Cell C has plans to position the rollout of its network to be able to implement fifth-generation mobile technology, or 5G. The company argued that the development will enable applications and new business models.
In January, China based technology and mobile handset maker, Huawei said it would be able to bring 4.5G mobile broadband capabilities commercially in 2016.
Huawei, an infrastructure partner of Cell C in SA, said at a conference in Shenzen in April, that it plans to spend $600 million on 5G wireless research and development up to 2018, with a commercial launch expected for around 2020.
Meanwhile, Cell C pointed out that 4.5G would need 44MHz of spectrum. The company added that it was not going to be able to bring technology in South Africa if digital migration takes place, we are not going to be able,” he said doesn’t occur.
In April, Cell C said it will invest R8 billion in its LTE network over the next three years, aiming to deliver high-speed broadband to its customers across South Africa.
The operator plans to launch a commercial offering in the latter part of 2015 and will reveal its LTE suite of products and services in due course.
However, Cell C said that LTE will be obsolete in 2 years. The company is positioning its rollout with a view to implementing these new technologies.