Johannesburg, 23 Mar 2006
We`ve heard it before - if you`re not in 3G, you`re not in the game. The advantages of 3G have been undeniable and to many people it has become an indispensable tool in communication without borders. Now Vodacom is introducing 3G with HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) - giving its customers access to the ever-changing global playground of broadband communications - up to five times faster than 3G, and faster than ADSL.
Vodacom`s 3G HSDPA is a global 3G technology upgrade to the Vodacom network, using Siemens as the preferred technology partner, which delivers superior speed, increased capacity and efficiency improvements. This is another world-class first by Vodacom to the benefit of its 18 million South African customers.
"Little over a year ago Vodacom introduced 3G to South Africa. Now we are again first in bringing our customers the fastest mobile Internet access available in South Africa - 3G with HSDPA," says Pieter Uys, Vodacom`s Chief Operating Officer.
"3G HSDPA delivers performance comparable to today`s ADSL and wireless LAN services, but with the added benefit of mobility. It is 3G on steroids!" says Uys.
"Through our strategic alliance with Vodafone, the world`s largest cellular operator, we are able to offer customers access to our 3G HSDPA network with the exclusive use of a Vodafone Mobile Connect 3G Broadband card. With this card you can browse the internet and download e-mails at superior data speeds, send and receive SMS messages, as well as chat online using existing instant messaging services such as MSN, or access your company network. The Vodafone Mobile Connect 3G broadband card with HSPDA can also be used on any of the Vodafone 3G broadband networks worldwide where roaming agreements are in place," says Uys.
3G HSDPA also has measurable advantages in a corporate environment. Its simplicity and convenience enables users to have secure remote access to their company network with the Vodafone Mobile Connect 3G Broadband card, making life much easier for the IT manager to easily configure this mobile solution into the existing corporate security environment.
Uys highlights another benefit of 3G HSPDA for the mobile workforce: "You can stay connected for as long as you like because you will only pay for the amount of data you send and receive - not for the amount of time you spend working. Quite simply it means that you can work out of the office without compromising your productivity. 3G HSDPA truly is the one stop mobile solution, allowing you access to the Internet, your office and e-mail at broadband speed."
Says Jan Mrosik, Chief Executive Officer of Siemens Telecommunications (Pty) Ltd, South Africa: "We are proud that Vodacom is relying on technology from Siemens to implement the HSDPA technology in its mobile communications networks. HSDPA, an extension of the 3G mobile standard, boosts transmission speeds in mobile networks. Customers will be able to use their notebooks or mobile phones to surf the Internet at ADSL speeds and download large volumes of data such as movies or large e-mail attachments faster than ever before."
Vodacom`s 3G HSDPA offering will be commercially available from 2 April 2006. A 3G coverage map is available on www.vodacom.co.za for customers who want to know if Vodacom`s 3G broadband service is available in their area or they can dial 082 155 for more information.
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