ZTE, in collaboration with Sanjiangyuan National Park, China Mobile and China Tower, have expanded 5G coverage to the Zhuonai Lake Protection Station in Kekexili, the high-altitude world natural heritage site. The deployment is designed to connect Kekexili to the world through 5G, to support animal protection and ecological monitoring.
The deployment of the 5G base station at Zhuonai Lake Protection Station started in early May. The project was completed in 20 days, making the first video call within this vast uninhabited area.
ZTE also reports that the deployed 5G base station at Zhuonai Lake uses two frequency bands to achieve a balance between coverage and capacity.
The 700MHz band, combined with 5G ultra-long-range coverage technology, covers a radius of over 10 kilometers, with a single base station covering the entire Zhonai Lake region. Additionally, the 2.6GHz band enables support for 32 high-definition video uploads, meeting the high bandwidth requirements for HD video backhaul around the protection station.
ZTE also reports that the base station transmission uses wide bandwidth and long-distance microwave relay, allowing for a single hop span of over 57 kilometers. All equipment at the site is powered by solar energy, designed to withstand 11-level winds, and engineered to endure temperatures as low as -50°C.
According to Hu Bo, general manager of China Mobile, “The protection work in Kekexili poses significant challenge. Extending China’s 5G network coverage to uninhabited areas to support environmental protection and enhance the integrated management of protected areas has long been a goal for China Mobile. Currently, the maximum internet transmission speed around the protection station is 860Mbps.”
“High-quality 5G networks bring numerous benefits. They enable real-time observation of Tibetan antelope births, ensuring crucial wildlife monitoring. Additionally, they prevent protection staff from being isolated in harsh environments, promoting their safety and well-being. Moreover, 5G technology opens up possibilities for future environmental protection, ecological monitoring, scientific expeditions, and changes in the management of protected areas.”
According to Sun Lijun, deputy director of Sanjiangyuan National Park Administration, “The deployment of 5G is a crucial step towards achieving smart management of national parks. It will significantly enhance the efficiency of scientific management in national parks and establish a more comprehensive mechanism for protection and research in Kekexili.”
Moving forward, Sanjiangyuan National Park, China Mobile, China Tower, and ZTE will strengthen their cooperation, leveraging communication technology to enhance the protection of world heritage sites. Together, they aim to build a regional ecological civilisation, fostering sustainable development and protection efforts.
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