Zong, in collaboration with technology partner Huawei, has successfully completed Pakistan’s first field test of a full-duplex E-Band microwave link, marking a major milestone in the evolution of microwave backhaul technology in the country. The breakthrough test demonstrates the ability to double spectral efficiency over E-Band frequencies — traditionally used for high-capacity, short-distance wireless links — and paves the way for higher network capacity and more resilient telecom infrastructure.
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During the field trial, Zong and Huawei deployed the full-duplex E-Band microwave solution in real-world conditions, successfully transmitting data simultaneously in both directions over the same frequency. This approach contrasts with conventional half-duplex methods that alternate transmission directions and limits throughput. By using full-duplex technology, Zong aims to unlock greater bandwidth efficiency and meet the rapidly increasing backhaul demands driven by data traffic growth, especially in urban centres and areas preparing for next-generation services like 5G and beyond.
Full-duplex microwave technology, combined with E-Band spectrum capabilities, offers operators the benefit of high-capacity wireless links without the need for additional spectrum allocation or physical fibre infrastructure. For mobile operators like Zong, this translates into improved network performance, reduced latency, and greater flexibility in capacity planning — key advantages as data consumption continues to soar due to video streaming, cloud services, and enterprise connectivity needs.
Officials from both Zong and Huawei noted that successfully validating the field performance of full-duplex E-Band links is a significant step toward commercial rollout. The field test results showed that the technology can sustain high-throughput data transmission with robust signal quality, even in challenging propagation environments. This achievement aligns with Zong’s strategic vision of deploying advanced transport technologies to support a scalable and future-ready network.
Telecom industry analysts say that the adoption of full-duplex microwave links can help operators address bottlenecks in backhaul capacity — the network segment that connects cell sites to the core network. With the exponential growth in mobile data usage and the expected acceleration of 5G adoption, enhanced backhaul solutions are critical to maintaining Quality of Service and meeting user expectations.
The collaboration between Zong and Huawei on this field test also reflects broader trends in Pakistan’s telecom sector toward embracing cutting-edge transport technologies, automation, and spectral innovation. As operators prepare for denser networks and evolving digital services, such technology validations build confidence in deploying next-generation backhaul infrastructure.
Overall, the successful completion of Pakistan’s first full-duplex E-Band microwave link field test represents a forward leap in microwave communication technology, positioning Zong at the forefront of network capacity enhancement and signalling strong momentum for advanced telecom infrastructure deployment nationwide.
