Cellular Network Deployment - Mahlalini
Project Overview
Team STEMRoots, comprising Sinenkhosi Thobeka Khumalo, Siphokazi Angel Simelane, Minenhle Temalangeni Dlamini, Neliswa Pearl Nxumalo, and Tifeziwe Adorable Dlamini, secured first place in the 2024 NextGen STEM Team Challenge sponsored by MTN Eswatini. Tasked with deploying a cellular network in Mahlalini, Shiselweni, Eswatini—a 37 km² rural area with 749 homesteads and approximately 3,587 residents—the team addressed challenges like mountainous terrain, limited power access, and low population density. Their innovative 3G WCDMA network, utilizing the 900 MHz spectrum and a microwave backhaul, provides reliable voice, SMS, and data services for schools, a hospital, and the community.
The solution, developed with constrained resources, prioritizes cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and community engagement. Solar-powered infrastructure, local training, and affordable data plans tailored to rural needs (e.g., family and study plans) ensure accessibility and foster digital inclusion. Their success earned them a place in the MTN Talent Pool, showcasing their creative problem-solving and technical expertise in bridging the rural connectivity gap.
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Three 900 MHz TLSP-900-13-120V directional antennas, each with 120° coverage, mounted on a 100m tower, cover 78.5 km² despite hilly terrain.
Eco-Friendly Power
Solar panels with battery backups power the network, overcoming limited grid access and ensuring sustainable operations.
Microwave Backhaul
A 6GHz Deep Dish Parabolic Antenna enables cost-effective, high-capacity connectivity to the core network over long distances.
Community Empowerment
Local training, employment, and affordable plans like family and study bundles promote digital inclusion and community ownership.
Robust Protection
Lightning arrestors, anti-theft sensors, and fire detection ensure network reliability in a rural, weather-exposed environment.
Future-Ready Design
Scalable with virtualization, AI, and frequency reuse to support growing demand and emerging technologies like Cloud RAN.