MTN South Africa and ZTE Corporation bring groundbreaking 5G-A technology during the launch event at the flagship store of MTN in Cape Town. It offers a glimpse into the future of ultra-fast connectivity. At the event, the firms delivered a record-breaking 9.2 Gbps in download speed. It points out the power 5G-A technology possesses in changing the telecommunication face of South Africa. The achievement re-establishes MTN’s position as an area leader in digital innovation by showcasing ZTE Company‘s technological prowess.

The 5G-A launch marks an important milestone in delivering fast, low-latency connectivity to satisfy the rising consumer demands. With the constant development of smart home solutions and digital services, the new technology promises unparalleled speed and performance for its users. The partnership between ZTE and MTN sets a new standard for mobile networks and brings more connected lifestyles to South Africa and the rest of the world. The future of connectivity is here.

ZTE Company and MTN Launch 5G-A Public Experience

ZTE Company and MTN South Africa marked the launch of the 5G-A public experience on 29 November 2024 in the MTN Store located in V&A Waterfront, Cape Town. This event witnessed hundreds of technology enthusiasts interested in the next step of the telecommunications world.

Visitors engaged with cutting-edge applications using 5G-A technology, such as AI-generated content (AIGC), an advanced robotic dog, and Nubia’s glasses-free 3D tablet featuring cloud-based rendering. These demos gave visitors a glimpse into high-speed, immersive digital experiences and the potential of 5G-A for smart devices and applications.

ZTE Company is a global leader in integrated ICT solutions, and MTN reinforced its leadership in South Africa’s telecom market through this collaboration. Together, they delivered a milestone moment, showing that 5G-A technology can offer ultra-fast, low-latency connectivity and set a new standard for the digital future.

The ZTE’s Millimeter Wave AAU

ZTE Company demonstrated its latest millimeter-wave AAU (Active Antenna Unit) at the 5G-A public experience event. The technology reached a remarkable download speed of 9.2 Gbps, marking a significant milestone in 5G-A innovation. This result underscores ZTE’s leadership in providing next-generation connectivity and solidifies MTN South Africa’s position at the vanguard of telecom innovation.

The test was carried out on a strong 5G Standalone (SA) network architecture that has features of 3GPP Release 18. The configuration used was an 8-server setup that supported ultra-low latency performance to as low as 6 milliseconds. Such latency is crucial for real-time applications, such as advanced gaming, virtual reality, and industrial automation.

ZTE further showcased its innovative network capabilities, including space division multiplexing and end-to-end slicing. Space division multiplexing optimizes signal transmission, while 5GC slicing enhances resource management and flexibility by segmenting the network for specific use cases.

These improvements have showcased how ZTE’s millimeter-wave AAU will enhance network efficiency, speed, and reliability. Together with MTN, these technologies are breaking barriers to what 5G-A can offer to consumers while providing an unmatched digital experience, raising the bar on connectivity in South Africa and more broadly.

ZTE Company’s Other Featured Applications

ZTE Company showcased several groundbreaking applications during the 5G-A public experience, which can transform next-generation connectivity.

AIGC

Advanced AI technologies, including deep learning and natural language processing, are used in AIGC to generate text, images, audio, and video without human intervention. Using ultra-fast 5G-A connections and cloud rendering, AIGC produces content equivalent to or even better than human imagination. This new technology brings about new prospects in the fields of education, art, and media production with seamless inspiration and efficiency.

Robotic Dog

The robotic dog is equipped with advanced radar, sensors, and cameras for 360° scanning and mapping of its surroundings. It uploads real-time data to the cloud using 5G-A’s low-latency network, which enables instant collaboration with IoT devices. This technology has vast potential in industrial applications, including mining, fire rescue operations, and hazardous area inspections. Its precision and speed make it an invaluable tool for safety and automation.

Nubia Pad 3D II

The world’s first eyewear-free 3D tablet powered by 5G and AI, the Nubia Pad 3D II delivers immersive 3D visuals without glasses. Its advanced display technology supports high-quality gaming, streaming, and entertainment applications, providing users with an unparalleled visual experience.

The Future of Communication with 5G-A Technology

5G-A represents the next evolution of 5G, which promises enhanced capabilities for seamless connectivity and integrated communication. Ultra-fast speeds of up to 10 Gbps ensure that networks are uninterrupted and of high performance. This innovation combines communication with sensing technologies, which enables the collection of accurate data and interaction. It is vital for smart cities and innovative industries. 

5G-A with AI integration enhances urban infrastructure, automates industrial processes, and supports real-time decision-making. Redefine connectivity and 5G-A powers future innovation in smarter, more efficient environments, bridging technology with human needs to shape the future of speed, intelligence, and limitless possibilities.

Commitment to Continued Collaboration

Rami Farah, CTO of MTN South Africa, said regarding the significance of the occasion: “The 5G-Advanced experience allows us to vividly showcase the potential of next-generation network technologies, from ultra-high speeds to immersive experiences.” She emphasized that the occasion is not just showing technology but a big move to connect future digital lifestyles for South African people.

Luca Shen, CEO of ZTE South Africa, noted that the 5G-Advanced innovation strengthens connectivity and experience and expands the scope of application scenarios and business domains. This will create new industries, business models, and ecosystems. The South Africa CEO added, “These innovations will empower MTN to inject strong momentum into the development of the digital economy and accelerate the realization of an intelligent, connected future.”

Both companies look forward to furthering their partnership. ZTE and MTN will continue to advance the deployment and commercialization of 5G-A networks in South Africa, driving digital transformation and supporting economic growth across the country.

The 5G-A public experience showed cutting-edge technologies pioneered by ZTE Company and MTN. From achieving a 9.2-Gbps download speed with a ZTE millimeter-wave AAU to offering immersion with AI-generated content, including a glasses-free 3D tablet, it marked the transformative power of 5G-A in an event. 

ZTE and MTN are creating the future of connectivity in South Africa, further setting up plans for the expanded network of 5G-A. Together, they pave the way for smarter cities and more innovative industries to support South Africa’s digital and economic growth.