100 Mbps LTE in SA: What is holding us back?
Vodacom recently showed off a live LTE network in which maximum downlink speeds of over 125 Mbps were achieved. For this demonstration Vodacom used its existing 2.1 GHz spectrum, currently used country-wide in its 3G/HSPA network.
What was particularly impressive was the latency of the LTE network, which typically ranged between 8 ms and 10 ms. This makes LTE particularly suitable for latency sensitive applications such as gaming.
Commercial LTE networks internationally
LTE is the next step in mobile broadband technologies, but it is not only a pipe dream. Commercial LTE networks have been in operation since the end of 2009, and the uptake is growing.
TeliaSonera launched the world’s first LTE networks in Stockholm in December 2009, and since then numerous other operators followed suit, including MTS in Tashkent and Mobyland in Poland.
The Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) anticipates that up to 22 LTE networks will be in commercial service by the end of 2010.
What is holding South Africa back?
LTE is clearly a service which will revolutionise the mobile broadband arena in South Africa, but it is not likely that local consumers will experience LTE speeds anytime soon.
This begs the question: what is holding companies like Vodacom and MTN back from launching LTE? These providers are typically early adopters of new mobile technologies.
One of the biggest factors is a lack of spectrum. Vodacom, MTN, Telkom and other operators are waiting for the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to dish out valuable 2.6 GHz spectrum – tailor made for the rollout of an LTE network.
Speaking at the 2010 MyBroadband conference at Vodaworld, Vodacom CEO Pieter Uys said that they need more spectrum.
Acquiring spectrum isn’t easy, however. “You can’t go to the grocery store and buy more spectrum,” Uys said.
Earlier this year the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) issued an invitation to apply (ITA) for spectrum in the 2.6GHz and 3.5GHz bands.
The 2.6GHz is a band where technologies such as LTE are typically deployed and where equipment for it is readily available.
Uys said that you need strong regulators to issue spectrum in an orderly manner, but you also need spectrum that makes sense for LTE.
According to Uys, one really wants spectrum that’s in line with the rest of the world in order to bring down the cost of devices.
We might start seeing LTE next year, or within the next two years, Uys said, provided the issues around spectrum are addressed intelligently.
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