MTN Nigeria, in collaboration with Ericsson, has completed the first field implementation of the Ericsson AIR 3284 — a cutting-edge triple-band Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) Massive MIMO radio designed to merge MTN’s entire 4G mid-band spectrum into one compact, energy-efficient system.
The new AIR 3284 replaces multiple traditional radios with a single unit, reducing power consumption, tower space, and maintenance needs. This streamlined infrastructure significantly lowers operational costs while improving network efficiency through simplified cabling and a smaller site footprint.
Beyond efficiency, the system introduces intelligent network optimization, dynamically allocating capacity based on real-time traffic patterns. This means extra capacity is directed precisely where congestion relief is most needed, ensuring users experience consistently strong connectivity even during peak demand.
Initial field results have been promising: the AIR 3284 delivered 3.2× faster downlink speeds, 4× higher uplink performance, and boosted user throughput by more than 50%, all while reducing network congestion in high-traffic areas serving millions of subscribers.
“MTN Nigeria is committed to building the best network for our customers. By trialing the consolidation of our 4G mid-bands into a single, flexible solution, we have witnessed reduced complexity, optimized operations, and a faster, more reliable experience — precisely when and where our customers need it,”
— Yahaya Ibrahim, Chief Technical Officer, MTN Nigeria
“Ericsson AIR 3284 translates radio innovation into tangible benefits for MTN Nigeria. It delivers measurable capacity where and when it is needed, without compromising performance — reducing site complexity, power consumption, and enabling real-time capacity steering,”
— Majda Lahlou Kassi, Vice President and Head of Ericsson West and Southern Africa, Ericsson EMEA
Engineered with 5G-readiness at its core, the AIR 3284 positions MTN Nigeria to seamlessly transition to both non-standalone and standalone 5G deployments. The solution lays the groundwork for next-generation services such as immersive media, connected vehicles, remote operations, and smart manufacturing — all powered by scalable, high-performance networks.
This milestone not only strengthens MTN Nigeria’s leadership in Africa’s telecom landscape but also reaffirms Ericsson’s commitment to sustainable, high-efficiency radio technologies that support the continent’s digital transformation.
