Ericsson and Vodafone are collaborating to install new 5G antennas in the UK to enhance capacity, coverage, and performance. The antennas being deployed are AIR 3218, which are compact active-passive antennas featuring an integrated radio and multiband passive antenna technology in a single enclosure.
The combination of radio and antenna in one unit allows for easier installation on rooftops, towers, walls, or poles, simplifying site upgrades and acquisition. This is especially beneficial in areas where building regulations and planning laws may have posed challenges to 5G deployment. The two companies expect to deploy AIR 3218 antennas across 50 sites within Vodafone’s UK network this year, aiming for a 30% reduction in site acquisition and build time.
By using these antennas, Vodafone and Ericsson are increasing 5G capacity without expanding the visual antenna footprint on sites. This approach enables them to bring the benefits of next-generation connectivity to more people in the UK while reducing the environmental impact and energy consumption.
As 5G deployments accelerate and data traffic increases, operators seek more flexibility, spectrum efficiency, and energy savings. The use of single antenna footprints and Massive MIMO technology aims to address these requirements.
The rise of 5G is expected to have a more significant impact than Artificial Intelligence (AI), as businesses utilize various internet-connected devices, sensors, and smart hardware, resulting in a highly interconnected and data-intensive ecosystem.
