ZTE, DITO partner for TDD-MIMO technology

ZTE Corporation has teamed up with DITO Telecommunity to revolutionize network infrastructure in the Philippines.

The partnership marks a significant step toward enhancing mobile connectivity and capacity nationwide through the deployment of TDD Massive MIMO technology.

TDD (Time Division Duplex) Massive MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) technology is an advanced wireless communication method that enhances network performance by simultaneously using multiple antennas at both the transmitter and receiver ends.

As the Philippines’ third-largest telco, DITO has been a game-changer since its 2019 debut. With over 7,000 physical sites, an 86 percent network coverage rate, and more than 13 million active users, DITO is leading rapid advancements in the telecom sector.

It has particularly excelled in 5G services, outpacing competitors in speed and user experience. To address its growing 4G demand, DITO sought innovative solutions to maximize spectrum resources and boost network capacity.

In 2024, DITO conducted rigorous evaluations of TDD Massive MIMO configurations, including 8T8R and 64T64R technologies. After careful analysis, the 32T32R solution emerged as the ideal choice, delivering superior performance and cost efficiency.

Under the leadership of Vincent Zhou, Senior Advisor for Wireless and Network Planning at DITO, and with ZTE’s support, the companies launched pilot sites in high-demand areas.

The results were groundbreaking: 99 percent improvement in spectrum efficiency; 92 percent increase in average cell traffic volume; and a 75 percent growth in average connected users.