Vodafone Egypt boosts network capacity with Ericsson AI processor

Ericsson and Vodafone Egypt have begun commercial deployment of Ericsson’s RAN Processor 6672, a high-capacity, AI-powered processor designed to support the continued modernization of Vodafone Egypt’s radio access network. 

The deployment makes Egypt one of the early markets to adopt the technology following its commercial launch in Japan. For Vodafone Egypt, the move comes as mobile data use continues to grow and operators look for ways to add network capacity without driving up costs and energy use.

Vodafone Egypt deploys Ericsson RAN Processor 6672 

The RAN Processor 6672 is designed for 5G Advanced and AI workloads, allowing Vodafone Egypt to run AI applications closer to the radio site instead of relying solely on centralized computing. 

That can help the network respond more quickly as traffic changes, users move between locations and demand shifts throughout the day. 

Ericsson says the processor can provide up to four times more processing capacity while cutting energy consumption by more than 50%. It also allows Vodafone Egypt to replace three basebands with a single RAN processor, reducing the amount of equipment required at radio sites. 

For Vodafone Egypt, the changes could help the company get more from existing network assets, including spectrum and sites, while directing capacity to areas where customers need it most.

AI processing moves closer to network users 

Catalin Buliga, technology director at Vodafone Egypt, said the company is focused on improving both network performance and efficiency. 

“We are investing for a future-ready network,” Buliga said. “With Ericsson’s RAN Processor 6672, we are increasing our efficiency in terms of processing power and energy consumption for our Ericsson radio sites, while enabling AI to run directly on the radio site for a better customer experience.” 

Dalia Merheb, country manager and head of sales at Ericsson Egypt, said the deployment would help Vodafone Egypt manage rising capacity needs while simplifying its radio sites and reducing energy use. 

Ericsson deepens Vodafone Egypt network ties

Ericsson is a major radio access network supplier to Vodafone Egypt across Greater Cairo and the Delta. The latest deployment builds on a long-running relationship between the two companies as Vodafone Egypt expands its network capabilities. 

Vodafone Egypt is the country’s largest mobile network operator by active subscribers, serving more than 40 million customers. The company began operations in 1998 as Click GSM and is based at Smart Village Technology Park in Giza. Its services include 5G, 4G, 3G, ADSL and broadband internet.

Separately, Cassava Technologies and Vodafone Business are working to develop Egypt’s sovereign AI infrastructure through what they describe as the country’s first AI factory.