South Africa’s telco Telkom today officially launch its 5G network in partnership with Chinese telcoms giant Huawei.
The 5G network is an ultra-speed, superior Internet connection that supersedes the previous LTE and 4G connections. This next-generation network will open up new opportunities for smart cities, businesses, healthcare, manufacturing and autonomous vehicles.
Manufacturing makes up close to 12% of South Africa’s GDP, there’s a solid case to make regarding the value of 5G in transforming business models.
5G offers manufacturers the chance to build smart operations and truly take advantage of technologies such as automation, artificial intelligence, augmented reality for troubleshooting, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
“Although 5G stands head and shoulders above 4G and LTE through faster and more reliable connection it provides, however it was critical for us to make sure that our existing 4G ecosystem remains strong whilst introducing 5G into the market,” stated Lunga Siyo, CEO of Telkom Consumer and Business.
In the past 24 months, Telkom has meticulously built its 5G network capacity to one with a national footprint. As our 5G footprint grows it will allow customers to enjoy a smarter, more connected world.
“At launch Telkom will primarily focus on providing superfast 5G Fixed Wireless Access solutions, as the demand for mobile 5G increases, we will supplement this with suitable mobile propositions,” Siyo continued.
Telkom and Huawei will embark on regional 5G experiences to provide an opportunity for consumers to witness the impact of 5G and how it can ‘unlimit’ their world of connectivity.
“5G, with its ultra-high-speed and low-latency, will support new services for South African consumers, like online AR/VR gaming and UHD streaming; it will also enable businesses with cloud and AI technologies. Huawei, as Telkom’s, strategic partner, will not only help to build 5G networks but is also committed to supporting Telkom achieve business success in the 5G era. We look forward to creating opportunities for consumers and business, beyond connectivity, into intelligent digital services,” says Fortune Wang Director of Huawei South Africa, Carrier Business.
Telkom has announced its partnership with the DP World Wanderers Stadium, a collaboration that will showcase the “Power of Connectivity and Technology” through the stadium, which will become an innovative digital entertainment destination that merges the physical and digital worlds. Through this partnership, Telkom will unearth the next world stars through the Central Gauteng Lion’s Cricket Development pipeline, now called the Telkom Academy.
“Our purpose is to seamlessly connect our customers to a better life, and through our entry into 5G, we believe that our customers will be able to enjoy a better, connected World, ” Siyo concluded.
