Zong, Pakistan’s leading data network, has announced in partnership with ZTE Corporation the commercial launch of the industry’s first high-power 8T8R Ultra-Broadband Radio (HP 8T8R UBR) and Digital Intelligent Antenna (DIA) solution. The deployment marks a significant step for both companies and the first-ever commercial rollout of such technology globally. Designed for the 1800MHz and 2100MHz frequency bands, which form the backbone of Zong’s network, ZTE’s HP 8T8R UBR delivers the highest output power in the industry at 8x120W, ensuring greater coverage and capacity for mobile users.
This advancement introduces a breakthrough in remote radio unit (RRU) integration, allowing one unit to replace multiple legacy RRUs. Such consolidation can save up to 67% of RRUs on towers, reducing deployment complexity, freeing antenna space, and lowering the overall equipment footprint. When combined with ZTE’s DIA antenna, the solution supports software-defined beamforming, enabling configuration as two 4T4R cells for current network needs or a single 8T8R cell for next-generation network deployment. This flexibility allows operators to adapt to evolving demand while optimizing resources.
For newly deployed sites, both companies are trialing a “422” configuration strategy, consisting of one 4T4R cell and two 2T2R cells, particularly suited for areas with space and power constraints. Commercial results from Zong’s network have shown remarkable improvements following the rollout. Daily capacity has increased by 34%, and busy-hour capacity has seen an 83% boost. User experience metrics also report a 173% improvement in daily performance and a 115% improvement during peak usage hours. These gains, paired with a simplified setup, have proven the system to be a strong and efficient replacement for traditional multi-radio deployments.
Zong has signaled strong interest in expanding the use of HP 8T8R UBR and DIA technology across its network, citing enhanced operational efficiency, reduced costs, and higher service quality as key benefits. The collaboration with ZTE highlights a shared focus on advancing network technology and accelerating the modernization of Pakistan’s telecom infrastructure. Both companies plan to continue developing innovative, high-performance solutions aimed at supporting future network evolution and delivering improved connectivity experiences for users nationwide. This milestone not only reinforces their leadership in telecom innovation but also sets a new performance benchmark for mobile networks in emerging markets.
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