Telkomsel, ZTE Complete FDD-LTE Massive MIMO Field Trial in Indonesia

ZTE Corporation, a major international provider of telecommunications, enterprise and consumer technology solutions for the Mobile Internet, has conducted the first FDD-LTE Massive MIMO field trial in Indonesia with Telkomsel, the country’s leading operator.

Deploying ZTE’s industry-leading FDD-LTE Massive MIMO solution, Telkomsel’s successful field trial achieved an almost four-fold increase in data throughput to 468 Mbps, compared to existing 2x2 MIMO FDD LTE networks.

The field trial in Makassar, one of the largest and most densely-populated cities in Eastern Indonesia, used commercially-available TM9 handsets and MiFi units in a simultaneous 4 handsets / MiFi configuration, with 20 MHz bandwidth, demonstrating the capabilities FDD-LTE Massive MIMO to enhance the performance of 4G LTE networks without change in user terminals. The test results will support Telkomsel’s efforts on network equalization in Eastern Indonesia.

“We are constantly improving our technology and readiness of our next-generation networks to cope with the growing global trend. This is in line with our vision of digital transformation to always be at the forefront of implementing the latest mobile cellular technologies that will provide substantial benefits to the people of Indonesia in the future,” said Indra Mardiatna, Telkomsel’s Vice President of Technology and System.

"ZTE is very proud to work with Telkomsel in realizing one of the world's earliest field trials for FDD-LTE Massive MIMO technology. We are fully committed to supporting Telkomsel in the application of this technology to improve network capacity and deliver the best broadband experience to Telkomsel customers," said Bai Jie, Chief Marketing Officer of PT ZTE Indonesia. “ZTE has been providing GSM and UMTS network for Telkomsel’s subscribers in Manado since 2007. The successful FDD-LTE Massive MIMO field trial will further strengthen ZTE’s position in Telkomsel’s 4G LTE ecosystem, and as a partner of choice for operators in Indonesia.”

Following the successful field trials, ZTE and Telkomsel have agreed to continue with the next phase of the trials to verify other technical aspects such as coverage, mobility, and interference. Both ZTE and Telkomsel value the importance of ensuring the technology is feasible and effective for a wider rollout in the Telkomsel LTE network.

Since 2015, ZTE’s Pre5G Massive MIMO pilot projects have been deployed around the world, and ZTE is cooperating with more than 20 major telecom operators globally on Pre5G solutions.