Ericsson has teamed up with Yas Tanzania to roll out the first commercial deployment of its AIR 3285 radio technology in Africa, marking a significant advancement in network performance and user experience within the region.
This deployment follows a successful trial and is part of Yas Tanzania’s broader initiative to modernise and expand its network, reinforcing digital infrastructure and improving access to high-quality mobile services across the country.
Under the agreement, Ericsson will provide the radio units and assist with deployment and integration. This partnership aims to deliver more reliable and higher-quality connectivity for users, particularly in high-traffic areas, paving the way for innovative digital services that foster inclusive growth.
With enhanced 4G capabilities, this initiative is poised to broaden digital inclusion by facilitating access to high-speed connectivity for both individuals and businesses in Tanzania. It will also support the rollout of advanced digital applications, including Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and smart city initiatives.
Hassan Jaber, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Yas, expressed, “Our collaboration with Ericsson on this deployment underscores our ongoing commitment to enhancing connectivity in Tanzania. The introduction of this technology in Africa is a pivotal moment for us, as we deploy advanced Massive MIMO solutions to bolster our network and better serve communities nationwide.”
The Ericsson AIR 3285 is a dual-band Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD) Massive MIMO radio, notable for being the lightest in its category at just 31kg. This optimised design simplifies deployment at high-capacity sites, allowing operators to meet the growing demand for uplink capacity. The technology promises uplink capacity up to four times greater and downlink capacity twice that of traditional 4T/4R solutions, enhancing overall network performance and efficiency. This initiative continues the collaboration between Ericsson and Yas Tanzania to reinforce network capabilities nationwide.
Alain Maupin, Vice President and Head of Ericsson East and North Africa, remarked, “The deployment of AIR 3285 in Africa is a proud milestone for Ericsson and showcases our technology leadership. We are committed to supporting Yas Tanzania’s vision for a fully connected nation. This achievement underscores the real-world benefits of our Massive MIMO solutions, delivering exceptional performance and accelerating the shift toward a digital-first economy in Tanzania.”
Ericsson and Yas Tanzania’s partnership has a proven history, including the launch of 5G services in 2022 and ongoing enhancements to the operator’s 4G network. This radio deployment reinforces their collaborative efforts and signifies continued investments in high-performance mobile networks across Africa.
