Vodacom South Africa to Deploy Dual-Band Massive MIMO Network Solution

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On September 29, Vodacom South Africa completed field testing of an integrated passive-active Massive MIMO solution and plans to deploy it at selected sites in its existing network. The testing was completed in the Western Cape, and the solution was jointly advanced by Vodacom and Nokia to increase 4G and 5G network capacity under conditions constrained by site space, tower loading, and existing infrastructure.

The solution integrates traditional passive antennas with Massive MIMO active antennas into a more compact equipment form factor while supporting both the 2600MHz and 3500MHz bands. The dual-band configuration can expand wireless capacity without significantly increasing the amount of site equipment or structural load, with a focus on urban areas that have high mobile data demand and limited site space.

After the field testing is completed, Vodacom will select sites in its live network that require capacity expansion for deployment of the solution. The deployment will directly use existing communications sites, towers and masts, and supporting infrastructure, reducing the need for additional antennas and structural modifications, and concentrating 2600MHz and 3500MHz spectrum resources on 4G and 5G capacity enhancement in high-traffic areas.

Vodacom is continuing to advance mobile network capacity expansion in South Africa, with a focus on 5G coverage in high-traffic urban areas, upgrades to radio equipment at existing sites, and improved spectrum utilization. This integrated Massive MIMO solution mainly targets sites where traditional capacity expansion methods are limited by site conditions, adding wireless capacity and spectrum carrying capability on top of the existing network.