Vodacom South Africa has announced that it is the first company in Africa to begin testing a new and advanced 5G technology. This innovative “dual-band massive multiple input, multiple output” (Mimo) radio has been deployed at a test site in Cape Town, promising to deliver ultra-fast wireless download speeds to consumers.
The new technology allows Vodacom to broadcast all of its recently acquired time-division duplexing (TDD) spectrum from a single device. According to Beverly Ngwenya, Vodacom South Africa’s Technology Director, this will significantly improve the deployment of the company’s high-capacity and sustainable radio network. For consumers, this translates into ultra-fast 5G download speeds and robust 5G broadband services suitable for both home and business use.
Unlike traditional setups that require separate radio units, the new dual-band massive Mimo radio integrates two key spectrum bands—n78 (3.5GHz) and B41 (2.6GHz)—into one compact unit. This integration offers several benefits:
- Optimized Performance: It enables Vodacom to deliver its LTE and 5G services in a way that optimizes both spectrum and energy use.
- Seamless User Experience: The technology ensures a smooth user experience across different technologies.
- Reduced Complexity: It simplifies installation and maintenance, allowing for a more efficient and faster network rollout.
- Cost Reduction: By integrating multiple functions into a single unit, Vodacom can continue to lower its cost base.
Ngwenya stated that the ability to deploy all TDD spectrum on a single radio is a goal the company has been working towards since acquiring the spectrum. This new technology is a significant step toward achieving that goal and enhancing the overall quality and speed of Vodacom’s network.
