Author: Paul Colmer
WiFi technology is on the brink of a revolutionary transformation, and 2025 will likely be remembered as the year when “WiFi Everywhere” became a reality. With new advancements and standards, WiFi is poised to redefine connectivity, create unprecedented opportunities, and enable innovative applications that go far beyond fast internet access. The latency factor: speed redefined Since ICASA opened the lower 6 GHz WiFi band for indoor use and we continue to lobby for standard power outdoor use following global trends, WiFi’s potential has skyrocketed. However, the key innovation isn’t just about GHz speed, it’s about latency. By significantly reducing latency, WiFi can…
Ever since the news broke last week that Vodacom, South Africa’s largest cellular network operator, had its bid to buy fibre network operator Maziv blocked by the Competition Commission, we’ve been inundated by sob-stories of how this “setback” will “widen digital exclusion” in the country’s rural and underserviced areas. To be direct: digital exclusion isn’t an issue in rural areas. Some of these communities are well served by smaller wireless data operators – it’s just that the large cellular providers with extensive coverage and with high pricing models aren’t one of them, and have created that exclusion. WAPA (the Wireless Access Providers Association)…
The South African telecommunications industry is currently in a state of flux. On the one hand, 5G network rollouts are gathering pace, with the latest news that Nokia has won a major deal to expand MTN’s 5G network to more than 2,800 additional sites around the country. On the other hand, there seems to be no end in sight to the country’s power crisis, with storm clouds gathering around the key stakeholders following the explosive allegations levelled at Eskom and the governing ANC by ousted CEO Andre De Ruyter. While 5G promises to bring many benefits to consumers, including faster…