ZTE and Ucell Deploy AI-Powered Green Network Solution in Uzbekistan, Boosting Energy Efficiency by 10.6%

ZTE and Ucell, one of Uzbekistan’s largest mobile operators, have completed the full commercial rollout of ZTE’s RAN (Radio Access Network) AI-powered energy-saving solution across Ucell’s extensive network. This deployment marks a significant step forward in Ucell's commitment to sustainable and energy-efficient telecommunications infrastructure.

The AI-powered energy-saving solution leverages advanced artificial intelligence analytics to dynamically optimize network energy consumption based on real-time traffic patterns. By enabling per-site, per-cell intelligent energy-saving strategies, the system automatically activates energy-saving modes during low-traffic periods while ensuring seamless service continuity and a high-quality user experience.

Key Technical Achievements

A key achievement of this deployment is a measurable improvement in network energy efficiency. The solution has increased the energy efficiency ratio-defined as the volume of data traffic delivered per kilowatt-hour (GB/kWh)-by 10.6% across the network. This means that for every unit of electricity consumed, the network now delivers 10.6% more data, directly contributing to lower carbon emissions and reduced operational costs.

The AI-powered energy-saving solution employs a distributed computing architecture with dual-layer intelligence:

• Network-Level AI: Handles traffic forecasting and strategy orchestration.
• Base Station-Level AI: Manages real-time execution and performance monitoring.

It implements multi-dimensional energy-saving techniques, including:

• Symbol-Level Shutdowns: Disables specific symbols during low-traffic periods.
• Channel-Level Shutdowns: Deactivates channels that are not in use.
• Carrier-Level Shutdowns: Shuts down carriers to save power.
• Equipment-Level Shutdowns: Powers down equipment when not needed.

These strategies are autonomously configured and continuously optimized through machine learning, ensuring an optimal balance between energy savings and network performance.

Ensuring User Experience

To safeguard user experience, the system conducts real-time monitoring before, during, and after energy-saving actions. It evaluates KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and automatically exits energy-saving mode if any performance thresholds are exceeded, achieving a balanced approach to energy efficiency and network performance.

Mr. Wang Guangdong, CEO of ZTE Uzbekistan, said, "We are proud to support Ucell in this landmark green network transformation. The 10.6% improvement in energy efficiency ratio demonstrates that AI-driven intelligence can deliver both environmental and economic value without compromising user experience. This deployment sets a strong example for sustainable telecom operations in Central Asia and beyond."

Mr. Andrey Shishkovsky, CEO of Ucell, commented, "At Ucell, digital transformation and environmental responsibility are at the forefront of our strategy. This AI-powered energy-saving solution not only helps us reduce operational costs but also aligns with our commitment to sustainability."

Under the Hood

The distributed computing architecture of the AI-powered energy-saving solution is designed to handle the complexity of a large-scale network efficiently:

• Network-Level AI: Utilizes historical and real-time data to forecast traffic patterns and develop optimal energy-saving strategies.
• Base Station-Level AI: Executes these strategies in real-time, adjusting to dynamic changes in network conditions.

The system's multi-dimensional energy-saving techniques are implemented through a combination of software-defined networking (SDN) and machine learning algorithms. SDN allows for flexible control over the network infrastructure, while machine learning ensures that energy-saving actions are dynamically adjusted based on current traffic demands.

Key Takeaways

• 10.6% Energy Efficiency Improvement: The AI-powered solution has significantly increased the energy efficiency ratio of Ucell's network.
• Dual-Layer Intelligence: Combines network-level and base station-level AI to optimize energy consumption without compromising user experience.
• Real-Time Monitoring: Ensures that performance thresholds are maintained, balancing energy savings with network reliability.
• Sustainable Operations: Demonstrates a practical approach to reducing carbon emissions and operational costs in the telecom industry.

This deployment by ZTE and Ucell sets a precedent for how AI can be leveraged to create more sustainable and efficient telecommunications networks, offering valuable insights for other operators looking to adopt similar solutions.