KUALA LUMPUR: U Mobile, in collaboration with technology provider ZTE Corp, has successfully completed a proof-of-concept for a portable, off-grid 5G network site powered entirely by green energy.
The system is designed to provide a faster and more sustainable solution for delivering telecommunications connectivity to remote and underserved communities across Malaysia.
According to a statement by U Mobile, the solution operates completely independent of the national electricity grid and terrestrial fiber infrastructure by utilising solar power, a high-efficiency battery backup capable of running up to 52 hours without sunlight, and a direct satellite backhaul link to U Mobile’s core network.
This standalone setup makes rapid deployment possible in areas where traditional infrastructure building is difficult or time-consuming.
During live testing, the proof-of-concept demonstrated that a full network site could be installed and activated within three days. By comparison, conventional telecommunications tower deployments in rural locations can take up to a year due to land acquisition, heavy tower construction, fiber laying, and power grid connections.
The pilot was conducted at two rural locations in East Malaysia: SK Mentu, a primary school in Sebuyau, Sarawak, and Balai Kebudayaan Iburu, a community hall in Sipitang, Sabah. At both sites, engineers installed a lightweight 12-meter pole structure instead of a conventional tower. The installation delivered concurrent 4G and 5G connectivity, reaching peak download speeds of up to 134 Mbps during testing.
Woon Ooi Yuen, Chief Technology Officer of U Mobile, stated that the initiative showcases agile methods to expand network coverage, accelerate the deployment of the operator's ULTRA5G network, and bridge the digital divide.
Tey Khang Lian, Chief Marketing Officer of ZTE Malaysia, added that integrating solar power, energy storage, and satellite transmission addresses primary infrastructure obstacles in remote areas while supporting national digital inclusion efforts.
"This rural pilot proof-of-concept reflects our shared commitment to making 4G and 5G connectivity more accessible and supporting Malaysia’s digital inclusion aspirations,” he said.
Beyond rural expansion, both companies noted the portable units can be deployed during disaster response scenarios to restore vital connectivity when primary infrastructure is damaged.
