5G Internet
What is it?
Vodacom announced that it has launched Africa’s first standards-based
commercial 5G network in Lesotho on 3.5GHz spectrum.
Vodacom also announced that, in another first in South Africa, has
deployed the same 5G standards-based, commercial-ready network in South Africa
though commercial availability is subject to the availability of 3.5GHz
spectrum.
How does it work?
•
Vodacom Lesotho has launched the service with two
leading clients in the Banking and Minisng Industries.
•
Vodacom Lesotho is gearing towards making 5G widely
available to customers as 5G capable devices become more accessible to the
public.
•
Vodacom Lesotho will demonstrate our 5G technology
capabilities on 06 September to industry and stakeholders
•
Once 5G devices are more readily available, Vodacom
Lesotho will publish a coverage map of all areas covered by 5G.
Feature & Benefits
•
Broadband speeds that can reach and exceed 1Gbps.
•
Very low latency, required for new generation
services.
•
More devices will be able to connect to 5G,
supporting the expected explosion in the number of devices as part of the
Internet of Things (IoT).
FAQ's:
When will
the service be available to customers?
Vodacom
Lesotho’s 5G network is active and will expand in coverage as 5G capable
devices are more readily available to customers in Lesotho.
Will
customers with existing 4G devices be able to access the 5G network?
No, you will
need a specific 5G compatible device.
What will
the upload and download speeds be?
We are
expecting download speeds in the order of one hundred megabits per second, up
to gigabits per second.
What
hardware will eventually be required to connect on commercially available 5G?
Customers
will require a new 5G device. Initially, these devices will be similar to
modems, otherwise known as Customer Premises Equipment (CPE). Shortly
thereafter, we are expecting tablet and handheld type devices to be developed
by various manufacturers.