HSDPA for South Africa

Two of South Africa's networks have upgraded their networks to HSDPA capabilities. Last week, MTN launched its service and today that will be followed by Vodacom. Vodacom's HSDPA upgrade is using Siemens as the preferred technology partner. MTN says that it is investing in excess of R600 million this financial year in its 3G network as it advances the roll-out of sites across South Africa.

"To date, we have activated HSDPA on our highest usage 3G sites, making commercial HSDPA available to subscribers in most urban areas. Our extensive 3G coverage also offers subscribers the ability to make relevant connections across our extensive footprint," says Bernice Samuels, General Manager: Marketing and Corporate Affairs, MTN South Africa.

MTN currently offers 3G coverage across Gauteng and in Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein, and Port Elizabeth. HSDPA services will be available initially in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth.

"Through our strategic alliance with Vodafone, the world's largest cellular operator, we are able to offer customer's access to our 3G HSDPA network with the exclusive use of a Vodafone Mobile Connect 3G Broadband card. With this card you can browse the internet and download e-mails at superior data speeds, send and receive SMS messages, as well as chat online using existing instant messaging services such as MSN, or access your company network. The Vodafone Mobile Connect 3G broadband card with HSPDA can also be used on any of the Vodafone 3G broadband networks worldwide where roaming agreements are in place." said Pieter Uys, Vodacom's Chief Operating Officer.

According to The Mobile World, MTN ended last year with just over 10.3 million customers, of whom some 57,000 were connected to the 3G service. Vodacom ended the year with 16.2 million customers although there is no break down as to how many are now using the 3G network."

Posted to the site on 3rd April 2006