Vodafone installs Ericsson compact MIMO/lowband antenna to boost 5G and make planning applications easier

Vodafone Is using Ericsson’s new A3218 compact antenna to make planning applications easier, and improve 5G capacity, coverage and performance without increasing its antenna footprint.

The antenna has Massive MIMO for 5G mid-band while also supporting low bands. It combines an antenna-integrated radio and multi-band passive antenna technology in one single enclosure. This means additional 5G capacity can be added with no additional antenna footprint.

Ericsson UK and Ireland Chief Technology Officer Evangelia Tzifa called the deployment of the compact antenna a ‘game-changer’.

“We are increasing 5G capacity without growing visual antenna footprint on site. By doing more with less, we are reducing any impact on the environment and continuing our journey to break the energy curve”

Vodafone says combining the technologies into a single unit improves network efficiency and reduces deployment complexity. Having radio and antenna in one single unit makes rooftop, tower, wall and pole mounting easier Vodafone expects site upgrades and acquisitions to enable 5G deployment to be improved in areas usually restricted by building regulations or planning law. 

Ker Anderson, Head of Radio and Performance, Vodafone UK, said: “We should never underestimate how difficult it is to deliver a future-proofed network at scale across the length and breadth of the UK. We are constantly exploring new ways to accelerate this transformation, and this is another example of where innovation is delivered through collaboration”.