Ericsson is at it again! Paving and leading the way into sustainable networks with the release of a new triple-band, tri-sector radio that can effectively do the job of nine radios. In comparison to triple-band single-sector radios, Radio 6646 uses 40% less energy and reduces site footprint by 60%. Radio 6646 is manufactured using aluminum which makes it light weight hence saving you 60% on the tower loading capacity.
By merging the 900, 800, and 700MHz frequency bands into a single small, 2G to 5G-capable radio, the new radio expands the multiband capabilities of Ericsson tri-sector products. Radio 6646’s low-band spectrum capabilities will greatly improve both 5G coverage and mid-band (3.5GHz) performance in an energy-efficient manner in response to the communications service providers’ (CSPs’) increasing demand for more environmentally friendly solutions.
A 40% decrease in energy consumption can result in annual OPEX savings per site that are equal to charging an electric car 40 times. The new radio’s weight reduction of 60% will also cut site build expenditure (CAPEX), tower lease costs (OPEX), and carbon footprint. Nine single-band radios will be replaced by a single Radio 6646.
Head of Product Area Networks at Ericsson, Mr. David Hammarwall, was full of excitement and had this to say about their new product: “Our new energy-efficient radio uniquely combines spectrum capabilities in an easy-to-install form factor. This will simplify deployments and extend 5G coverage, starting in Europe. With this latest innovation, service providers can scale up 5G Standalone deployments with new applications for consumers, enterprises, and mission-critical communications.”
Mr. Vicente Abad, RAN Technology and Support Manager at Telefonica which is one of Ericsson’s biggest customers in Europe, shared similar excitement about the new radio and gave us this feedback: “Ericsson’s new Radio 6646 will offer a highly compact and flexible solution to expand 5G coverage in a very cost-efficient manner while being economical and sustainable – the footprint and energy consumption achieved are something we believe will be a powerful driver for 5G, and we look forward to the first deployments in Spain.”
The Radio 6646 will extend the wide-area reach, outside-in coverage from rooftops and towers to indoor locations such as offices, basements, stores, and homes. When combined with mid-band TDD via Carrier Aggregation and 5G Standalone (5G SA), the new radio will enhance the capacity of 5G networks.
Additionally, the Radio 6646 supports the 700 MHz band, which is anticipated to be one of the key spectrums for 5G SA installations because low bands enhance the functionality and range of mid-band TDD. Radio 6646 will improve outdoor and indoor coverage for all mobile generations—2G to 5G—as well as IoT with the combination of three low bands. The frequencies have a huge potential to accelerate the growth of 5G services and are extensively supported by majority devices.
Radio 6646 follows the introduction of its predecessor, the Radio 6626 in 2021, which is a dual-band, tri-sector and is already commercially available on the global market. Additionally, earlier this year, Ericsson launched 7 innovative 5G RAN solutions that, with little to no additional footprint, provide significant energy savings and up to 10-fold capacity gains.
