South African mobile data network operator rain and Huawei have jointly announced the commissioning of Africa’s first commercial 5G network.
rain has invited a select number of existing clients to experience its 5G home offering of unlimited, ultra-fast 5G internet using Huawei’s 5G CPE Pro.
rain has built the 5G network using its 3.6GHz spectrum, which adopts Huawei 5G end-to-end network products and terminals to take the lead in rapidly deploying 5G networks.
According to the roll-out plan, rain expects the first phase of the 5G network to cover the key areas of Johannesburg and Tshwane.
During 2019 and 2020, rain will continue to deploy 5G sites, covering all major metropolitan areas in South Africa, and providing ultra-broadband services to homes and businesses. In future, rain plans to roll out up to 2 000 5G sites.
“rain is very pleased to launch the first 5G commercial network in South Africa,” said rain CEO Willem Roos. “Thanks to 5G products and solutions provided by Huawei, our first invited 5G users can experience 5G ultra-high-speed broadband service at home. rain will further co-operate with Huawei to accelerate commercial 5G deployment.”
Yang Chaobin, president of Huawei 5G product line, said: “5G is at the stage of large-scale deployment in 2019. Huawei provides a Full-Scenarios 5G Simplified Solution to help operators rapidly deploy commercial 5G networks. Huawei is looking to keep working with rain and all industry partners to bring the ultimate experience to users and to jointly promote 5G commercialisation and business success.”
