VodafoneThree has deployed Ericsson’s AIR 3266 Massive MIMO radio in its London network.
The deployment is part of Ericsson’s SEK 12.5 billion partnership with VodafoneThree to upgrade and expand its 5G Standalone (SA) network.
As a result, the project includes installing new Radio Access Network (RAN) technology across more than 10,000 sites, alongside upgrades to its core network nationwide.
The new AIR 3266 radio is designed to increase network capacity and improve 5G coverage as demand for mobile data continues to grow. It supports up to 400 MHz of bandwidth, allowing VodafoneThree to make better use of its mid-band spectrum and improve network performance.
The telecoms giant revealed the radio also has a slimmer and lighter design than previous solutions, reducing wind load on mobile sites and making installation easier. Meanwhile, the technology also brings new AI capabilities to the network, allowing AI models to manage radio functions in real time and help maintain network performance as traffic levels change.
One planned application is Ericsson’s AI-native Scheduler for Link Adaptation. Initial tests have shown up to 20% higher downlink throughput in congested conditions. VodafoneThree plans to trial the technology before the end of its financial year, with a nationwide rollout planned for 2027, subject to successful testing.
VodafoneThree, Network Development and Infrastructure Director, Iain Milligan, said: “The deployment of Ericsson’s AIR 3266 is another important step in our £11 billion investment to build the UK’s best network.
“As we continue to expand our 5G Standalone footprint across the UK, this next-generation technology will help us deliver greater capacity and improved coverage, while also reducing energy consumption and simplifying deployment.
“It also creates a platform for introducing new AI-powered capabilities that can optimize network performance in real-time, helping us deliver an even better experience for customers as demand for data continues to grow.”
Ericsson Head of North Europe, Luca Orsini, added: “Being first in the world to deploy Ericsson’s AIR 3266 is a clear signal of the pace and ambition behind our partnership with VodafoneThree.
“This network upgrade will provide customers with an improved network experience and better coverage in one of the UK’s busiest networks, and it does so while reducing energy use and carbon footprint. Each step we take together, culminating in this world-first deployment, is laying the groundwork for an AI-ready network built for what comes next.”
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