Cell C’s third-generation (3G) cellular network went live in Bloemfontein today, making the city the second in SA to benefit from the operator’s 3G offering.
Bloemfontein residents hoping to start using the network will have to wait until Friday, which is when the modems will become available.
Cell C is spending R5bn on the roll-out of SA’s first commercial 3G network to use the 900MHz radio frequency. This spectrum is traditionally used by mobile providers for voice calls.
Other 3G networks in SA use the 2,1GHz band. The lower frequency that Cell C is using for its 3G rollout means the operator achieve wider coverage with fewer base stations than it would require at 2,1GHz.
Signals at 900MHz also penetrate concrete and other barriers more effectively, resulting in better in-building coverage. Port Elizabeth was the first city to have access to Cell C’s new network.
Cell C is offering two broadband packages on its new network. The first, which costs R1 499 up-front, includes a USB modem capable of 7,2Mbit/s. It buys consumers 2GB/month of data for a year for a total of 24GB. The second package, with a 21Mbit/s modem costs R 2 999. It offers 5GB/month of bandwidth, or 60GB over a year.
Out of bundle rates are set at a relatively low 39c/MB.
Cell C CEO Lars Reichelt says the prices are significantly cheaper than data connectivity offered by rivals MTN and Vodacom.
It is understood that Durban will later this month become the next city to go live with Cell C 3G service. Cell C says it is testing the network in nine SA cities besides those that have already gone live. — Staff reporter, TechCentral
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