Cell C will not offer mobile broadband data cards anytime soon. The operator says it has no immediate plans to upgrade its infrastructure from EDGE to 3G technology.
The other two local network operators are investing heavily in 3G infrastructure and products.
The third licensed and smallest mobile company says EDGE technology, which is faster than GPRS, but slower than 3G, is a viable option in terms of costs compared to what other operators offer.
"We believe our data cards are competitive in the marketplace. They are available free on our 500MB and 1GB 24-month data contracts and also at an upfront cost on prepaid," says a Cell C spokesman.
Analysts and consumers alike expect 2007 to be the year broadband makes an impact in SA. Arthur Goldstuck, MD of ICT research firm World Wide Worx, says broadband will be an important trend this year.
It is expected to show "massive" growth, albeit off a low base. Goldstuck expects that by the end of 2008, over a million people will be on broadband.
Cell C CEO Jeffrey Hedberg previously said the company would simplify its operations and focus on leadership and organisation, revenue growth and operational efficiency rather than on trying to be "everything to everyone, everywhere".
Vanashree Pillay, Cell C's executive head of corporate communications, says a 3G network will be a "long-term" goal that would include an infrastructure upgrade.
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