begun deploying Ericsson’s compact active-passive antenna in the UK to bring greater 5G capacity, coverage and performance without adding to antenna footprint.
Ericsson’s Interleaved AIR 3218 combines an antenna-integrated radio and multiband passive antenna technology in one single enclosure, meaning additional high-performing 5G capacity can be added with no additional antenna footprint.
Ericsson says the combination of radio and antenna in one single unit brings optimised modular form factor and easy rooftop, tower, wall and pole mounting – meaning that site upgrades and acquisitions will be simplified and 5G deployment accelerated in areas previously constrained by building regulations or planning law.
AIR 3218 is forecast to be deployed across 50 sites within the Vodafone UK network in 2023, with a 30 per cent saving in site acquisition and build time expected.
Evangelia Tzifa, Chief Technology Officer, Networks & Managed Services, for Ericsson UK and Ireland said: “This is a game changer for Vodafone and the UK deployment of 5G Massive MIMO. Together, we are increasing 5G capacity without growing visual antenna footprint on site. By being able to do more with less we are bringing the benefits of next-generation connectivity to more people in the UK, but also reducing any impact on the environment and continuing our journey to break the energy curve.”
