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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Commercial LTE networks internationally<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) anticipates that up to 22 LTE networks will be in commercial service by the end of 2010.<\/p>\n What is holding South Africa back?<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> – tailor made for the rollout of an LTE network.<\/p>\n