Vodacom Ushers in Next-Gen 5G with Dual-Band Massive MIMO
Vodacom South Africa has achieved a major milestone in African telecommunications with the successful deployment of a Dual-Band Massive Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MIMO) Radio in Cape Town. This marks the first deployment of its kind on the continent, setting a new benchmark for 5G innovation in Africa.
The new technology enables Vodacom to broadcast all its time division duplexing (TDD) spectrum from a single device, significantly improving 5G performance for both home and business broadband users. Customers can now enjoy ultra-fast download speeds, enhanced network capacity, and a more reliable digital experience.
Future-Proofing Vodacom’s 5G Network
The rollout of Dual-Band Massive MIMO Radios is part of Vodacom’s ongoing strategy to future-proof its 5G network and meet South Africa’s rapidly growing demand for mobile data.
“We are extremely excited to deliver another network first as Vodacom South Africa. The ability to deploy all our TDD spectrum on a single radio is something we have been working towards since acquiring the spectrum. This will make a big difference in how we roll out our high-capacity and sustainable radio network,” said Beverly Ngwenya, Technology Director at Vodacom South Africa.
How the Dual-Band Massive MIMO Radio Works
Traditionally, mobile networks use separate radio units for each spectrum band. Vodacom’s new integrated MIMO radio combines:
- n78 (3.5GHz) spectrum
- B41 (2.6GHz) spectrum
into a single compact unit.
This innovative integration offers multiple benefits:
- Optimised spectrum use across LTE and 5G networks
- Higher energy efficiency and reduced carbon footprint
- Lower installation and maintenance complexity
- Cost savings in network deployment and operations
- Seamless user experience across 4G and 5G technologies
Meeting South Africa’s Growing 5G Demand
As 5G adoption accelerates in South Africa, the demand for faster, more reliable connectivity continues to rise. The deployment of Dual-Band Massive MIMO allows Vodacom to expand its 5G coverage while balancing cost efficiency and energy consumption.
“As 5G connectivity demands increase in South Africa, we realised the need to develop smarter ways to expand our network while optimising for cost and energy use. Investment in new technology is critical to delivering an exceptional 5G customer experience as we connect our customers to a better future,” Vodacom added.
Why This Matters for Africa’s Digital Future
The launch of Africa’s first Dual-Band Massive MIMO Radio demonstrates Vodacom’s leadership in network innovation. Beyond improving speed and capacity, this breakthrough supports:
- Faster 5G rollouts across urban and rural areas
- Affordable and sustainable broadband services
- Improved digital inclusion for South African households and businesses
- A strong foundation for smart city development and IoT adoption
Key Takeaways
- Vodacom deployed Africa’s first Dual-Band Massive MIMO Radio in Cape Town.
- The radio integrates 3.5GHz (n78) and 2.6GHz (B41) spectrum bands.
- Benefits include faster 5G speeds, energy efficiency, and reduced costs.
- Deployment aligns with Vodacom’s strategy to future-proof its 5G network.
- The move strengthens Vodacom’s role in Africa’s digital transformation.
