MTN together with Ericsson have unveiled the first 5G customer trial deployment in the country. The trial will start with the deployment of a 5G fixed-wireless access site at Netstar’s headquarters in Midrand.
According to MTN, the 5G network field deployment in Midrand will be situated between Johannesburg and Tshwane (Pretoria). This is part of Ericsson’s continuing efforts to deliver end-to-end 5G capabilities to support MTN South Africa’s growth as well as 5G and enterprise ambitions.
The 5G solution deployed operates on the 28GHz band with a total operating bandwidth of 100 MHz, using Ericsson trial antenna integrated radio units and Intel’s 5G Mobile Trial Platform to provide a 5G access point in the Netstar premises.
See Also: MTN Nigeria aims to expand voice and data network, signs a seven-year N200 billion loan.
Netstar employees can connect to this 5G network through a number of different WiFi access points. MTN is also planning to test other 5G consumer use cases after the field deployment.
MTN South Africa CTIO Giovanni Chiarelli said the company has been working with Ericson on 5G for lab tests, field trials and now customer tests. “Our aim is to build a network to cater for current and future required services…Access to 5G spectrum will see our nation able to actively participate on the cutting edge of the digital economy and we cannot afford to fall behind the 4th Industrial Revolution,” Chiarelli concluded.
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