ZTE and MTN Launch the World's First 5-Band RRU in South Africa

Launch of the First 5-Band RRU in South Africa

In a significant technological breakthrough, ZTE Corporation and MTN have marked the successful commercial deployment of the world’s first 5-band Remote Radio Unit (RRU) in South Africa. This pioneering launch took place on September 5, 2025, in the Western Cape province, underscoring a major leap in radio frequency technology in the telecommunications sector across Africa.

A Giant Step for Telecommunications in Africa

With a population exceeding 60 million people, South Africa stands as one of Africa's most advanced telecommunications markets. The collaboration between ZTE and MTN aims to tackle the challenges faced by operators in response to the increasing demand for multi-band services. Notably, MTN boasts LTE coverage that reaches over 97% of the population, providing reliable communication services even to the most remote areas.

As operators face rising demands, they must also contend with the constraints of power consumption, tower loading, and limited spatial availability, which hinder the growth of mobile networks. The introduction of the 5-band RRU directly addresses these challenges, making it a timely solution for enhancing network performance and energy efficiency.

Integrative Technology for Enhanced Efficiency

The 5-band RRU integrates all low and medium frequency bands used by MTN into a single compact device powered by a custom chipset developed by ZTE. This innovative integration reduces the number of high-frequency modules on towers by 50%, cuts the weight of the equipment by 23%, and minimizes wind resistance by 18%. These enhancements simplify site constructions and reduce deployment complexities, freeing up space on communication towers.

ZTE's innovative Super-N amplifier architecture employs dense arrangements of power amplifiers with on-demand activation capabilities. This strategy effectively overcomes the limitations posed by traditional architectures, facilitating high efficiency across varying loads. The result is a 42.7% reduction in overall energy consumption along with a 45.8% improvement in energy efficiency per gigabyte of data transferred. These advancements not only contribute to South Africa's goals for a greener, low-carbon society but also set new industry standards for sustainable development.

Industry Leaders' Perspectives

Rami Farah, Chief Technology Officer of MTN South Africa, expressed excitement about this partnership, stating that the deployment of the 5-band RRU effectively alleviates previously existing challenges related to coverage, capacity, cost, and energy efficiency. This collaboration produces a highly-integrated and reproducible solution suitable for the African market, propelling the continent's telecommunications networks toward greater efficiency and lower carbon emissions.

From ZTE’s perspective, CEO Luca Shen echoed the sentiment stating that product leadership is at the core of ZTE's ethos. He asserted that the strong collaboration with MTN not only reaps mutual benefits but also accelerates the modernization of South Africa's telecom infrastructure, thereby setting the stage for digital transformation across the African continent.

Both ZTE and MTN remain committed to expanding telecommunications infrastructure in Africa while emphasizing energy savings, reducing emissions, and fostering the digital economy. Their joint vision is to "protect nature through technology and shape the future through innovation." This alignment promises to bridge the digital divide and foster sustainable economic growth across the region.

A Bright Future for Digital Transformation

The launch of the 5-band RRU signifies a critical advancement in facilitating Africa's digital transformation. It highlights the vast potential of innovative technologies to stimulate economic growth while promoting ecological sustainability.

In conclusion, ZTE's dedication to providing comprehensive telecommunications solutions and MTN's commitment to delivering substantial coverage exemplify an effective partnership poised to shape the future of connectivity across South Africa and beyond.