VodafoneThree has started rolling out Ericsson's AIR 3266 Massive MIMO radio across its London network. This deployment forms a cornerstone of a SEK 12.5 billion partnership between the two companies aimed at modernising and extending VodafoneThree's 5G Standalone (SA) infrastructure. The broader initiative encompasses the installation of new Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment at over 10,000 locations, coupled with nationwide upgrades to the operator's core network.
The AIR 3266 radio has been engineered to boost network capacity and strengthen 5G coverage amid rising demand for mobile data services. The equipment can handle up to 400 MHz of bandwidth, enabling VodafoneThree to extract greater value from its mid-band spectrum holdings and enhance overall network performance. In addition to its technical capabilities, the radio features a more compact and lighter construction compared to earlier models, which lowers structural stress on tower infrastructure and streamlines the installation process.
A significant innovation embedded in the technology is its integration of artificial intelligence functions that can oversee radio operations dynamically and preserve network quality as usage patterns fluctuate. One specific application under development is Ericsson's AI-native Scheduler for Link Adaptation, which early testing has demonstrated can deliver up to 20% higher downlink throughput when networks face congestion. VodafoneThree intends to test this capability before the close of its financial year, with plans for a full deployment across the country in 2027, contingent on positive trial results.
Iain Milligan, Network Development and Infrastructure Director at VodafoneThree, stated: "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."
Luca Orsini, Ericsson's Head of North Europe, remarked: "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."
