Telkom launches 5G network with Huawei

Telkom South Africa has launched its 5G high-speed internet network using technology from China’s Huawei Technologies.

The move according to the operator is to boost its fast-growing mobile data and fixed line broadband businesses, amid increasing demand for broadband, joining its rivals Vodacom and MTN and smaller peer rain in the 5G race. 5G, with its ultra high speed and low latency, will support new services for South African consumers, like online augmented reality and virtual reality gaming and ultra high definition streaming, while also enabling businesses with cloud and artificial intelligence technologies.

5G fixed wireless access solutions

“The Covid pandemic has driven significant lifestyle changes for South Africans, due to work from home or school from home, online shopping and an ‘always on’ kind of culture,” said Fortune Wang, Carrier Business Director for Huawei South Africa.

“At launch Telkom will primarily focus on providing super fast 5G fixed wireless access solutions, as the demand for mobile 5G increases, we will supplement this with suitable mobile propositions,” said Lunga Siyo, chief executive officer of Telkom Consumer and Business.