Charis Chrisna
TechInAfrica – We’ve certainly come a long way since the beginning of telecommunications era. From printed papers, single-line telephone networks, radio broadcasting, to internet and video calls and 4G wireless systems. Now, the fourth industrial revolution boasts 5G as one of its key aspects—promoting cutting-edge network technology and the very latest research, 5G should offer connections that are multitudes faster than current connections, with average download speed of around 1 GB per second expected to soon be the norm. On 18 September 2019, network provider rain announced the activation of what is said to be Africa’s first commercial 5G network.
For all existing customers in particular areas of Johannesburg and Tshwane, the provider is building a stable 5G ecosystem throughout various sectors. Like we had stated earlier, this notion is also based on Africa’s movement to tackle the fourth industrial revolution; whilst benefitting from reduced data costs and improved overall latency.
Khaya Dlanga, rain’s Chief Marketing Officer, professed that existing customers are cordially invited to try out the newly-embedded 5G systems; ultra-fast and unlimited internet with only R1000 per month. The company will also provide router and modem installation services right to the customers’ doorsteps—and by installation, rain means that little to no setup will be required as the router itself is of plug-and-play nature.
It’s also projected in 2020 that rain will expand its operations to major metro areas of South Africa, building its own 5G infrastructure in the process. This serves as a better alternative to 4G/LTE wireless systems (which are now highly popular amongst all layers of society). While Dianga has claimed that the provider’s new network was able to reach speeds approaching 700 Mbps, it’s also expected to see at least 200 Mbps of speed in real-life conditions.
Furthermore, Dianga added. “Access to affordable, fast broadband is key for the country to revive economic growth.”
Source: itnewsafrica.com
