MTN Nigeria, in partnership with Ericsson, has completed the first field implementation of the Ericsson AIR 3284, a triple-band Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) Massive MIMO radio designed to accelerate Nigeria’s 4G and 5G network evolution.
The AIR 3284 integrates MTN Nigeria’s entire 4G mid-band spectrum into a single, compact radio unit, replacing multiple traditional radios with one energy-efficient, high-capacity system.
Energy Efficiency and Network Optimisation
By consolidating several radios into one, the Ericsson AIR 3284 dramatically reduces tower space requirements, power consumption, and maintenance costs, making MTN Nigeria’s network more sustainable and cost-efficient.
The system also enables smart network optimisation, dynamically allocating capacity based on real-time traffic demand. During peak periods, it delivers additional capacity precisely where congestion relief is most needed, while maintaining optimal efficiency during low-traffic hours.
Field tests showed that the AIR 3284 achieved:
- 3.2× faster downlink speeds
- 4× faster uplink speeds
- 50% higher user throughput
- Significant reduction in network congestion, even during high-demand events serving millions of users.
A Step Toward Future-Ready 5G Networks
Yahaya Ibrahim, Chief Technical Officer of MTN Nigeria, said:
“By consolidating our 4G mid-bands into a single flexible solution, we have reduced complexity, optimized operations, and delivered a faster, more reliable experience. This innovation directly addresses our growing capacity needs while maintaining operational efficiency.”
Majda Lahlou Kassi, Vice President and Head of Ericsson West and Southern Africa, added:
“Ericsson AIR 3284 translates radio innovation into measurable benefits for MTN Nigeria. It delivers capacity exactly when and where it’s needed, reduces site complexity, and lowers power use, all while preparing the network for 5G.”
Powering Africa’s 5G Future
The Ericsson AIR 3284 is fully 5G-ready, supporting both non-standalone (NSA) and standalone (SA) deployments. It’s engineered to enable next-generation consumer and enterprise services, including:
- User-generated and immersive content
- Remote operations and smart factories
- Connected vehicles and industrial IoT
By integrating this new radio technology, MTN Nigeria is strengthening its position as a leader in Africa’s telecommunications innovation, while Ericsson continues to expand its portfolio of scalable, energy-efficient radio solutions across urban and suburban networks.
