Ericsson has introduced a groundbreaking portfolio of radios, antennas, and open fronthaul solutions ahead of Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona. This expansion is designed to enhance network programmability, lower operational costs, and support sustainable deployments. By integrating advanced energy-saving technologies, Ericsson’s new products aim to reduce energy consumption by up to 30% and the embodied carbon footprint by up to 50%, reinforcing the company’s commitment to more efficient network evolution.
At the core of this launch is AIR 3266, a 400W Massive MIMO radio featuring an ultra-slim design, high spectral efficiency, and superior uplink performance. Powered by Ericsson Silicon, AIR 3266 enables programmability through advanced sleep modes and many-core architecture, allowing networks to achieve energy savings without compromising performance. With these innovations, Ericsson is on track to deliver 130 radio products supporting open and programmable networks in 2025, ensuring greater flexibility, scalability, and efficiency for telecom operators.
Alongside AIR 3266, Ericsson is also launching RAN Connect, a suite of open fronthaul solutions designed to maximize scalability and efficiency for communications service providers (CSPs). Key products include RAN Connect 6381, an all-outdoor 600Gbps solution ideal for high-capacity fronthaul deployments; RAN Connect 6682, which offers 1.2Tbps throughput, making it suitable for large-scale 5G rollouts; and RAN Connect 6681, a 600Gbps indoor option optimized for various interface configurations. These solutions allow CSPs to aggregate radio traffic more effectively, unlocking the full potential of modern RAN Compute capabilities and reinforcing Ericsson’s leadership in next-generation RAN evolution.
The portfolio is further strengthened by several next-generation radios and antennas, including AIR 3285, a dual-band FDD Massive MIMO radio that delivers four times higher uplink capacity than traditional four-transceiver solutions. Weighing only 30kg, it is the lightest in its class, simplifying installation while reducing energy consumption by 30% and the carbon footprint by 40%. Ericsson is also introducing AIR 6494 and AIR 3265, which deliver higher energy efficiency and performance in a more compact design. Meanwhile, the Radio 4451HP and Radio 4491 set new benchmarks for compact, high-powered FDD radios, achieving up to 20% energy savings and 40% reduced carbon footprint.
For indoor 5G coverage, Ericsson has launched the Indoor Fusion Unit 8828, which enables gigabit-speed indoor 5G in a single compact hardware solution. Supporting multiple operators, this unit extends coverage to 8,000 square meters (80,000 square feet) and connects up to eight Radio Dots. Complementing this, the Interleaved Antenna 8001 and 8002 provide seamless integration of low-band FDD with Massive MIMO, reducing site rental costs and installation complexity.
Ericsson is also introducing the Power D620 Smart DC distribution system, a programmable energy solution that minimizes on-site interventions by enabling efficient remote management of DC power. It features a zero-watt sleep mode, eliminating energy usage during radio sleep intervals to optimize overall RAN energy efficiency.
Industry leaders are taking note of these innovations. Mark Düsener, Chief Technology & Information Officer at Swisscom, emphasized the importance of balancing performance, cost, and sustainability, stating that Ericsson’s new products allow for greater efficiency while meeting evolving demands. Salim Kouidri, SVP Access Network Technology at T-Mobile, highlighted how Ericsson’s scalable platforms will enhance network capabilities as 5G Advanced continues to evolve. Joe Madden, Chief Analyst at Mobile Experts, acknowledged Ericsson’s continued leadership in high-performance radio development, noting that the company has invested heavily to stay ahead of the innovation curve.
With 5G traffic expected to account for 80% of mobile data by 2030, Ericsson’s latest product lineup is poised to play a crucial role in next-generation telecom networks. By focusing on high-performing, energy-efficient, and scalable solutions, the company is ensuring that telecom operators can meet the growing demands of the digital age while reducing costs and environmental impact.