U Mobile has successfully completed a proof of concept (POC) for a portable 5G network site powered entirely by solar energy. This site can operate independently of the national electricity grid and terrestrial transmission infrastructure, such as fiber.
The solution, which was provided by ZTE Corporation, was tested at two rural locations in East Malaysia: SK Mentu primary school in Sebuyau, Sarawak and the Balai Kebudayaan Iburu community hall in Sipitang, Sabah.
It was connected directly to U Mobile's core network via satellite backhaul.
Instead of a conventional telecommunications tower, a lightweight 12-meter pole structure was installed at each location. Depending on the configuration, the sites supported both 4G and 5G services, achieving peak download speeds of up to 134 Mbit/s during live testing.
Each site was powered by high-efficiency solar panels and a battery backup system that could operate for up to 52 hours without sunlight.
The POC showed that a portable 5G site can be installed and fully activated in just three days. By contrast, it can take close to a year to activate a conventional tower in a challenging rural location due to requirements including site acquisition, tower construction, transmission infrastructure and grid power readiness.
Bridging the digital divide
According to U Mobile, the portable, solar-powered site could be used to rapidly improve connectivity in remote and underserved communities across Malaysia.
The telecom operator also said the solution has potential applications in emergency and disaster response. Its ability to operate independently of grid power and terrestrial transmission infrastructure could help restore connectivity in areas where existing infrastructure has been disrupted.
"We have the opportunity to explore more agile ways of expanding our network, particularly in areas where conventional deployment can be challenging," U Mobile Chief Technology Officer Woon Ooi Yuen said in a statement. "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.”
Tey Khang Lian, chief marketing officer at ZTE Malaysia, echoed the same sentiment: "Through our collaboration with U Mobile, we are combining solar power, battery storage and satellite backhaul in a portable rural network solution that addresses key infrastructure challenges in remote areas. This rural pilot proof of concept reflects our shared commitment to making 4G and 5G connectivity more accessible and supporting Malaysia's digital inclusion aspirations."
Source: https://www.lightreading.com/sustainability/u-mobile-trials-solar-5g-for-remote-regions
