Chinese telecommunications giant ZTE, in collaboration with China Mobile, has achieved a remarkable feat by introducing 5G connectivity to Kekexili, also known as Qinghai Hoh Xil, an isolated UNESCO World Natural Heritage site located atop the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Positioned at an astonishing elevation of 4,800 meters, this remote area lacked even basic communication coverage until now. The challenging environment and the region's seclusion posed significant obstacles to wildlife conservation efforts.
Teaming up with China Tower and Sanjiangyuan National Park, this partnership has paved the way for groundbreaking possibilities in local wildlife preservation. The focal point of this initiative is Zhuonai Lake, a sanctuary nestled in the rugged terrains of this highland, harboring diverse endemic plant and large mammal species. The lake is of particular importance for the conservation of the Tibetan antelope, a species that was once teetering on the edge of extinction due to rampant poaching. Every summer, thousands of female antelopes migrate to Zhuonai Lake for birthing, making it a critical hub for protective measures.
Rangers stationed across Kekexili, especially those at Zhuonai Lake Protection Station, have played an indispensable role in revitalizing the Tibetan antelope population. Their dedication to rescuing and safeguarding this vulnerable species has been remarkable. However, the harsh, isolated terrain has continuously posed significant risks to their operations.
While satellite phones were a necessity for communication, they proved inefficient and perilous during their extensive patrols in the unpredictable wilderness of Kekexili. In this unforgiving setting, instantaneous communication is not just convenient, but a lifeline that reduces risks associated with potential wildlife encounters, medical emergencies, or severe weather conditions.
Recognizing this critical need, ZTE and China Mobile undertook the challenge of establishing advanced connectivity at the lake. Construction of the 5G base station at Zhuonai Lake Protection Station commenced in early May. Despite the formidable obstacles of high altitude, extreme cold, powerful winds, and permafrost, the team's exceptional collaboration and resilience led to the successful completion of the project. After a strenuous 20-day effort, they achieved the construction milestone and made the historic first-ever video call from Zhuonai Lake.
Hu Bo, General Manager of China Mobile’s Qinghai Branch, emphasized the far-reaching benefits of providing 5G coverage to Kekexili. The base station enables real-time monitoring of Tibetan antelope births, a critical aspect of wildlife observation. Moreover, it mitigates the isolation of protection staff stationed in these challenging environments, significantly enhancing their safety and well-being. Hu highlighted that this breakthrough in communication technology sets the stage for an innovative approach to environmental conservation, scientific exploration, and the management of remote, protected regions.
Sun Lijun, Deputy Director of the Sanjiangyuan National Park Administration, hailed the deployment of 5G as a pivotal stride toward smarter park management. He stressed that 5G coverage would substantially augment the efficiency of scientific research and conservation initiatives within national parks.
The 5G network in Kekexili now boasts internet transmission speeds of up to 860Mbps around the protection station. This enables real-time wildlife observation and ensures seamless communication among conservation staff during patrols.
The base station achieves a fine balance between coverage and capacity through the utilization of dual-frequency bands. The amalgamation of the 700MHz band and ultra-long-range technology guarantees 5G coverage over the vast Zhuonai Lake region spanning more than 10 kilometers, all from a single base station. The station also facilitates simultaneous transmission of up to 32 high-definition videos via the 2.6GHz band.
To ensure constant connectivity with the outside world, the base station employs robust transmission equipment capable of spanning large distances, reaching over 57 kilometers in a single instance. The site is self-powered, relying entirely on solar energy, and is engineered to withstand the harshest weather conditions, including temperatures plummeting to minus 50 degrees Celsius and near-hurricane force winds.
Moving forward, the collaborative partners—Sanjiangyuan National Park, China Mobile, China Tower, and ZTE—have committed to strengthening their cooperation, utilizing communication technology to bolster conservation endeavors at more world heritage sites.
This project underscores ZTE's dedication to sustainability through innovative technology, exemplifying the pivotal role that digital connectivity can play in ecological protection. If successful, it could serve as a blueprint for managing ecological conservation efforts in the world's remotest regions. 5G has the potential to bridge communication gaps in sparsely populated areas, offering a vital connection for safeguarding the planet's most endangered wildlife.
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