U Mobile’s 4G LTE network operates from 900MHz, 1800MHz, 2100MHz and 2600MHz. By implementing the “SingleCell” feature, the live test has shown improvement in terms of LTE spectral efficiency by maximising traffic absorption capability of mid-band cells such as 1800MHz, 2100MHz and 2600MHz, relieving traffic loads on the 900MHz band. This has resulted in improvements in low-band user experience as there is overall spectrum efficiency and coordination at the low-band and mid-band frequencies.

As for 4T4R, the Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) technology uses multiple antennas at the transmitter or receiver to improve transmission reliability and signal quality of radio links with the application of signal processing techniques. The live test has shown that this not only increases network capacity and coverage but also provides higher data rates, offering a better total user experience.

The live test was conducted at two sites in Kedah from September to November 2022 and live network data showed user download speeds at 900MHz frequency bands improved up to 68 per cent on average and 77 per cent for users at the edge of the site coverage.

“Huawei is aware of the growing challenges associated with the ever-increasing 4G LTE traffic and the value that wide-coverage low band frequency may bring, hence Huawei has developed the “SingleCell” and Low Band 4T4R solution that utilises experience estimation and prediction techniques to support telcos’ aims of driving higher performance and better user experience across their network. The positive results attained during the recent live test with U Mobile is testament to the effectiveness of the solutions. We believe “SingleCell” and 900MHz 4T4R would be especially suitable for nationwide network upgrade projects or for the coverage of critical rural area projects such as the Jendela projects,” said Nick Raoquanlin, Chief Technology Officer of Carrier Network Business Group at Huawei Malaysia.