Zong, ZTE unveil world-first 8T8R Ultra-Broadband Radio and intelligent antenna solution in Pakistan

KARACHI – In a groundbreaking move, Zong and ZTE Corporation have introduced the first high-power 8T8R Ultra-Broadband Radio (HP 8T8R UBR) combined with a Digital Intelligent Antenna (DIA) solution in Pakistan, enhancing the country’s mobile network performance and deployment efficiency.

The HP 8T8R UBR provides 8x120W power on FDD 1800MHz and 2100MHz bands, crucial for Zong’s network, and is the first commercial deployment globally. Its advanced design allows one unit to replace multiple legacy RRUs, reducing the number of required units by up to 67% per tower, saving space, lowering costs, and simplifying network expansion.

The DIA antenna supports software-defined beamforming, allowing two 4T4R cells for existing networks or one 8T8R cell for next-generation deployments. For newly rolled-out sites, the “422” configuration—one 4T4R plus two 2T2R cells—optimizes operations where space and power are limited.

Zong’s initial results show remarkable improvements, including a 34% boost in daily network capacity, 83% during peak hours, and a 173% uplift in daily user experience, demonstrating both performance and reliability compared to traditional multi-radio solutions.

The company has expressed a strong intention to expand this solution across its network, highlighting operational efficiency, enhanced service quality, and reduced deployment complexity.

This collaboration underscores Zong and ZTE’s commitment to technological innovation, advancing Pakistan’s digital infrastructure, and setting new standards for high-performance networks in emerging markets. Both partners continue to explore cutting-edge solutions aimed at empowering users and supporting sustainable growth in the telecom sector.