Ericsson has introduced a new suite of AI-ready radios, antennas, and AI RAN software solutions ahead of Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in Barcelona, aimed at supporting the growing performance demands of AI-powered devices and emerging augmented reality (AR) use cases. Ericsson stated that its latest portfolio additions are designed to help communications service providers (CSPs) monetize AI devices with differentiated connectivity and launch new services.
The new lineup includes AI-ready radios and Ericsson Silicon featuring neural network accelerators to boost AI inference capabilities in massive MIMO radios. The neural network accelerators are programmable matrix cores integrated into Ericsson’s Many-Core Architecture and optimized for AI and machine learning workloads. The portfolio is structured around these three pillars:
- Ten AI-ready radios: The new radio portfolio includes next-generation massive MIMO and remote radios engineered for higher downlink efficiency and improved uplink performance. Highlights include high-power FDD Massive MIMO with AIR 3286, AIR 3211 supporting both TDD and FDD, and an expanded 8-receiver portfolio enabled by Radio 4891 and Radio 4458 to enhance uplink performance for AI and AR applications. High-power triple-band radios, including Radio 4488 and Radio 4464, are designed for network consolidation and RAN sharing. TDD Massive MIMO advancements include AIR 3267, offering 600 MHz instantaneous bandwidth in a 13 kg form factor, and AIR 6492, with 480 W output power and 256 antenna elements.
- AI-powered RAN software: Ericsson is also introducing new AI-driven software functionalities to improve efficiency, reliability, and latency performance. These include AI-managed beamforming, AI-powered outdoor positioning, and an AI-based coverage prediction model that complements Ericsson’s AI-native Link Adaptation software. To address the bounded latency and reliable uplink speeds required by AI and AR applications, Ericsson has added tools such as a Latency Prioritized Scheduler and Low Latency Mobility, which can deliver up to seven times faster response times and more reliable connections. According to the company, these enhancements increase RAN intelligence and enable new service offerings.
- Five high-performing antennas: The new antenna portfolio features interleaved and passive antennas designed to enhance spectrum utilization and simplify site deployment. Energy-efficient passive antennas built on trio net design aim to maximize uplink performance, carrier aggregation, and spectral efficiency. The expanded Interleaved AIR portfolio now includes three additional configurations to support flexible TDD and FDD Massive MIMO deployments.
Marten Lerner, Head of Networks Strategy and Product Management, Ericsson, says: "As AI transforms traffic patterns and raises consumer expectations, networks must provide precise performance where and when it’s needed most. At Ericsson, we’re committed to delivering that needed performance. We are also embedding AI solutions across our full portfolio, introducing AI RAN software solutions that deliver revolutionary improvements in spectral efficiency. We are now taking the final step to full AI enablement across our portfolio by introducing neural network accelerators in our leading Massive MIMO portfolio.”
Ericsson said its latest portfolio integrates AI more deeply into the RAN, enabling real-time optimization of performance and energy usage. By combining AI-driven hardware and software capabilities, CSPs can improve uplink performance, enhance service differentiation, reduce total cost of ownership (TCO), and accelerate time to value.
Iain Milligan, Network Development & Infrastructure Director, VodafoneThree, says: "By bringing the Vodafone and Three networks together on a single, high-performing 5G infrastructure powered by Ericsson's RAN, VodafoneThree is ushering in a new era of connectivity - unlocking next-generation technology and paving the way for AI-driven innovation. We're embedding AI throughout our network, reducing operational complexity, boosting energy efficiency, and delivering faster, more reliable connectivity for our customers in every corner of the country."
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