Ericsson and Telstra Launch World-First Triple-Band FDD Massive MIMO Radio for 5G

Ericsson's newly unveiled triple-band FDD Massive MIMO radio (AIR 3255) marks a breakthrough in radio access network hardware. For the first time, a single unit supports simultaneous operations in 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, and 2600 MHz bands using Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD), enhancing 5G coverage and capacity in suburban and rural areas. This development significantly reduces the number of radios and antennas needed per site, lowering total cost of ownership while accelerating rollout.

Massive MIMO, traditionally used in TDD bands, is now made viable on FDD spectrum thanks to recent advances in chipset miniaturization and beamforming algorithms. The AIR 3255 unit integrates Ericsson Silicon and advanced AI-based RAN algorithms to provide dynamic load balancing and efficient power consumption across three frequency bands.

Telstra, Australia's largest mobile network operator, has begun field trials of the AIR 3255 across key suburban and rural sites in New South Wales and Victoria. Early results show a 30% increase in cell-edge throughput and up to 25% improvements in spectral efficiency compared to legacy dual-band radios.

This deployment aligns with Telstra's broader strategy to extend its mid-band 5G footprint beyond urban areas, particularly where mmWave and high-band TDD solutions are impractical. By leveraging existing FDD bands already deployed for 4G, Telstra can bring advanced 5G experiences to underserved regions without overhauling site infrastructure.

The triple-band radio is part of Ericsson's broader 'Breaking the Energy Curve' initiative. The AIR 3255 achieves up to 40% energy savings compared to three separate single-band units. Its passive cooling system and smart power modes are optimized for environments with temperature extremes - particularly important for Telstra's regional Australian sites.

Furthermore, the radio supports Ericsson's Intelligent Site Management solution, which monitors environmental factors and energy use in real-time. The result is a more sustainable network expansion model that aligns with Telstra's and Ericsson's shared commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040.

Industry analysts view this innovation as a milestone in making FDD-based 5G economically viable on a large scale. Many operators globally, especially in Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia, hold large blocks of FDD spectrum. The ability to deploy Massive MIMO on these bands will likely reshape vendor roadmaps and accelerate the sunset of legacy 3G networks.

Ericsson plans to make the AIR 3255 commercially available worldwide in Q4 2025. Trials are already planned with Deutsche Telekom and America Movil, signaling the start of a broader industry shift toward compact, multi-band radios with high spectral reuse capabilities.