True Corp deploys world’s largest 4T4R 4.5G network

Thailand’s True Corporation has deployed what it says is the world’s largest commercial 4-transmit-4-receiver (4T4R) 4.5G network using Huawei RAN technology.

Huawei provided its SingleRAN 4T4R technology for the rollout. To date True Corporation’s wireless division True Move has deployed over 6,300 4T4R sites

Announcing the deployment, Huawei said compared to conventional 2T2R networks, the deployment has improved downlink throughput at cell edge by over 38% and uplink throughput by 50%.

True Corp is conducting the deployment to support Thailand’s booming demand for mobile data. Currently Thailand’s most common data charge model involves unlimited monthly packages and data usage per subscriber exceeds 1GB.

“Spectrum is extremely precious resource for all operators. Any technology which improves the spectrum efficiency attracts operators.” True Corporation executive advisor Steven Christopher Hopcraft said.

“[The] 4T4R solution improves the spectrum efficiency, and that’s the reason why True chose 4T4R. Along with the mature ecosystem, we think that the deployment of 4T4R is a wise choice.”

In January, True Move revealed that it will spend 56 billion baht ($1.59 billion) this year to roll out an LTE-Advanced network covering 97% of the population.