MTN HSUPA here
MTN has switched on HSUPA – promising uplink speeds of up to 1.4Mbps – across its whole 3G/HSDPA network.
Because of the nature of the network HSUPA is not heavily dependent on new backhaul links typically provided by Telkom, which made a network wide HSUPA switch on possible.
Good news for MTN broadband users is that service is available to all HSDPA subscribers at no extra cost. Vodacom currently charges its subscribers R49 a month for HSUPA and 3.6 HSDPA access in addition to its data charges.
MTN’s Brian Seligmann said that the new service should provide a significantly improved customer experience because of the nature of the technology, and holds benefits to both users and the network operator.
Seligmann said that he did not expect MTN to charge any additional fees for HSUPA in the foreseeable future.
MTN is continuing it 3.6Mbps HSDPA rollout, but here backhaul bandwidth provided by Telkom remains a constraint which is why MTN is following a phased rollout approach.
Like with its HSUPA service, MTN subscribers who connect to a 3.6Mbps HSDPA site with a device which supports the higher speeds will enjoy the increased downlink speeds at no additional costs.
MTN would not divulge the exact number of 3G/HSDPA enabled towers, but it is understood that the company is aggressively investing in its data network and services.
As of September 2008 MTN had in excess of five million unique data users. Currently, MTN has in excess of 120 000 data card users.
Rumours also suggest that MTN is looking at new data bundles and pricing, but the company would not confirm this speculation. Seligmann did however say that they are looking at ways to provide their users with data products which are suitable to their needs and are easy to understand.
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