Ericsson 5G-Ready RAN Deployment — Port Harcourt
As an Ericsson implementation partner, Jude Elswitch Limited led the radio access network (RAN) deployment across 36 strategically selected sites in Port Harcourt city, Rivers State — part of a phased 5G-ready network modernisation programme for a Tier-1 Nigerian mobile operator.
Each site involved replacing legacy 2G/3G equipment with Ericsson AIR 6449 massive MIMO antenna-integrated radios supporting 4G LTE and 5G NR Standalone mode; upgrading baseband units to Ericsson Baseband 6630; implementing Ericsson MINI-LINK transport links at critical aggregation hubs; and ensuring full power system compliance with ±48 V DC rectifier, lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery banks, and Ericsson Power System 400A.
Post-deployment drive test data confirmed average user downlink speeds exceeding 450 Mbps in NR mode, positioning Port Harcourt as one of the first Nigerian cities with commercial 5G capability.
