U Mobile, ZTE complete proof-of-concept of off-grid 5G network site

KUALA LUMPUR: U Mobile and ZTE Corporation have completed a proof-of-concept (POC) of a portable, fully off-grid 5G network site powered entirely by 100 per cent green energy, demonstrating a faster and more sustainable approach to extending connectivity to remote and underserved communities.

The network provider said in a statement today that the site is powered entirely by solar energy and connected directly to U Mobile's core network via satellite backhaul; the solution can operate independently of both the national electricity grid and terrestrial transmission infrastructure such as fibre.

It said this enables deployment in locations where conventional network infrastructure may be difficult or time-consuming to build.

"The POC demonstrated that the site can be installed and fully activated within just three days, compared with nearly a year for conventional tower deployments in challenging rural locations," it added.

U Mobile said the POC was piloted at SK Mentu, a primary school in Sebuyau, Sarawak, and Balai Kebudayaan Iburu, a community hall in Sipitang, Sabah, whereby at each location, a lightweight 12-metre pole structure was installed in place of a conventional telecommunications tower.

Supported by high-efficiency solar panels and a battery backup system capable of operating for up to 52 hours without sunlight, depending on configuration, the sites supported both 4G and 5G services and achieved peak download speeds of up to 134 megabits per second during live testing, it said.

U Mobile chief technology officer Woon Ooi Yuen said the POC demonstrated how a 100 per cent green-energy, off-grid site could be deployed rapidly while still delivering reliable 4G and 5G connectivity.

"As Malaysia's newest 5G network provider, we have the opportunity to explore more agile ways of expanding our network, particularly in areas where conventional deployment can be challenging.

"Together with technology partners such as ZTE, we will continue to explore practical innovations that can accelerate the expansion of our ULTRA5G network, help close the digital divide and extend the benefits of connectivity to more Malaysians," he said.

Meanwhile, ZTE Malaysia chief marketing officer Tey Khang Lian said the collaboration combined solar power, battery storage and satellite backhaul in a portable rural network solution that addressed key infrastructure challenges in remote areas.

"This rural pilot POC reflects our shared commitment to making 4G and 5G connectivity more accessible and supporting Malaysia's digital inclusion aspirations," he said.

U Mobile said the portable solution also has potential applications in emergency and disaster response.

Its rapid deployment and ability to operate independently of grid power and terrestrial transmission infrastructure could help restore connectivity in areas where existing infrastructure has been disrupted, it said.