Ericsson has activated its AIR 3255 Massive MIMO antenna‑integrated radios in NTT DOCOMO’s 5G network in Japan, with the first units going live in December 2025. The deployment marks a significant expansion of DOCOMO’s high‑capacity infrastructure and demonstrates Ericsson’s ability to deliver next‑generation radio solutions on a large scale.
The AIR 3255 operates in the 4.5 GHz band and is powered by Ericsson Silicon, a custom system‑on‑chip that delivers high performance while cutting power consumption. The new radios weigh 13 kg, 20 % lighter than the previous generation, and achieve a 25 % reduction in energy use and a 20 % lower embodied CO₂ footprint, making them the most sustainable Massive MIMO radio in Ericsson’s portfolio to date.
By integrating the AIR 3255 with DOCOMO’s existing 3.7 GHz Massive MIMO radios, the carrier can increase network capacity and flexibility without adding new hardware. The multi‑user MIMO capabilities boost data rates and reduce congestion, allowing DOCOMO to serve more users and support emerging edge‑centric applications and AI workloads while keeping operating costs down.
The deployment aligns with Ericsson’s broader strategy to deliver 130 programmable network radios by 2025 and to position itself as a leader in open‑RAN‑ready, energy‑efficient infrastructure. The AIR 3255’s advanced silicon and lightweight design reinforce Ericsson’s focus on sustainability, operational efficiency, and the ability to scale network performance quickly.
Masafumi Masuda, Senior Vice President of NTT DOCOMO’s Radio Access Network Design Department, said the new radios “help maintain and improve network quality amid increasing traffic demand” and that the partnership will continue to deliver the latest capabilities to customers. Chafic Nassif, Senior Vice President and Head of Ericsson North East Asia, added that the AIR 3255 “provides significant network performance benefits while boosting environmental sustainability and lowering operating costs.”
The rollout strengthens Ericsson’s competitive position in the global RAN market, showcasing its leadership in programmable networks, advanced silicon, and sustainability. It also signals to carriers that Ericsson can deliver high‑performance, low‑footprint solutions that meet the growing demand for data‑intensive services without requiring extensive new infrastructure investments.
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