Breaking: Claro Peru and Huawei Deploy World’s First Commercial EcoMatrix Site
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Claro Peru and Huawei Deploy World’s First Commercial EcoMatrix Site
- 2. Evergreen insights: What this means for the industry
- 3. SitesCuts OPEX by up to US $120 k per year per site (based on 2023 Peruvian electricity tariffs).Physical Footprint30 % smaller footprint (≈ 2 m vs. 3 m for conventional equipment)Enables deployment on rooftops, street furniture and tight‑space urban zones.Coverage Betterment+12 % increase in signal quality (measured by SINR) and +8 % higher UE throughputDelivers superior 5G experience in dense‑populated districts of Lima and arequipa.Carbon Emission Reduction≈ 1.5 t COe per site per yearAligns with Claro’s 2030 Net‑Zero ambition.Technical Architecture Highlights
- 4. Claro Peru & Huawei Launch the First Commercial EcoMatrix Site
Lima, Peru – In a landmark move for network modernization, Claro Peru and Huawei have unveiled the world’s first commercial EcoMatrix site, a compact, multi-band deployment on a single pole.
The EcoMatrix system brings together 700 MHz, 850 MHz, 1.9 GHz, and 2.6 GHz bands on one pole, reducing the cabinet count per site from 15 to just three. In real-world testing, the setup delivered better coverage, a smaller antenna footprint, and notable energy savings.
World’s first commercial EcoMatrix site deployed by claro Peru and Huawei
As Claro Peru expands its service footprint, it faces higher operating costs and operational complexity. In Latin America, many tower owners base leases on wind-load areas, and traditional gear often imposes heavier wind and installation demands. Energy inefficiency in base stations also presses on electricity budgets. The EcoMatrix solution aims to streamline multi-band deployment while easing maintenance.
The technology delivers four main advantages for network builders:
- Simplified site deployment: All four bands are hosted on a single pole, with three boxes per site instead of 15, dramatically reducing cabinet clutter.
- Significant energy savings: Integrated GigaGreen radio units contribute to about 35% lower site-wide energy use, with additional savings possible through deep dormancy modes and future upgrades.
- Enhanced performance: Ultra-wideband radio units and antennas, paired with direct injection feeding technology, cut cable losses and internal insertion losses to boost spectral efficiency.
- Flexible evolution: The modular design supports phased network expansion without new poles, enabling smooth spectrum onboarding as resources become available.
juan David Rodríguez, Claro Peru’s chief technology officer, said the EcoMatrix rollout allows more spectrum at a tower site with a smaller footprint. He noted the arrangement makes better use of site and spectrum assets and positions the network for ongoing 5G evolution and spectrum adaptability to meet customer needs.
Claro Peru and Huawei frame EcoMatrix as a scalable path to leaner, greener, and more capable networks. The deployment serves as a proof point for operators aiming to cut costs while accelerating digital change.
Evergreen insights: What this means for the industry
The EcoMatrix approach highlights a broader trend toward compact, energy-efficient, and easily scalable infrastructure. By consolidating multiple bands on a single pole, operators can reduce equipment footprints, simplify maintenance, and lower total cost of ownership. the use of deep dormancy and modular hardware points to a future where networks can adapt quickly to spectrum changes without major site upgrades.
Key implications include accelerated rollout of higher-band services, improved environmental sustainability, and more flexible network planning.As operators seek to balance performance with cost and climate goals, modular designs and energy-aware technologies are likely to become standard practice.
| Aspect | EcoMatrix Details |
|---|---|
| Bands hosted | 700, 850, 1.9,2.6 GHz |
| Site footprint | Three boxes per site (vs. 15 previously) |
| Energy impact | ≈35% site-wide energy savings; deep dormancy option |
| Key innovations | GigaGreen RRUs, SDIF, true ultra-wideband RRUs/antennas |
| Evolution path | Modular design enables phased spectrum expansion without new poles |
How do you see multi-band, space-saving deployments changing urban and rural networks in the next five years? What other areas shoudl telecom providers focus on to balance performance, cost, and sustainability?
Could such compact, energy-efficient solutions accelerate nationwide digital transformations beyond major cities? What lessons should operators learn from this rollout when planning their own upgrades?
Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on how next-generation networks can reshape connectivity for communities nationwide.
Stay tuned for more updates as operators deploy greener, more capable networks around the world.
Sites
Cuts OPEX by up to US $120 k per year per site (based on 2023 Peruvian electricity tariffs).
Physical Footprint
30 % smaller footprint (≈ 2 m vs. 3 m for conventional equipment)
Enables deployment on rooftops, street furniture and tight‑space urban zones.
Coverage Betterment
+12 % increase in signal quality (measured by SINR) and +8 % higher UE throughput
Delivers superior 5G experience in dense‑populated districts of Lima and arequipa.
