Service Management

ZTE supplies AIR RAN solution for Ethio Telecom

ZTE supplies AIR RAN solution for Ethio Telecom

ZTE Corporation, a provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions, has partnered with operator Ethio Telecom to deploy what is said to be Ethiopia's first pre-commercial AIR RAN solution.

This alliance, say the partners, marks an important milestone in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to mobile network optimisation.

As 4G data traffic continues to grow rapidly in Ethiopia, Ethio Telecom and ZTE have been exploring ways to harness AI to improve the efficiency and performance of the radio access network (RAN). Over the past two years, the two companies have focused on advancing this approach through AI-enabled network innovation.

Building on frequency division duplex (FDD) massive multiple-input multiple-output (massive MiMo) technology, the AIR RAN solution uses ZTE's AIREngine intelligent computing engine to introduce AI-driven intelligent beam scheduling. This enables more intelligent allocation of radio resources in response to changing network traffic demands.

By optimising the use of existing network resources, say the two companies, the technology helps unlock additional 4G capacity and improve data throughput without relying solely on additional network infrastructure.

The reported 11% increase in 4G capacity and 40% improvement in peak-hour user throughput highlight the solution's potential to support growing connectivity needs while enhancing network efficiency and service performance, particularly during periods of high demand.

Ethio Telecom says this milestone aligns with its Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028 strategy and supports the company's ambition to evolve beyond a connectivity-focused telecommunications operator into a leading digital enterprise powered by AI-native networks and digital innovation.

In addition, the company says, this deployment also contributes to Ethiopia's broader digital transformation ambitions under the Digital Ethiopia 2030 agenda by supporting the development of more efficient, capable and responsive telecommunications infrastructure.



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