Ericsson has been selected by Cellnex Poland as one of the suppliers supporting the modernization and expansion of its Radio Access Network (RAN), with the agreement covering radios, RAN compute modules, microwave links, antennas and enclosures. The initiative is designed to support higher network performance, improved energy efficiency and greater resilience as demand for mobile data continues to increase.
Cellnex’s infrastructure enables Plus, the brand name of Poland’s mobile network operator Polkomtel, to provide connectivity services to end customers. The 5G RAN modernization programme is expected to expand coverage across urban and rural areas, increase speeds and reliability, and reduce site footprint and energy consumption.
Ericsson Technology Supports Network Modernization
The selected equipment incorporates Ericsson Silicon and is designed to improve energy performance, reduce physical footprint and lower tower load compared with earlier generations. The scope also includes technologies intended to strengthen microwave backhaul and network automation.
Key elements of the deployment include:
- Radios and RAN compute modules
- Microwave links, antennas and enclosures
- Ericsson MINI-LINK 6356 high power microwave E-band radio
- AIR 3229 dual-band TDD Massive MIMO radio
Cellnex will also carry out the first large-scale deployment of Ericsson’s Transport Automation Controller for microwave backhaul, supporting AI-driven automation and network management. The AIR 3229 will make its Polish debut by combining C band and 2600 TDD in a single unit, helping reduce tower footprint and support 5G rollout.
Leszek Lis, Director for Operations and Member of the Management Board of Cellnex Poland says: “The growing demand for mobile data transfer requires not only the modernization of active equipment. It also needs an increase in quantity to densify the service while, at the same time, improving energy efficiency, equipment optimization, network resiliency and environmental effects. Ericsson’s devices and technology will allow us to achieve these goals. By introducing the latest generation of equipment, we are modernizing the network that will enable Plus to offer even more advanced, reliable and secure services in the era of 5G and other coming technologies.”
5G RAN Expansion Adds Backhaul and Energy Capabilities
The 5G RAN modernization also includes Ericsson’s Energy & Enclosure platform, which combines power systems, intelligent energy storage and advanced enclosures to support more resilient and sustainable network sites.
The programme is focused on several network priorities:
- Expanding coverage and increasing network capacity
- Improving energy efficiency and equipment optimization
- Strengthening network resiliency
- Supporting consumer, enterprise and mission critical applications
“Ericsson is proud to strengthen and enhance our partnership with Cellnex Poland. This Radio Access Network modernization and expansion utilize the very latest technology with Ericsson Silicon and will provide high performance 5G networks throughout Poland. The network has multiple use cases building on services for consumers and enterprises and with capabilities for mission critical applications.”
Martin Mellor, Head of Ericsson Poland, says the 5G RAN modernization will support high-performance networks and multiple use cases. The selected technologies are intended to provide the infrastructure for advanced mobile services while improving network efficiency, resilience and site performance. The agreement reinforces Cellnex’s role as a European telecommunications infrastructure operator and establishes a foundation for further services for mobile operators.