Ericsson plans to expand its pre5G product portfolio with the first FDD radio from the vendor capable of supporting 5G and massive multiple input multiple output (MIMO) technologies.
The new radio product supports both LTE and 5G new radio technologies and has been developed to help bridge the gap from 4G and 5G.
The Swedish vendor will commercially launch the product in the second quarter of next year as part of the Ericsson Radio System.
Ericsson said massive MIMO over FDD can increase network capacity up to three times and bring up to five times better user throughput.
Ericsson's 5G platform also includes three previously launched TDD radios capable of supporting 5G and massive MIMO, as well as core, transport, digital support and security elements.
“We now expand the 5G platform that we introduced last February. The new radio will enable operators to enhance 4G capacity for their subscribers today and be ready for 5G tomorrow, using the same hardware,” Ericsson head of networks Fredrik Jejdling said.
“We also complement the products with a set of network services, simplifying the journey to 5G for our customers.”
Ericsson is meanwhile launching an expanded set of services designed to help operators embark on the road to 5G. The services are based around the three steps required for adopting 5G – preparations, mobilization and launch.