Cell C CEO Lars Reichelt today gave an update on their HSPA+ network rollout. The company has been rolling out an HSPA+ 900 network over the last few months which will support its imminent 21 Mbps mobile broadband offerings.<\/p>\n
Reichelt explained that their network is based on world leading software defined radio technology, is a full IP network, supports speeds of up to 21 Mbps and is designed for latency of less than 80 ms.<\/p>\n
The Cell C CEO added that their 900 MHz HSPA+ network provides far better coverage than 2100 MHz HSPA+ rollouts, and further improves in-building penetration. “HSPA+ 900 allows for a 10DB to 20DB gain when compared to UMTS 2100,” said Reichelt.<\/p>\n
Reichelt said that their network gives them the freedom to use UMTS 2100 in areas where more capacity is needed which means that the Cell C network provides them with more flexibility and bandwidth than their competitors.<\/p>\n
To date Cell C has rolled out over 1300 HSPA+ 900 transmitters with a fibre backbone and IP access secured. The company also has SEACOM online with a backup service.<\/p>\n
The company is planning to have over 30% of the South African population covered with HSPA+ 900 by the end of the year.<\/p>\n
Reichelt added that they currently have hundreds of friendly users testing the service in six cities with encouraging results.<\/p>\n
The company is planning a city by city launch of its mobile broadband services, and Reichelt explained that they will learn from each rollout to improve future rollouts.<\/p>\n