VodafoneThree has deployed Ericsson’s (NASDAQ:ERIC) AIR 3266 Massive MIMO radio in its London network, with the first site having gone live in October 2026.
- VodafoneThree has become the first mobile operator globally to deploy Ericsson’s next-generation AIR 3266 Massive MIMO radio in a commercial network.
- The lightweight, ultra-slim radio improves 5G capacity and coverage while simplifying installation and deployment.
- Powered by next-generation Ericsson Silicon, AIR 3266 introduces dedicated neural accelerators for increased AI inference capability, while delivering 30% energy savings and 50% lower embodied carbon.
It is the latest milestone in Ericsson’s SEK 12.5 billion partnership with VodafoneThree to modernize and expand its 5G Standalone (5G SA) network, covering the deployment of its next-generation Radio Access Network (RAN) solutions across more than 10,000 sites and its core network solutions nationwide.
As mobile data demand continues to grow, operators need to expand network capacity while simultaneously addressing physical site constraints and environmental impact. AIR 3266 addresses this by combining 5G mid-band TDD Massive MIMO technology with support for up to 400 MHz bandwidth for improved spectral efficiency and performance.
This allows VodafoneThree to make greater use of its mid-band spectrum, increasing 5G capacity and coverage as deployment scales. The performance is packaged in an ultra-slim, 16 kg design, which reduces physical wind load and simplifies deployment and installation.
The next-generation Ericsson Silicon in AIR 3266 introduces dedicated neural accelerators which boost AI-inference capabilities tenfold. This enables AI models to optimize time-sensitive radio functions in real time, so performance stays consistent even when traffic patterns change.
Combined with AI-ready RAN compute already deployed in VodafoneThree’s network, it provides a foundation to introduce new AI software capabilities at pace. One example is Ericsson’s AI-native Scheduler for Link Adaptation which, in initial testing, has demonstrated up to 20% higher downlink throughput in congested conditions. VodafoneThree will trial the scheduler before the end of the financial year, and subject to successful validation, plans to roll it out nationwide in 2027.
Beyond delivering performance and coverage gains, AIR 3266 supports VodafoneThree’s sustainability objectives. The radio delivers energy savings of 30% or more and has up to 50% lower embodied carbon compared to currently deployed solutions. This combination of processing power, compact design, and energy efficiency enables a more sustainable network evolution as VodafoneThree continues to expand its 5G SA footprint across the country.
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.
Iain Milligan, Network Development and Infrastructure Director, VodafoneThree
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.
Luca Orsini, Head, Ericsson North Europe
This deployment is the latest milestone in Ericsson and VodafoneThree’s ongoing partnership to drive network innovation and expand 5G SA coverage across the UK. Together, the companies are focused on delivering value for consumers and enterprises through improved connectivity and new capabilities, providing a platform for new mobile experiences, industrial applications and AI services as the network evolves.
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About Ericsson
Ericsson’s high-performing, programmable networks provide connectivity for billions of people every day. For 150 years, we’ve been pioneers in creating technology for communication. We offer mobile communication and connectivity solutions for service providers and enterprises. Together with our customers and partners, we make the digital world of tomorrow a reality. www.ericsson.com
