MTN SA and Huawei’s Groundbreaking Microwave Solution Redefines South African Telecommunications
Sectors Telecom

MTN SA and Huawei’s Groundbreaking Microwave Solution Redefines South African Telecommunications

MTN SA and Huawei's Groundbreaking Microwave Solution Redefines South African Telecommunications

In the heart of Johannesburg, MTN South Africa (MTN SA) and Huawei have jointly launched a pioneering solution set to transform telecommunications across South Africa: the SDB IBT 2D microwave solution. This groundbreaking development, the first of its kind deployed commercially, combines the strength of Super Dual Band (SDB) technology with an innovative two-dimensional Intelligent Beam Tracking (IBT) system, addressing unique geographical and environmental challenges to deliver unparalleled network stability and capacity.

The Unique Challenges of South African Connectivity

South Africa’s landscape poses unique challenges to network stability, with its expansive plateaus and high-intensity sunlight. This climate results in drastic day-to-night temperature swings that often lead to tower deformations, particularly affecting monopole and mast towers. For networks like MTN SA, these subtle shifts in tower alignment can significantly impact the performance of high-capacity microwave links, especially those relying on E-band frequencies. Traditionally, maintaining stable transmission would require more extensive physical infrastructure—more antennas and tower space, each needing permissions and space that aren’t always easily accessible.

A Solution to Stabilize and Expand Coverage

With this new solution, MTN SA and Huawei have achieved what’s often seen as the holy grail of telecom stability in challenging environments. The SDB IBT 2D solution introduces a dual-band antenna capable of handling two frequency bands (traditional band and E-band) through a single antenna, drastically reducing tower space requirements. What sets this technology apart is its two-dimensional intelligent beam tracking, which actively adjusts for vertical and horizontal shifts in real time. This adaptive feature is crucial in environments where environmental factors like sunlight or high winds can cause a structure to sway or twist.

This advancement offers MTN SA a way to minimize the risk of transmission issues caused by these natural forces. The SDB IBT 2D solution prevents signal degradation from pole shaking, adjusting dynamically to ensure uninterrupted service. This improved anti-shaking performance expands potential deployment locations by 66%, giving MTN SA more flexibility in their coverage strategy without needing additional tower space for separate antennas.

A Leap Forward for Telecommunications in Africa

For MTN SA, this development is not only a technological milestone but also a solution that meets a genuine need for stability in regions affected by environmental extremes. “We are dedicated to delivering the best network and services for users by adhering to high construction standards,” said Rodney Reddy, Transmission Planning Senior Manager of MTN SA. “The IBT solution helps us solve link problems caused by the external environment to ensure stable service running.”

The deployment of this technology does more than address periodic fading and instability; it opens doors for expanded services in regions that previously struggled with reliable connections. The SDB IBT 2D solution also removes restrictions related to tower types and installation heights, further broadening deployment possibilities.

This collaboration between MTN SA and Huawei demonstrates a shared commitment to advancing telecommunications infrastructure in Africa. With microwave transmission playing an essential role in connecting people and businesses, especially in remote and under-resourced areas, solutions like the SDB IBT 2D are crucial. James Zeng, President of Huawei’s Microwave Product Line, noted, “We are committed to continuous innovation in microwave transmission. Our latest SDB IBT solution supports stable transmission even in complex weather conditions, enabling customers to build high-quality networks to exacting standards.”

For South Africa and potentially other parts of the continent, this solution represents a step forward, ensuring that the dynamic environment doesn’t hinder the progress toward reliable connectivity. Through ongoing innovation, MTN SA and Huawei are setting a new standard for network stability and adaptability, promising a future where geography and weather no longer stand in the way of robust communication.

The Future of Connectivity in Africa

The successful deployment in Johannesburg could be the first chapter in a wider African rollout, with the potential to redefine connectivity standards across the continent. As urbanization and digital dependency grow, so does the demand for resilient, high-capacity networks. With innovations like the SDB IBT 2D, MTN SA and Huawei are not only solving present challenges but also laying a foundation for Africa’s digital future, where connectivity is consistent, regardless of environmental factors.

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