![\"MTN](\"http:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/MTN-SA-CTO-Lambo-Kanagaratnam.jpg\" "\\"MTN")
<\/a>MTN SA CTO Lambo Kanagaratnam<\/p><\/div>\n
While it is difficult to predict expected real world performance of LTE (because real live environment is different and user loading also has an impact), MTN is confident that LTE will give a great user experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cDepending on the network configuration, with a 2X2 MIMO real live speeds varies between 2Mbps to 66 Mbps (if you are the only user, latencies in a Fibre back-haul environment should be anything between 10ms to 50ms),\u201d said Lambotharan. \u201cThe user experience is comparable to a high speed fixed line environment.\u201d<\/p>\n
8ta\u2019s LTE plans<\/strong><\/p>\n Amith Maharaj<\/p><\/div>\n 8ta head Amith Maharaj recently said that the company is building an LTE network, but that it will take some time before they are ready for a commercial launch. Current estimates are that 8ta will launch its first commercial LTE services in 2013.<\/p>\n 8ta is currently upgrading their full mobile network, which includes the radio access network (RAN), the transmissions links which carry data from the towers, and their core network.<\/p>\n While these upgrades are partly geared towards getting the 8ta network ready for the launch of LTE, it will also benefit the current 3G network through the additional bandwidth capacity and network optimization.<\/p>\n 8ta is also increasing the number of breakout points on its mobile network. The company is currently upgrading its network to support breakout points in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, and Durban.<\/p>\n Cell C and Vodacom<\/strong><\/p>\n Vodacom said that they concluded their LTE trials quite some time ago, and as of May approximately 60% of their base stations were LTE ready. \u201cThe main thing we need in place from here is access to sufficient spectrum,\u201d said Vodacom.<\/p>\n Cell C said it is not actively trialling LTE. \u201cOur Radio Network equipment is LTE ready and can be upgraded to support LTE services depending on the spectrum allocated for trial and commercial service,\u201d said Cell C.<\/p>\n Cell C reiterated that the biggest challenge in launching LTE commercially is the availability of spectrum.<\/p>\n Related articles<\/strong><\/p>\n LTE in South Africa: just add spectrum<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n MTN LTE: how cool is it?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n 8ta trialling LTE in Gauteng<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n LTE launch unlikely in 2012: Vodacom CEO<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n iBurst LTE rollout to continue: Joe Kgamedi<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n![\"Amith](\"http:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/amith-maharaj.jpg\" "\\"Amith")
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