Vodacom South Africa is deploying Nokia’s 5G radio, core and fixed network solutions to enable ultra-fast 5G services for its subscribers.
The operator 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.
Nokia’s AirScale radio network product portfolio will enable Vodacom to deploy 5G services across several spectrum bands, including the new 3500MHz, 2600MHz and 700/800MHz bands which will be auctioned by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) before the end of March 2021. Additionally, it will help to manage the increased demand for data services during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
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. 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 centralised hub. Vodacom South Africa will also utilise 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.
Beverly Ngwenya, Technology Director at Vodacom South Africa, said: “5G technology allows us to deliver ultra-fast mobile networks and support entirely new use cases as we move into the 4IR era.”
Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, said: “Our 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.”
