Wireless Business Solutions (WBS) chairman Paul Harris has announced a multi-billion-rand investment in a new high-speed LTE-A national data network for South Africa.<\/p>\n
Harris is the founder and former CEO of FirstRand bank, while WBS, which owns iBurst, was acquired by network management firm Multisource in 2015.<\/p>\n
The network will use WBS\u2019s existing spectrum in the 1,800MHz and 2,600MHz bands.<\/p>\n
The two bands will be aggregated, which will enhance the capacity and performance of the network.<\/p>\n
It will be enabled to support\u00a05G when the technology is rolled out internationally in the next five years, and will place South Africa among the leaders in the field, said the company.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe network will be designed to carry high speed data. It is an Internet network, as opposed to a voice network that also carries data,\u201d said WBS.<\/p>\n
A number of sites are already in operation, and existing iBurst customers will be brought onto the new network.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe network will provide super-fast broadband to consumers and businesses alike. It will be superior to ADSL offerings and an attractive alternative to fibre-to-the-home,\u201d said WBS.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce the network is rolled out, WBS will be able to offer mobile broadband on smartphones, tablets, and other devices supporting the Internet of Things.\u201d<\/p>\n
The new network will be deployed on several\u00a0of WBS\u2019s 400 sites,\u00a0and will be extended up to an additional 10,000 sites from independent tower companies and sites leased from other companies.<\/p>\n
WBS has concluded a transaction with Vodacom to lease some of its passive infrastructure as it expands the network.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll facilities leasing agreements concluded with other licensed operators will be lodged with ICASA in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements,\u201d said WBS.<\/p>\n
WBS said it may enter into roaming agreements to extend its coverage.<\/p>\n
The national LTE-A roll-out will start in the next few months, the company said.<\/p>\n
The LTE service will be marketed under a separate brand, which\u00a0will be launched next year with \u201cinnovative products and simplified pricing plans\u201d.<\/p>\n