Telecommunications operator Cell C will launch the first leg of its mobile broadband network in Port Elizabeth.

TechCentral has established that Cell C will launch its third-generation (3G) network, on which it is spending about R5bn in 2010, in the Eastern Cape city.

Media have been invited to attend a launch function this Friday, which will take place in Port Elizabeth.

It’s the first commercial 3G network in SA to use the 900MHz radio frequency band, a differentiator Cell C hopes will give it a leg-up as it takes on bigger rivals MTN and Vodacom.

Other 3G networks in SA use the 2,1GHz band. The lower frequency Cell C is using means it doesn’t need to build as many base stations. Signals at 900MHz also penetrate concrete and other barriers more effectively, resulting in better in-building coverage.

There is also speculation that Cell C will drop a pricing bomb on its rivals, slashing the cost of broadband to as little as R50/GB on contracts. Rivals MTN and Vodacom charge almost R200/GB on their top-end data contracts.

A consumer technology website published prices on Wednesday that suggest Cell C could trigger a price war in mobile broadband.

According to the website, consumers can expect to pay R1 499 for a 7,2Mbit/s modem offering 2GB of data a month; for twice that amount, they will be able to buy a 21,6Mbit/s modem and receive 5GB of monthly data.

Both contracts are for 12 months.

Cell C is expected to provide further details of its pricing, including its out-of-bundle data rates, at the network’s official launch in Port Elizabeth on Friday.

The 3G network roll-out will be done on a staggered basis, region by region. — Staff reporter, TechCentral