by AKANI CHAUKE
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – VODACOM South Africa has successfully tested what it describes as the world’s first integrated passive-active Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) solution, aimed at expanding the capacity of its 4G and 5G networks.
The technology, developed in partnership with Nokia, was piloted in the Western Cape and is designed to increase network capacity at sites where physical or structural constraints make conventional expansion difficult.
Vodacom said the solution could improve the consistency of customers’ 4G and 5G connectivity, particularly in high-demand areas, potentially enabling smoother streaming, faster downloads and improved network performance.
The integrated passive-active antenna combines multiple antenna capabilities in a more compact configuration, allowing the telecommunications operator to make more efficient use of existing network sites.
The successful on-site testing demonstrated that the technology can be deployed at locations where limited space or existing infrastructure restricts conventional network expansion.
Vodacom said this would give it greater flexibility to add capacity and respond to growing demand for mobile data without necessarily requiring major changes to existing sites.
The company will now deploy the solution at identified sites across its existing network where additional capacity is required.
The technology supports dual-band Massive MIMO across the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz spectrum bands, allowing Vodacom to use available spectrum more efficiently and deploy capacity in areas experiencing the greatest demand.
The benefits are expected to be particularly relevant in densely populated urban areas, where physical space for network infrastructure can be limited and conventional expansion can be more complex.
“As demand for mobile data continues to grow, we need to continuously evolve our network to deliver the quality and consistency of experience our customers expect,” said Beverly Ngwenya, Vodacom South Africa’s Technology Director.
“Ultimately, this is about continuing to invest in the quality and resilience of our network and delivering on our purpose to connect for a better future,” she said.
Vodacom said the deployment forms part of its continued investment in strengthening the resilience and efficiency of its network while preparing it for increasing demand for mobile connectivity.
The operator said the technology would enable it to make more effective use of existing infrastructure while supporting the continued evolution of its 4G and 5G services.
– CAJ News