Last, but not least, mobile operator Cell C unveiled its HSPA+ network in Johannesburg and Pretoria today - 11 weeks and 10 cities later. The operator also unveiled contract and top-up data options.
Cell C has been on a nationwide roll-out of its new network since September and has already connected Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Cape Town, George, Nelspruit, Polokwane, Richards Bay and Witbank.
The operator says that currently 62% of the population in Johannesburg and Pretoria metro areas are covered.
Cell C CEO Lars Reichelt explained that 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, Reichelt committed to having 89% coverage of Johannesburg and Pretoria by mid-January 2011.
He explained that Cell C's network currently covers 32% of SA, but the operator is confident of reaching, and possibly exceeding, its target of 34% coverage by year-end.
Reichelt noted that users can expect average download speeds in Gauteng of 4-7Mbps and upload speeds of 2-3Mbps.
Contract offerings
At the network unveiling, in Port Elizabeth, the operator introduced its prepaid offerings only, but today introduced contract and top-up offers as well.
The mobile operator currently offers two prepaid packages: a modem capable of speeds of up to 7.2Mbps and 2GB of data per month, for a period of 12 months, for R1 499; and a modem capable of speeds of up to 21.6Mbps and 5GB of data per month, for a period of 12 months, for R2 999.
The following postpaid packages were unveiled today: the first package offers a modem capable of speeds of up to 7.2Mbps and 2GB of data per month for R149 per month; the second package offers a modem capable of speeds of up to 21Mbps and 5GB of data per month for R299 per month.
Cell C has also announced top-up data bundles with the following pricing: R50 for 100MB, R100 for 250MB, R150 for 500MB, R250 for 1GB and R400 for 2GB.
Reichelt added that the new network would today be opened to all of its customers and promises a dropped call rate of below 1%. Today also marks Cell C's ninth year in the South African market.
Related story:
JHB next for Cell C network
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