Vodacom tests compact antenna to boost 4G and 5G capacity on cramped sites

Vodacom, working with Nokia, has piloted a compact antenna system that combines passive antennas and active massive Mimo radios in a single unit. Tested in the Western Cape, it runs massive Mimo on both 2.6GHz and 3.5GHz, letting the operator add 4G and 5G capacity where space for conventional upgrades is limited.

• System combines passive antennas and massive Mimo in one unit
• Runs massive Mimo on 2.6GHz and 3.5GHz simultaneously
• Pilot conducted in the Western Cape with Nokia
• Vodacom did not disclose site count or capacity gains