Shenzhen, China – ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a global leading provider of information and communication technology solutions, has unveiled the second-generation Dynamic Cooperative Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (Dynamic RIS 2.0) product on the eve of the Mobile World Congress (MWC)  Shanghai 2023. This release aims to further drive the green evolution of 5G-A. Compared to its predecessor, Dynamic RIS 2.0 boasts significantly reduced specifications and power consumption, as well as more convenient deployment, marking a significant stride towards commercial implementation.

As an emerging technology, Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) utilizes programmable, cost-effective two-dimensional metamaterials along with phase control components to achieve signal propagation, direction regulation, and interference suppression in three-dimensional space. Its primary goal is to establish an intelligent and controllable wireless environment, surpassing the limitations of traditional wireless communication.

Originally, RIS operated as a static surface, enhancing signal coverage at fixed points. However, the coverage provided by a single fixed beam was relatively limited and couldn’t adapt to dynamically distributed users. To address this, ZTE has introduced an innovative solution called Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface Dynamic Collaboration technology, which is built upon 5G base stations. This technology enables rapid scanning of multiple beams and real-time user tracking. By incorporating key techniques from 6G’s Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface advancements into 5G, it has become a pivotal technology for the new stage of 5G-A.

In 2021, ZTE successfully completed the initial phase of prototype verification for Static Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) technology, exploring the potential of RIS in improving fixed-point coverage in 5G blind spots and areas with weak signals. In February 2022, ZTE unveiled the first-generation Dynamic Cooperative Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface product, named RIS 1.0, at MWC 2022 in Barcelona.

In August 2022, ZTE achieved an industry milestone by successfully completing the prototype verification of Dynamic RIS technology. The verification results demonstrated that the cooperative beamforming technology between base stations and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces not only significantly enhances base station coverage but also facilitates seamless user connectivity in mobile scenarios. Moreover, the beam can be dynamically adjusted to accommodate diverse deployment scenarios.

ZTE continues to address critical challenges in RIS product development and key technologies. In 2023, they launched the dynamic RIS 2.0 model. Compared to its predecessor, the RIS 2.0 product offers significant advancements in terms of wide coverage distance, high user gain, and enhanced reliability.

Through the incorporation of new materials and an evolved architecture, dynamic RIS 2.0 products achieve an impressive 80% reduction in power consumption. The integrated design also contributes to a lighter and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Additionally, dynamic RIS 2.0 is designed for easy installation and adaptability to diverse environments, making deployment, management, and maintenance more streamlined.

According to Li Xiaotong, VP of ZTE and GM of RAN products, the launch of dynamic RIS 2.0 product serves the purpose of expanding network coverage in a cost-effective and energy-efficient manner. It also aims to address challenges associated with higher frequency bands, such as millimeter waves, which suffer from high propagation loss and penetration loss. Dynamic RIS 2.0 enables high and low-frequency co-site and co-coverage, thereby reducing construction and operation costs for high-frequency networks.

Moving forward, ZTE will continue collaborating with operators and industry partners to drive the evolution of RIS, transitioning it from technology research to practical deployment. ZTE aims to address real-world challenges in commercial networking, enhance innovation, and refine solutions for network collaboration and streamlined operation and maintenance processes. Furthermore, ZTE plans to expand the application of RIS to a wider range of fields. Leveraging the capabilities and boundaries of 5G-A, RIS will be combined with other advancements to realize the vision of enabling digital lives for individuals, empowering industries with digital intelligence, and building a digital society.

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Jakarta, Indonesia – ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a global leading provider of information and communication technology solutions, and Smartfren Business, the leading telecommunications service provider in Indonesia for both retail and corporate sectors, have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This strategic partnership aims to reinforce their commitment to driving the development of the network infrastructure market. 

The MoU was signed by Musa Gan, Sales Director of ZTE Indonesia, and Alim Gunadi, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of Smartfren Business, during the ZTE Day 2023 event in Jakarta. 

The collaboration aims to provide customized and scalable solutions that specifically address the unique requirements of government and enterprises, thereby facilitating their digital transformation goals. 

By leveraging their combined expertise, ZTE and Smartfren Business will provide cutting-edge solutions that actively drive the transformation of network infrastructure in Indonesia.

Musa Gan, Sales Director of ZTE Indonesia, said, “We are excited to collaborate with Smartfren Business as it marks a significant milestone in our joint pursuit of network infrastructure market development. Through this collaboration, we aim to leverage our respective strengths and expertise to deliver cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of government and enterprises. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to providing advanced technology solutions that empower institutions and businesses.”

