The service provides with 5G radio, core and fixed wireless access
5G mobile broadband, fixed wireless access services are already live in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town and is deployed to other areas in South Africa
Nokia and Vodacom bring their 26-year relationship into the 5G era
Bengaluru, NFAPost: Nokia announced that it is enabling ultra-fast 5G services for Vodacom South Africa’s customers by deploying its 5G radio, core and fixed network solutions across Vodacom’s network.
Vodacom is using Nokia’s 2G, 3G, 4G and fibre access networks, as well as 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) and mobile broadband services.
Nokia is supplying its AirScale, Fastmile and Subscriber Data Management (SDM) / Home Subscriber Server (HSS) products to Vodacom to enhance its service offering and deliver increased operational efficiencies.
Spectrum bands
Nokia’s AirScale radio network product portfolio will enable Vodacom to deploy 5G services across several spectrum bands, including the new 3500 MHz, 2600 MHz and 700/800 MHz bands which will be auctioned by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) before the end of March 2021.
It will help to manage the increased demand for data services during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The 5G network rollout is in line with South Africa’s broadband policy of building infrastructure by 2030 for an inclusive knowledge economy which supports the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR).
Vodacom will also use Nokia’s FastMile 5G gateway to offer FWA broadband services in areas not currently served by a fibre network. The solution is easy for subscribers to install, delivering fibre like speeds to homes while using Wi-Fi to connect devices within the home.
User experience
Vodacom is also using Nokia’s mesh Wi-Fi solution, which improves user experience by creating a seamless Wi-Fi coverage area while reducing the time and complexity required to install and manage the WiFi network.
Nokia’s cloud-based SDM software and HSS will be rolled out to securely manage subscriber data and services in a centralized hub. Vodacom South Africa will also utilize Nokia’s NetAct network management system, which is cloud-agnostic and meets customer demands for software-only delivery. It can be deployed on the same data center platforms as existing IT and network systems for increased agility and lower operational costs.
Vodacom South Africa Technology Director Beverly Ngwenya said the company is committed to providing the most innovative products and highest quality service to our subscribers.
Network partner
“5G technology allows us to deliver ultra-fast mobile networks and support entirely new use cases as we move into the 4IR era. Nokia has been our network partner for more than two decades, and its latest technology solutions are now helping us to deliver superior 5G services,” said Vodacom South Africa Technology Director Beverly Ngwenya.
Nokia Mobile Networks President Tommi Uitto said Nokia’s AirScale 5G and Fastmile fixed wireless access portfolio helps service providers across the globe to build robust and reliable networks to address the growing demand for high-speed broadband services.
“From our 26-year relationship with Vodacom we understand that South Africa is a highly competitive market, with end-users expecting continent-leading services and applications. We are proud to have successfully executed this important network deployment, enabling Vodacom to deliver those sought-after broadband capabilities,” said Nokia Mobile Networks President Tommi Uitto.
Nokia Bell Labs
Nokia creates technology to connect the world. Only Nokia offers a comprehensive portfolio of network equipment, software, services and licensing opportunities across the globe. With its commitment to innovation, driven by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, Nokia is a leader in the development and deployment of 5G networks.
Nokia’s communications service provider customers support more than 6.4 billion subscriptions with our radio networks, and its enterprise customers have deployed over 1,300 industrial networks worldwide. Adhering to the highest ethical standards, Nokia transforms how people live, work and communicate.
