Rapid expansion of third mobile operator Cell C's new HSPA+ network is under way, as the company reports that coverage targets for the Gauteng region, as well as national coverage, have been met and exceeded.
In November, Gauteng received full access to the network; however, coverage was limited to 62% of the population in the Johannesburg and Pretoria metro areas.
At the time, Cell C CEO Lars Reichelt explained the coverage area is not what the company hoped for, due to a World Cup network freeze that lasted longer than expected. As a result, the operator couldn't get enough of its fibre in the ground, or obtain work permits in time.
However, the company has confirmed it met and exceeded its target of 89% coverage by mid-January for the Johannesburg and Pretoria metro areas.
Cell C has also met and exceeded its target of 34% nationwide coverage, it confirms.
The operator began the rollout of its new network in September, connecting Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Cape Town, George, Nelspruit, Polokwane, Richards Bay and Witbank.
At the time, Cell C had only 32% nationwide coverage. However, the operator has met its initial target and is focused on longer term targets, including 67% population coverage by mid-2011 and 97% coverage across the country by the end of 2011.
The operator has also committed to ambitious speed targets, including doubling its current network speed of 21Mbps within the next three to four months.
Share