Telkom SA has launched a high-speed 5G network using technology from Huawei.
The operator, which is partly state-owned, is not the first in the market to launch 5G – both larger private rivals MTN and Vodacom as well as smaller player Rain have already begun offering 5G services as broadband demand escalates in the market.
"At launch Telkom will primarily focus on providing super fast 5G fixed wireless access solutions, as the demand for mobile 5G increases, we will supplement this with suitable mobile propositions," said Lunga Siyo, chief executive officer of Telkom Consumer and Business.
Fortune Wang, Carrier Business Director for Huawei South Africa, noted that the pandemic had forced lifestyle changes across South Africa, with demands for working or education from home driving an ‘always-on’ culture.
Wang noted that the ultra-high-speed and low-latency of 5G would support new consumer services such as online augmented reality and virtual reality gaming and ultra high definition streaming, as well as business services such as cloud and AI technologies.
