Update: MTN has also announced that it is going to build its own HSPA+ network in 2010. MTN's  subscribers that had access to 7.2 Mbps download and 1.8 Mbps upload speeds, now have access to 14.4 Mbps download and the 5.76 Mbps upload speeds. This speed will be boosted to 21 Mbps when MTN's network is upgraded to HSPA+.

 

Vodacom announced today that they've activated their HSPA+ network in Midrand, which offers speeds of up to 21 Mbps. This HSPA+ network will be 14.4 Mbps capable and should be available to Vodacom customers in about 100 designated spots around the country, for example at World Cup stadiums and airports, by the time the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup starts. All Vodacom's subscribers will get access to mobile data network speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps by the end of March.

 

Vodacom isn't the only mobile operator in the country to announce an HSPA+ network though, as Cell C signed a three year deal last week with one of China’s largest telecommunications manufacturers and wireless solutions providers ZTE to construct a HSPA+ mobile network in the country. Although Cell C are calling it a fully fledged "4G" network, it's really more like 3G on steroids (or 3.75G). 

 

Cell C's three year supply and service agreement with ZTE is worth $378 million (approx. R2,83 billion). The Chinese company is going to supply GSM/UMTS network turn-key solutions and operations services to Cell C, as well as product sales and engineering services.
 

 In December last year Cell C announced that it was going to invest R5 billion during 2010 in its infrastructure in order to expand on its network coverage and to be able to roll out a new high-speed broadband system that utilises HSPA+ technologies, offering a download speed of up to 21 Mbps.

 

[First published on 2 February 2010]