ZTE corp has partnered with Zong to achieve the first commercial deployment of AI-based multi-beam FDD Massive MIMO in Pakistan. The launch introduces automatic beam adaptation powered by AI, enabling five beams in live network conditions. This milestone demonstrates a significant step forward in intelligent radio access network evolution.

Zong, recognized as Pakistan’s No.1 data network, conducted the initial commercial launch together with ZTE. The results showed clear performance gains. Traffic loading increased by up to 17.1% during busy hours. Average user downlink throughput improved by up to 39.4% in busy hour conditions. These measurable improvements confirm the effectiveness of AI-driven beam adaptation in real network environments.

AI-Based Multi-Beam Innovation Reshapes FDD Massive MIMO

At the core of this deployment is ZTE’s AIR RAN solution, also known as AI Reshaped RAN. By introducing the AIREngine board, FDD Massive MIMO can automatically switch to multi-beam mode. The system supports up to six beams based on real-time traffic loading. In the initial commercial rollout, five beams were enabled.

This automatic beam adaptation ensures efficient resource allocation. When traffic demand increases, the system dynamically adjusts beam patterns. This improves cell capacity and strengthens user experience without manual intervention. The AI-based approach allows the network to respond quickly to fluctuating traffic conditions.

The commercial results demonstrate the direct impact of this innovation. During busy hours, average user downlink throughput increased by up to 39.4%. On a daily basis, throughput improved by 34.3%. Traffic loading rose by up to 17.1% in busy hours and 21.5% daily. These figures highlight both capacity enhancement and consistent performance improvement.

By integrating AI directly into radio resource management, the solution transforms how FDD Massive MIMO operates in live networks. It moves from static configuration to adaptive optimization.

Addressing Spectrum and Capacity Challenges

Mobile data demand continues to grow rapidly. Operators face increasing pressure to deliver higher throughput and stable performance. At the same time, spectrum resources remain limited. In many cases, new spectrum availability is constrained or narrow in bandwidth. This creates a gap between user demand and network capacity.

FDD Massive MIMO Pro is designed to address these challenges. Compared with conventional 4T4R macro sites, it can improve cell capacity by three to five times. This capacity gain supports 5G eMBB services while maintaining strong 4G performance.

The advanced core algorithms play a critical role. Accurate downlink channel estimation enhances spectrum efficiency. Under 20MHz bandwidth conditions, cell traffic can reach up to 1.7Gbps. This level of efficiency helps operators maximize existing spectrum resources.

Tower space is another constraint in network evolution. As more radio access technologies and spectrum bands are introduced, tower infrastructure becomes crowded. FDD Massive MIMO Pro addresses this issue with a light and compact design. It is recognized as the lightest and smallest dual-band 32T32R FDD Massive MIMO in the industry. This compact form factor simplifies deployment and reduces site pressure.

Enabling Smooth 4G and 5G Co-Existence

4G and 5G networks will coexist for an extended period. Operators must migrate toward 5G while ensuring stable 4G performance. This dual requirement increases operational complexity.

The solution supports Dynamic Spectrum Sharing. DSS enables smooth evolution to 5G by allowing flexible spectrum allocation between 4G and 5G users. This reduces the need for separate spectrum blocks and improves utilization efficiency.

An industry-unique 4G and 5G inter-RAT MU MIMO capability further strengthens spectrum efficiency. When enabling DSS, 4G and 5G users can share the same time and frequency resources under channel orthogonality conditions. This approach increases overall resource utilization and improves spectral efficiency.

Through AI-based beam scheduling and intelligent resource allocation, multi-beam FDD Massive MIMO enhances both 4G and 5G user experiences. The system ensures that performance gains are balanced across technologies.

The commercial deployment in Pakistan validates this approach. By enabling five beams in live conditions, Zong and ZTE demonstrated that AI-driven optimization can produce measurable improvements without disrupting existing services.

From Commercial Launch to Scaled Innovation

The initial commercial rollout marks the beginning of broader innovation efforts. Zong and ZTE plan to accelerate the integration of the AIR RAN solution into live networks. The focus will remain on enhancing spectral efficiency and energy efficiency while streamlining network operations.

Future trials will expand across diverse high-loading and high-value scenarios. Real traffic data will be used to refine multi-beam scheduling. End-to-end optimization will be strengthened to ensure that performance gains are repeatable and sustainable.

The goal is clear. AI-based innovation must translate into measurable benefits for consumers and industry customers. Through continuous optimization, the solution will evolve to support increasingly complex traffic environments.

By embedding intelligence into radio access infrastructure, the deployment demonstrates a practical pathway for network modernization. It aligns technological innovation with commercial performance metrics.

Conclusion

The first commercial deployment of AI-based multi-beam FDD Massive MIMO in Pakistan represents a significant milestone for both Zong and ZTE. By enabling five adaptive beams in live network conditions, the partnership has delivered clear performance improvements. Busy hour user throughput increased by up to 39.4%. Traffic loading improved by up to 17.1%.

Powered by the AIR RAN solution and the AIREngine board, the system introduces automatic beam adaptation and intelligent resource allocation. It addresses key industry challenges, including spectrum limitations, tower space constraints, and long-term 4G and 5G coexistence.