Vodafone and Ericsson Collaborate to Enhance 5G Connectivity in the UK
Vodafone and Ericsson have recently begun installing advanced 5G antennas across the UK to improve 5G capacity, coverage, and performance. This collaboration aims to boost connectivity without increasing the physical footprint of antennas.
The antennas being deployed are called AIR 3218, compact active-passive antennas that integrate radio and multiband passive antenna technology into a single unit. This innovative design allows for easy installation on rooftops, towers, walls, or poles. By streamlining the deployment process, it will facilitate faster 5G network expansion, particularly in areas where strict building regulations and planning laws pose challenges.
Both Vodafone and Ericsson expect to deploy the AIR 3218 antennas at 50 sites within Vodafone’s UK network by the end of this year. They anticipate a 30% reduction in site acquisition and build time as a result of this partnership.
Evangelia Tzifa, Chief Technology Officer, Networks & Managed Services at Ericsson UK and Ireland, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, This is a game changer for Vodafone and the UK deployment of 5G Massive MIMO. Together, we are increasing 5G capacity without growing the 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, reducing any impact on the environment, and continuing our journey to break the energy curve.
As mobile networks speed up their 5G deployments, the demand for data continues to rise. Increased data traffic and the growing number of 5G subscribers require operators to enhance flexibility, spectrum efficiency, and energy savings. The combination of a single antenna footprint and Massive MIMO technology, which enables multiple input and output connections, is expected to meet these requirements.
5G technology is predicted to have a more significant impact than artificial intelligence (AI). With businesses deploying numerous internet-connected devices, sensors, and smart hardware, there is a growing need for reliable and efficient connectivity.
This collaboration between Vodafone and Ericsson represents a significant step forward in achieving these goals. By improving 5G capacity and coverage while minimizing the physical impact, they are working towards making next-generation connectivity accessible to a wider audience in the UK.