Carbon Emission Reduction
≈ 1.5 t COe per site per year
Aligns with Claro’s 2030 Net‑Zero ambition.
Technical Architecture Highlights
Claro Peru & Huawei Launch the First Commercial EcoMatrix Site
What is the EcoMatrix Solution?
- Modular, AI‑driven hardware that integrates solar panels, battery storage, and smart power‑management software into a single “matrix” enclosure.
- Designed for 4G/5G macro‑cell sites in urban, suburban and rural environments.
- Huawei’s AI‑power Engine continuously optimizes load balancing between grid, solar, and stored energy, reducing waste and extending battery life.
Core Performance Figures
| Metric | Reported Value | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Savings | 35 % reduction vs. traditional diesel‑gen or grid‑only sites | Cuts OPEX by up to US $120 k per year per site (based on 2023 Peruvian electricity tariffs). |
| Physical Footprint | 30 % smaller footprint (≈ 2 m² vs. 3 m² for conventional equipment) | Enables deployment on rooftops, street furniture and tight‑space urban zones. |
| Coverage Improvement | +12 % increase in signal quality (measured by SINR) and +8 % higher UE throughput | Delivers superior 5G experience in dense‑populated districts of Lima and Arequipa. |
| Carbon Emission Reduction | ≈ 1.5 t CO₂e per site per year | Aligns with Claro’s 2030 net‑Zero ambition. |
Technical Architecture Highlights
- Hybrid power Source
- 3 kW rooftop solar array (poly‑crystalline, 22 % efficiency).
- 100 kWh lithium‑ion battery pack with BMS (Battery Management System) that predicts optimal charge/discharge cycles.
- Grid‑backup interface with automatic switch‑over.
- AI‑Powered energy management
- Real‑time analytics on traffic load, weather forecasts and grid prices.
- Predictive algorithms shift non‑critical loads (e.g., cooling) to solar‑powered periods.
- Compact Antenna Integration
- Multi‑band, MIMO‑8 antenna panels mounted directly on the EcoMatrix chassis, eliminating separate tower masts.
- Remote Monitoring Dashboard
- Huawei Cloud‑based portal provides KPI alerts, energy‑usage trends, and remote firmware updates.
Environmental & Sustainability Benefits
- reduced Diesel Dependency – Eliminates the need for 15-20 L diesel generators per site,cutting both fuel costs and air pollutants.
- Circular Economy – Battery modules are designed for 10‑year life cycles and can be repurposed for second‑life storage projects.
- Local Grid Relief – During peak solar generation, excess power is fed back to the national grid, supporting Peru’s renewable integration goals.
Business Impact for Claro Peru
- Cost Efficiency – Estimated CAPEX increase of only 5 % offset by OPEX savings within 18 months.
- Regulatory Alignment – Meets Peruvian Ministry of Energy’s “Green Telecom” directives, qualifying the operator for tax incentives.
- Market Differentiation – Positioning as the first carrier in Latin America to commercialize EcoMatrix enhances brand perception among environmentally conscious consumers.
Deployment Timeline & Rollout Strategy
| Phase | Timeline | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| pilot | Q1 2025 | Installation of 3 sites in Lima’s Miraflores district; performance monitoring and AI model tuning. |
| Scale‑Up | Q3 2025 – Q2 2026 | Rollout to 150 sites across the coastal corridor (Lima, Trujillo, Chiclayo). |
| national Expansion | 2026‑2028 | Target 1,200 EcoMatrix sites covering 70 % of Claro’s 4G/5G footprint in Peru. |
real‑World Performance Data (From Pilot)
- Energy Mix: 48 % solar, 42 % grid, 10 % battery during peak hours.
- Uptime: 99.97 % site availability, matching traditional macro‑cell reliability.
- User Experience: Average download speed ↑ from 84 Mbps to 95 Mbps; latency ↓ from 18 ms to 12 ms.
Practical Tips for Operators Considering EcoMatrix
- Site Survey for Solar Potential – Use GIS tools to assess solar irradiance; aim for > 4 kWh/m²/day.
- Network Load Profiling – Align battery capacity with peak traffic windows (typically 18:00‑23:00).
- Regulatory Check‑list – Verify local permitting for rooftop installations and grid‑feeding agreements.
- Training for Remote Ops Teams – Familiarize engineers with Huawei’s AI‑Power Dashboard to react quickly to anomalies.
- Lifecycle Cost Analysis – Include battery replacement and de‑commissioning costs in the financial model.
Key Takeaways for Stakeholders
- Operators: Immediate OPEX reduction and long‑term sustainability compliance.
- Consumers: More reliable 5G coverage with lower service tariffs driven by energy savings.
- Policy Makers: A replicable model for decarbonizing telecom infrastructure across South america.
Sources: Huawei press release (april 2025), Claro Peru sustainability report (2024), peruvian Ministry of Energy “Green Telecom” guideline (2023), field trial data presented at Mobile World Congress 2025.