MTN 5G Network Commercially Powered in South Africa

MTN has launched its 5G mobile network across major cities in South Africa, including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth.‍

During a Youtube livestream media launch, speed tests were performed at various locations in Johannesburg and download speeds in excess of 600Mbps with latencies averaging 15ms were demonstrated.

Tests performed by media reported download speeds peaking in excess of 700Mbps and upload speeds peaking at 100Mbps.

MTN deployed 5G in 2.1GHz using Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS), 3.5GHz and 28GHz bands.

MTN also noted that it is using DSS, as these initial 5G deployments overcome the challenges of lack of dedicated 5G spectrum.

MTN’s 5G deployment in Johannesburg uses Huawei Massive MIMO for the services that require high bandwidths such as 4K video, multi-angle video, and AR/VR services, and provide broadband services for families and SMEs.

MTN used dynamic spectrum sharing between 4G and 5G in the 2.1 GHz band. 2.1 GHz spectrum can provide wider coverage due to its lower frequency spectrum characteristics.

Huawei’s DSS (dynamic spectrum sharing) technology enables operators to quickly provide 5G services by upgrading existing 4G base stations to 5G without changing antennas and radio units.

“MTN is the first in Africa to deploy the DSS technology in a 5G live network, which can dynamically adjust the spectrum in milliseconds based on 4G and 5G service requirements, maximizing spectrum utilization,” says Huawei Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Spawn Fan.

MTN uses 100 MHz millimeter wave spectrum resources to provide broadband resources for enterprises and SMEs, which can enjoy high speed internet services and enter the digital age without requiring a fiber connection.

MTN Chief Technology and Information Officer, Giovanni Chiarelli said: “An excellent 5G network will enable us to provide more services and to offer the ultimate service experience to MTN customers.

“5G has the potential to accelerate the digital transformation of industries, as well as empower consumers with innovative applications. Our strategic partnership with innovative partners is integral to our efforts.

“For the past two years we have been actively innovating around the potential of 5G, using different bands and various vendors and across different platforms and devices, to ensure MTN South Africa can maintain leadership in 5G, as we have been able to maintain our leadership in 4G.

Our 5G strategy has been years in the making and we are confident that we have built a strong foundation to grow and support our 5G ecosystem to deliver an exceptional experience for our customers.” Chiarelli said.

MTN said it has already deployed 58 5G sites in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Bloemfontein using the 3.5GHz band. The telco also deployed 35 sites using spectrum in the 2,100 and 1,800 MHz bands.

MTN said it has deployed 5G sites on 2100MHz in Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth.

The carrier also deployed a total of 5 5G sites using 700 MHz spectrum in Port Alfred, Hopetown, Virginia Queenstown and Tsantsabane, while initial 5G coverage in Hatfield (Pretoria), Edenvale and Durban is provided via sites using the 28GHz band.

Speaking further, the Telco noted that the new network will unlock the full capabilities of next generation services such as virtual and augmented reality, ultra-high definition video streaming, artificial intelligence, robotics, automated cars, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

READ ALSO: MTN COVID-19 Free SMS Provision Hits 3.7 Billion, Ends June

MTN stated it will expand its 5G network once the government allocates permanent spectrum through the planned auction later this year.

“We are extremely encouraged by the release of the temporary spectrum. Our call to the regulator and government is to release permanent 4G and 5G spectrum as a matter of urgency, so that we can fuel the digital revolution our nation needs to bridge the digital divide that currently deepens the gap between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots’,” said MTN SA’s CEO, Godfrey Motsa.