Yas Tanzania Unveils Ericsson Technology Designed for Heavier Data Use
Following a successful trial, the rollout forms part of a wider network modernization effort aimed at improving coverage, boosting performance, and preparing for future digital services across the country.
Yas Tanzania has become the first telecommunications operator in Africa to commercially deploy Ericsson’s AIR 3285 radio technology, a move expected to strengthen network performance, expand connectivity, and support the country’s growing demand for digital services.
The deployment follows a successful trial and forms part of Yas Tanzania’s wider network modernization programme aimed at improving coverage, increasing capacity, and enhancing user experience across the country. The technology is expected to deliver faster and more reliable connectivity for consumers and businesses, particularly as demand for data-intensive applications such as remote work, e-learning, video streaming, and digital commerce continues to grow.
According to both companies, the deployment will also improve network performance in high-traffic environments, including large public gatherings and events, while creating the foundation for future digital services that rely on stronger mobile infrastructure.
The launch comes at a time when Tanzania is accelerating efforts to expand digital inclusion and improve access to high-speed internet. Enhanced 4G capabilities are expected to support wider adoption of emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart city applications, opening new opportunities for businesses, public services, and consumers.
Hassan Jaber, Group Chief Executive Officer of Yas, said the deployment reflects the operator’s commitment to strengthening connectivity across Tanzania and meeting growing customer demand for reliable digital services.
“Our partnership with Ericsson on this deployment reflects our continued commitment to enhancing connectivity across Tanzania. This first deployment of the technology in Africa marks an important step in our journey, as we introduce advanced Massive MIMO solutions to strengthen our network and better serve individuals, businesses and communities nationwide.” He said.
For Ericsson, the deployment marks another step in expanding advanced network technologies across Africa. Alain Maupin, Vice President and Head of Ericsson East and North Africa at Ericsson Europe, Middle East and Africa, described the rollout as a significant milestone that demonstrates the practical impact of Massive MIMO technology in improving network performance and supporting the transition toward a digital economy.
At the centre of the deployment is Ericsson’s AIR 3285, a dual-band Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD) Massive MIMO radio designed to increase network efficiency while simplifying deployment. Weighing 31 kilograms, the unit is among the lightest radios in its category, allowing operators to install it more easily at high-capacity sites where network demand is increasing rapidly.
The technology is designed to address one of the industry’s growing challenges including rising demand for uplink capacity driven by video uploads, cloud applications, remote collaboration tools, and other data-heavy services. Compared with conventional 4T/4R solutions, the AIR 3285 delivers up to four times greater uplink capacity and twice the downlink capacity, helping operators improve both network speed and overall user experience.
However, the latest deployment builds on a long-standing partnership between Ericsson and Yas Tanzania. The two companies previously collaborated on the launch of 5G services in Tanzania in 2022 and have continued working together on the modernization and expansion of the operator’s 4G network.
As mobile data consumption continues to rise across Africa, investments in advanced network infrastructure are becoming increasingly important for operators seeking to improve service quality while preparing for future digital demands. The introduction of Ericsson’s AIR 3285 in Tanzania signals a broader shift toward more efficient, high-capacity mobile networks capable of supporting the next phase of the country’s digital growth.
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