Zong and ZTE Launch Industry’s First High-Power 8x120W UBR & DIA Solution

Zong and ZTE Launch Industry’s First 8x120W Ultra-Broadband Radio and Digital Intelligent Antenna (DIA) Solution

Zong, Pakistan’s leading data network, and ZTE Corporation, a global powerhouse in information and communication technology, have made a groundbreaking announcement: the commercial launch of the industry’s first high-power 8T8R Ultra-Broadband Radio (HP 8T8R UBR) and Digital Intelligent Antenna (DIA) solution.

This pioneering deployment marks a significant leap forward for both companies and the telecommunications industry worldwide. ZTE’s HP 8T8R UBR solution stands out by delivering the industry’s highest power at 8x120W for FDD dual bands (1800MHz and 2100MHz), which are crucial for Zong’s network. What makes this even more remarkable is that it’s the very first such solution to be commercially launched globally.

Revolutionizing Network Deployment

This breakthrough is largely due to the HP 8T8R UBR’s high integration design. A single unit can now replace multiple legacy RRUs, leading to an impressive saving of up to 67% of RRUs for towers. This consolidation drastically simplifies deployments, minimizes the space required for antennas, and reduces the overall equipment footprint, making network expansion more efficient and less complex.

Smarter Antennas for Enhanced Performance

Complementing the UBR is ZTE’s DIA antenna solution. This innovative antenna supports beamforming functionality through software definition, allowing for two 4T4R cells for the current network or a single 8T8R cell for future-generation networks. This adaptability ensures that Zong’s infrastructure is ready for evolving demands.

Cost-Efficient Expansion Strategies

Beyond the technology itself, Zong and ZTE are actively exploring cost-efficient deployment strategies. For new site rollouts, they are implementing a “422” site scenario, meaning one 4T4R cell and two 2T2R cells per site. This approach is particularly beneficial in areas where space and power resources are limited, ensuring broader network coverage without excessive investment.

Tangible Results and Future Prospects

The commercial launch has already yielded impressive results for Zong. Network performance has seen significant enhancements, including a 34% increase in daily capacity and an astounding 83% increase during busy hours. User experience has also dramatically improved, with a 173% enhancement daily and 115% during busy hours. Beyond the numbers, this solution simplifies deployment and has proven to be a reliable and efficient alternative to traditional multi-radio setups.

Zong has expressed strong interest in scaling these solutions across its network, recognizing the clear operational benefits, substantial cost savings, and improved service quality.

This milestone highlights the shared commitment of Zong and ZTE to driving technological innovation and delivering next-generation network experiences. Through this close collaboration, both companies are not only accelerating the evolution of Pakistan’s digital infrastructure but also setting a new benchmark for efficient, high-performance mobile networks across emerging markets. As their partnership deepens, Zong and ZTE are poised to continue exploring cutting-edge solutions that empower users and enable sustainable growth in the digital landscape.