Alim Gunadi, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of Smartfren Business, said, “Smartfren Business is delighted and grateful for ZTE’s support in developing network infrastructure and providing the latest network solutions. With this collaboration, Smartfren Business is committed to providing advanced solutions to meet the needs of government and enterprises in achieving digital transformation goals, while expanding service coverage throughout Indonesia.”

This partnership represents a significant stride towards building a more interconnected and technologically advanced future. Together, ZTE and Smartfren Business aspire to introduce the advantages of advanced technologies to the Indonesian market, promote digital inclusion, and stimulate economic growth in the country. 

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Over 2000 entrepreneurs that participated in various training modules to equip them with relevant business skills at the Stanbic Accelerator Program between January 2022 and April 2023, graduated on June 23.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at hotel Africana, Stanbic Business Incubator’s Chief Executive Tony Otoa said, “Small and Medium enterprises (SMEs) are universally regarded as key engines of economic growth. Therefore, SBIL is closely supporting SMEs to access the financial services and skills they need to grow and thrive.”

He added that the goal is to see Uganda’s small businesses improve their operations and profits and create new jobs and business opportunities for women and youth.

Otoa noted that the training emphasized three key areas namely; access to markets, access to finance and business operational skills, all of which are necessary for the growth of MSMEs. “SBIL will continue supporting entrepreneurs to exploit their potential in various ways through networking, connecting them to market platforms and guiding them on how to be competitive locally and internationally,” Otoa said.

SBIL developed the EDP in 2018, supporting 190 SMEs in Kampala by building their capacity to actively participate in Uganda’s natural resource sector.

In 2019, the SBIL received funding from the GIZ Employment and Skills for Development in Africa (E4D) programme to enable expansion of the Enterprise Development Programme (EDP) to support SMEs in Gulu and Mbarara districts to become more competitive, attain sustainable growth and create jobs.

Based on the promising results recorded by E4D in 2019, a new partnership was entered in 2021 to further upscale and expand the Incubator’s reach across the country to cover at least 20 districts through four regional branches

Speaking on behalf of the project’s development partners, the GIZ E4D Uganda programme, Team Leader, Donald Agaba mentioned that E4D will continue promoting local employment through capacity development in partnership with the Incubator. He went on to say that the role of MSMEs in a country’s social economic development cannot be downplayed because of their contribution to Gross Domestic Product and to creation of decent jobs. He said, “We have partnered with Stanbic Business Incubator since 2019 and in our recent program evaluations we established that 1400 jobs were created as a result of these trainings”.  Mr. Agaba applauded SBIL for the significant achievements and solid partnership thus far.

During the graduation ceremony, Emma Mugisha, the Head of Business and Commercial at Stanbic Bank, advised entrepreneurs to always seize training opportunities. Ms. Mugisha said that in November 2020, Stanbic Bank launched the Economic Enterprise Restart Fund as a private sector led response to provide affordable funding for key sectors and groups that were most adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. She added that capacity building and training for SMEs through SBIL has been critical in ensuring faster business recovery and equipping business owners to survive through turbulent economic periods.  She said, “Stanbic Uganda Holdings is building an eco-system through its five subsidiaries that include Stanbic Bank, Fly Hub – A Fintech Company, Stanbic business Incubator, Stanbic Properties Limited and SBG securities- an investment firm, to support Entrepreneurs and drive Uganda’s economic growth as well as create networks and collaboratively work with Entrepreneurs”.

The Guest of honor, Aga Ssekalala Jr, a renowned entrepreneur advised on the need to uphold values like honesty, hard work and integrity. He said, “The real success is not in the financial gains but in the positive impact you create as entrepreneurs from the financial gains,’’ and “that’s the success you should embrace,’’ he said.

Cathy Adengo , The head of sustainability Stanbic Uganda Holdings Limited, said, “We understand the challenges and hardships and we are here to support entrepreneurs in their journey as we drive economic growth.”  She emphasized that, “Sustainability is a critical pillar in the Stanbic Uganda Holdings Limited’s agenda through providing easily accessible finance solutions and mentorship to entrepreneurs especially those in the agriculture sector.”

Aisha Mayanja, an EDP graduate and founder, Ewaffe Cultural Village said, “We forced to do market research and competitor’s analysis after the training, these are things we never thought we needed to do. We have been trained on the importance of being compliant and formally registered”

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