Ericsson deploys AIR 3255 radios in NTT DOCOMO's 5G network

Ericsson's Adaptive Incident Response (AIR) 3255 Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) antenna-integrated radios entered live operation in NTT DOCOMO's 5G network, deployed to address capacity in locations with heavy traffic and to support ongoing network traffic needs.

Live AIR 3255 network operations began in December 2025 and the rollout targeted areas with high congestion and demand to help DOCOMO deliver the network experience its customers expect.

The radios were equipped with Ericsson Silicon and AIR 3255 functionality and delivered lower energy use, reduced embodied CO2 footprint, and reduced weight compared with the previous radio generation. The units provided multi-user MIMO capability, intended to maintain throughput despite network congestion.

The AIR 3255 units operated on the 4.5 GHz band and were designed to work alongside DOCOMO's existing 3.7 GHz-band Massive MIMO 5G radios to enable more efficient use of spectrum and to increase network flexibility and reliability.

“We are promoting the deployment of Massive MIMO radios to maintain and improve network quality amid increasing traffic demand. Ericsson's AIR 3255 Massive MIMO antenna-integrated radios contribute to advancing DOCOMO's Massive MIMO rollout and enhancing customer experience. We will further strengthen our partnership with Ericsson to deliver the latest network capabilities and the best user experience to our customers.” said Masafumi Masuda, Senior Vice President, General Manager, Radio Access Network (RAN) Design Department, NTT DOCOMO, INC. “Ericsson is proud to strengthen and enhance our productive and trusted partnership with DOCOMO by providing the most advanced, secure and efficient Massive MIMO technology on the market. Equipped with Ericsson Silicon, the AIR 3255 will deliver significant network performance benefits to meet DOCOMO's changing network traffic needs, while boosting environmental sustainability and lowering operating costs.” said Chafic Nassif, Senior Vice President and Head of Ericsson North East Asia.

The companies said the new radios would help meet current and future 5G network traffic needs and that DOCOMO would further strengthen its partnership with Ericsson to provide updated network capabilities.