U Mobile, which is currently tasked to build Malaysia’s second 5G network, has recently kicked off a 5G trial with Huawei to deliver a seamless and enhanced 5G coverage on the first Penang Bridge. During the trial, they achieved a minimum network speed of 120Mbps and an average of 597Mbps with zero dropped calls even at vehicle speeds of 80km/h.
The enhanced experience which is said to outperform legacy 4G solutions, was made possible with Huawei’s Meta Active Antenna Unit (MetaAAU).
According to U Mobile, it has been challenging for consumers to get consistent coverage on the 13.5km bridge due to network engineering hurdles because of its length and fluctuating traffic patterns. It added that it took years for the industry to resolve these challenges which require installation of a 4G base station in the middle of the bridge to maintain connectivity.
U Mobile said it has redefined the approach by using 5G Advanced technology as well as innovative network engineering by overcoming these challenges with Huawei’s MetaAAU technology. Huawei’s solution uses an Extremely Large Antenna Array (ELAA) and beamforming algorithms to double antenna elements, enhancing coverage distance and improving edge user experience by over 30%.
The MetaAAU sites are deployed at each end of the Penang Bridge to deliver a seamless network experience without the need to have an additional base station in the middle of the bridge.
For greater power efficiency, the MetaAAU solution features an innovative “0 Bit 0 Watt” mode, which allows modules to shut down up to a rate as high as 99% during low traffic periods, without affecting performance. If traffic demand increases, the system can reactivate within minutes, ensuring optimal energy use while maintaining efficient and high quality performance. U Mobile said this capability is well suited for the first Penang Bridge where traffic fluctuates between day and night.
The orange telco added that once the 5G network is commercialised and made available to the public, passengers and commuters on the first Penang Bridge will be able to enjoy smooth 4K video streaming, seamless short video switching, immersive gaming experiences and HD live broadcast.
Commenting on the 5G trial achievement, U Mobile Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Woon Ooi Yuen said, “As Malaysia’s future second 5G network provider, U Mobile is delighted to have successfully completed this 5G trial with Huawei as it demonstrates our ability to leverage next gen technologies to significantly improve connectivity experiences for Malaysia. This trial showcases our commitment to innovation and reflects our capability to roll out the nation’s second 5G network efficiently and effectively, ensuring seamless connectivity even in challenging environments. With 5G-A, we will be able to provide future enterprise use cases along the bridge, such as road safety services, surveillance with AI capabilities, and drones for emergency situations.”
Meanwhile, Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd Vice President for Carrier Network Business Group, Zac Chow said, “The successful deployment of Huawei’s MetaAAU on the Penang Bridge marks a significant milestone in advancing Malaysia’s telecommunications capabilities. Huawei’s MetaAAU addresses real-world challenges by delivering reliable 5G connectivity where it’s needed most. This achievement reinforces our strong partnership with U Mobile and our shared commitment to fast-tracking Malaysia’s digital transformation, enabling operators like U Mobile to drive the development of advanced telecom services.”
U Mobile recently emerged as the winner for the second 5G network bid as announced by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on 1st November 2024. Three months after the announcement, the regulator has yet to provide clear details of the second 5G rollout including the conditions of the spectrum as well as coverage targets.
In a recent report quoting U Mobile Chairman Tan Sri Vincent Tan, the tycoon has indicated that the orange telco will be able to roll out its own 5G network without seeking new local partners. It aims to deploy the 5G network within the next 15 to 18 months.
There are still lingering questions on how soon U Mobile can start work on the second network as the telcos must first repay back the government for DNB’s initial funding as part of the transition from a Single Wholesale network to a Dual 5G network model.
