Widest 3G network in SA

[jes]

Widest 3G network in SA

Vodacom and MTN tussle at the ASA on when an operator can claim to have the best network coverage

 

[rico112]

if your think about it. Telkom has a larger coverage as they roam on MTN .

Telkom Mobile – 2,238 + MTN – 4,768 = 7006

 

[falcon786]

if your think about it. Telkom has a larger coverage as they roam on MTN .

Telkom Mobile – 2,238 + MTN – 4,768 = 7006

Then what about Cell C since they roam on Vodacom also

Thats around 3800 +6600 = over 10400 towers.

Oh wait I see we talking 3G network only.....

 

[MKFrost]

I think Telkom Mobile did pretty well considering the time period they have been operational. Their towers are equal to a third of VC's who has been operating for close on 20 years.

 

[km2]

What has MTN been doing that they have that fewer sites than Vodacom, with even Cell C nipping at their heels.

 

[falcon786]

What has MTN been doing that they have that fewer sites than Vodacom, with even Cell C nipping at their heels.

Investing in other countries and giving them cheaper rates........Thats why I left them last year for Cell C and have never looked back.

 

[jannievanzyl]

I think Telkom Mobile did pretty well considering the time period they have been operational. Their towers are equal to a third of VC's who has been operating for close on 20 years.

They have done extremely well, especially if you think about half of those must be LTE-enabled as well.

But it's always much easier in the beginning stages; sites and backhaul are readily available in the areas where you start your roll-out. Only later, when you need to get to areas with no backhaul and low population densities, does it become more difficult. Basically difficulty increases exponentially as the network grows.

 

[MickeyD]

I think Telkom Mobile did pretty well considering the time period they have been operational. Their towers are equal to a third of VC's who has been operating for close on 20 years.

TM had quite a bit of an advantage. TSA did a lot of work on the initial VC/MTN rollouts so site identification was easy. TSA also have an extensive microwave/radio tower portfolio that TM could use as well as exchange sites in some prime spots.

 

[Paul Hjul]

I am quite sure Telkom Mobile has the "widest" 3G coverage. Not sure I'd call there's the "best 3G network" though - I am inclined to believe that Vodacom can claim the "best network for smartphones" tag.

Firstly TM has the full width of MTNs coverage together with its own network. Secondly TM has the lead in access to sites.

 

[MickeyD]

Secondly TM has the lead in access to sites.

Not so sure about this one... between VC and MTN they have tied up plenty of prime sites in the urban areas.

 

[MickeyD]

And I believe that VC have the widest and best 3G network in SA. Simple.

 

[Paul Hjul]

Not so sure about this one... between VC and MTN they have tied up plenty of prime sites in the urban areas.

I am thinking rural rather than urban.

my thinking being that having connections dropping and so on in 3G impairs the quality rather than the width of the coverage

/sidenote: I also believe that sites shouldn't matter as much because of facilities leasing ... Of course getting everybody on board ...

Second side note: A more important question is which MNO has wider staff and executives

 

[MickeyD]

Both VC and MTN have plenty of rural sites... either outright or via site sharing agreements.

This ruling does not concern quality...

 

[Paul Hjul]

damn so I am wrong on something ....

but no comment on the wideness of staff. I've seen some pretty wide techies from Telkom and a really tall guy from VC but I always imagine MTN to have elf like technical staff - no idea why.

Is a quality rural site a barn with a hottub?

 

[NiTeD]

Eish, Paul! Ha ha...