Vodafone UK and Ericsson have conducted trials of integrated radio/antenna units that reduced energy consumption between 43% and 55% for 5G RAN, compared to 4G. The operator now plans to deploy 1,500 of the low power 5G units by April next year. The company said in a statement that the test of the Ericsson Antenna-Integrated Radio (AIR) 3227 offering took place at a Vodafone office in south London, and the 5G unit typically consumed 43% less energy per day than 4G equipment with an older architecture. At off-peak times, the average decrease in consumption was as much as 55 % per day. Vodafone said the integrated equipment was also 51% lighter than its 4G systems, with enhanced energy management features.…