Vodacom has completed a R1bn investment to increase the speed, capacity and range of its network in the Western Cape. The upgrade also includes the roll-out of 4G/LTE infrastructure across Cape Town.
The operator says the network upgrade, which commenced in October 2012, was in response to the increased demand for data as a result of higher higher smartphone penetration in the region.
The company says data is fast outstripping the need for a traditional voice-only services.
It has increased the number of 3G and 4G base stations while replacing outdated technology at its base stations. It has also expanded fibre-optic infrastructure that connects these base stations.
“Fibre provides significant increases in capacity and speed. We are targeting download speeds of up to 65Mbit/s,” says Steven Barnwell, managing executive for Vodacom’s operations in the western region.
In addition to the metro areas, Vodacom has expanded its network in rural areas by adding 30 3G sites optimised to cover large areas. Remote places like Klawer, Sutherland, Hopefield and Barrydale, Three Sisters and Robben Island are now covered. Vodacom claims that it is the only operator providing 3G in these areas.
The operator has also connected isolated places such as Lekkersing and Eksteenfontein in the Richtersveld area to data for the first time using 2G Edge technology. — © 2014 NewsCentral Media