SoftBank and Ericsson have deployed an AI-powered, externally controlled coverage optimization system for Massive MIMO at multiple large-scale event venues across Japan, including major arenas and dome-type facilities in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The commercial rollout follows a successful network trial conducted at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, demonstrating significant improvements in 5G performance during periods of rapidly fluctuating traffic.
Addressing Connectivity Challenges at Large Event Venues
Large-scale event venues and theme parks face highly variable user distribution between normal operations and event periods. Sudden changes driven by weather-related cancellations, schedule shifts, or access restrictions often limit the effectiveness of conventional network optimization methods that rely on preset coverage patterns by time slot.
To overcome these challenges, SoftBank and Ericsson jointly developed and validated an AI-driven system capable of automatically controlling and optimizing base station coverage patterns in real time. The solution enables flexible, situation-aware network management that responds instantly to changing traffic conditions.
AI-Powered External Control for Massive MIMO
The deployed system uses an external control device, or server, that collects user distribution data from base stations at one-minute intervals. An AI model analyzes this data to automatically determine whether an event is occurring and dynamically adjusts the horizontal and vertical coverage patterns of Massive MIMO base stations.
During the Expo 2025 trial, the AI model was trained using performance data obtained from multiple predefined coverage pattern changes. Based on real-time user distribution indicators, including Massive MIMO beam estimation information, the system automatically switched base station configurations to the most optimal coverage pattern.
Proven Performance Gains at Expo 2025
When deployed at outdoor base stations within the Expo 2025 venue, the AI-powered optimization system delivered clear improvements in communication quality. During periods of rapid traffic fluctuation, downlink throughput increased by approximately 24 percent, rising from 76.9 Mbps to 95.5 Mbps.
These gains helped mitigate packet stalling issues, a common problem during congestion spikes where data transmission and reception can stagnate. The improvement enhanced the overall user experience for 5G subscribers across the venue during peak event periods.
Commercial Deployment Across Japan
Building on the positive results from Expo 2025, SoftBank and Ericsson have now begun operating the system at large-scale event venues where user distribution varies significantly by time of day. The deployment marks an important step in applying AI-driven, automated network optimization to real-world commercial environments.
By combining Massive MIMO technology with AI-based external control, SoftBank and Ericsson are setting a new benchmark for adaptive 5G coverage at high-density venues. The approach supports more resilient, high-quality connectivity for users while reducing the operational complexity associated with manual or preset network optimization methods.
