MTN South Africa and Huawei Make History with Africa’s First 5.5G Network Trial

As a trailblazer in South Africa’s 5G evolution, MTN is now pushing the envelope with 5.5G technology, setting the stage for a new era in telecommunications across the continent. This achievement not only showcases MTN's commitment to innovation but also underscores its mission to drive digital transformation, empower communities, and expand connectivity. The 5.5G technology rollout promises to significantly boost South Africa's digital economy by bridging connectivity gaps and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.

This new 5.5G era introduces several revolutionary features, including a tenfold boost in speed and efficiency compared to current 5G capabilities. Key advancements include ultra-fast 10 Gbps download speeds, a dramatic increase in IoT connections, and enhanced energy efficiency with networks consuming just a fraction of the power per terabyte of data. Notably, it also incorporates L4-level autonomous networks, which streamline network operations for optimal efficiency. During the trial, MTN used Huawei’s cutting-edge SingleRAN technology and advanced spectrum resources in the millimeter wave and C-band, achieving an impressive 8.6 Gbps speed to a single user. This technological leap is set to unlock a range of new services, such as immersive 24K extended reality (XR), high-speed Fixed Wireless Access, and holographic conferencing, accelerating South Africa’s digital transformation journey.

Strategic Partnerships to Drive Africa’s Digital Future

The successful trial marks a significant milestone not only for MTN but for the entire African telecommunications landscape. According to Rami Farah, CTO of MTN South Africa, this achievement is more than just a technological breakthrough; it reflects MTN's ongoing dedication to delivering top-tier network experiences to its customers. “We are committed to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance connectivity and provide South Africans with the best possible digital experience,” he noted.

Li Chen, Vice President of Huawei’s Sub-Saharan region, highlighted the strategic importance of this collaboration, emphasizing Huawei’s role in bringing state-of-the-art technologies to Africa. “This joint effort with MTN strengthens our commitment to bridging the digital divide and advancing the digital economy on the continent,” he said. Jason Shao, Managing Director of Huawei MTN SA, echoed these sentiments, celebrating the milestone as a major leap toward a digitally empowered South Africa. Together, MTN and Huawei are not just enhancing telecommunications but are paving the way for an intelligent, connected future for South Africa and beyond.