MTN and ZTE deploy innovative 5-band RRU breakthrough in SA

ZTE Corporation, a global leader in integrated ICT solutions, together with MTN, one of Africa’s largest telecom operators, has announced the world’s first commercial deployment of a 5-band Remote Radio Unit (RRU)

The breakthrough, achieved in South Africa’s Western Cape Province, marks a major advancement in radio frequency technology and adds momentum to the continent’s telecom evolution.

South Africa, home to over 60 million people, is among Africa’s most advanced telecommunications markets. MTN currently provides more than 97% LTE population coverage across the nation, underscoring its mission to deliver quality connectivity, even to remote communities.

As customer demand for multi-band and multi-module services increases, operators face hurdles such as high power consumption, tower load, and space limitations. MTN’s adoption of the 5-band RRU offers a direct solution, boosting network performance, improving energy efficiency, and simplifying deployments to enable faster and more sustainable expansion of advanced connectivity.

Traditionally, adding new frequency bands requires new hardware, additional space, and more power. The new 5-band RRU, powered by ZTE’s in-house chipset, combines MTN South Africa’s low and mid bands (FDD) into one compact unit. This innovation cuts RAN RF modules on towers by half, reduces equipment weight by 23%, and lowers wind resistance by 18%. These optimisations ease site construction, reduce complexity, and free tower space.

ZTE has also introduced its Super-N amplifier architecture, which activates dense arrays of amplifiers on demand, overcoming the limitations of traditional Doherty systems. This design maintains efficiency under variable loads, achieving a 42.7% reduction in site power consumption and a 45.8% improvement in energy efficiency (Wh/GB). The results support South Africa’s push for a greener, low-carbon society and set a global benchmark for sustainable telecom development.

Rami Farah, chief technology officer, MTN South Africa, commented, "MTN's collaboration with ZTE on the world's first 5-band RRU commercial deployment effectively addresses multiple challenges faced by operators in terms of coverage, capacity, cost, and energy efficiency. It provides a new, replicable, highly integrated site solution for Africa and even the global market, accelerating the evolution of telecommunication networks towards higher efficiency and lower carbon emissions, continuously injecting core momentum into Africa's digital economy and promoting African telecommunication technologies to a higher level."

Luca Shen, CEO, ZTE South Africa, remarked, "ZTE has always regarded product leadership as its core competitiveness and is committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions. The in-depth collaboration with MTN not only achieves mutual benefits and win-win outcomes for both parties but also accelerates the rapid upgrade of South Africa's telecommunication network, setting a benchmark for digital transformation across the African continent."

Both ZTE and MTN have reaffirmed their dedication to advancing Africa’s digital infrastructure, emphasising energy conservation, emission reduction, and digital economy growth. With a shared vision of “protecting nature through technology and driving the future through innovation”, the companies will continue to work together to bridge the digital divide, deliver sustainable, smart networks, and contribute to wider economic and social development across the continent.

iXAfrica partners with RMB to secure multi-tranche funding, enabling 20 MW expansion at its Nairobi data centre campus

IX Africa Data Centre Limited and Rand Merchant Bank, a division of FirstRand Limited, have announced the successful closing of a multi-tranche funding package to drive the next stage of iXAfrica’s expansion

The financing will enable iXAfrica to respond to the region’s rising digital needs by supporting the construction of an additional 20 MW of IT power at its Nairobi data centre campus. This development builds on the initial phase, which currently delivers 2.25 MW already in operation.

RMB structured a tailored financing solution for iXAfrica, signalling the start of a new partnership and highlighting the bank’s commitment to working with top-tier clients across the continent.

“Our company has bold plans and ambitions, and we’ve been consistently delivering on them,” remarked Guy Willner, chairman of iXAfrica. “Closing this financing with RMB secures our next phase of growth and positions us to welcome more hyperscale and AI customers. We remain committed to expanding our East African footprint and deepening our investment in Kenya.”

“This transaction reflects RMB’s commitment to supporting scalable, high-impact digital infrastructure across Africa,” concluded Corrie Cronje, senior transactor RMB.

Paratus invests N$600 mn (approx. US$32 mn) to launch Namibia’s first private LTE and 5G network, boosting connectivity. (Image source: Paratus)

Pan-African telecommunications provider and Africa’s quality network services leader, Paratus Group, has officially launched Namibia’s first private mobile network, offering LTE and 5G technologies

The launch directly challenges the dominance of state-owned operators and coincides with Paratus Namibia’s 20th anniversary, marking two decades of investment in the country and the start of a bold new chapter in digital transformation and mobile connectivity.

Paratus Namibia serves as the cornerstone of the Group’s operations, providing the expertise that fuels innovation and expansion across the wider Pan-African footprint. The company has led the development of extensive infrastructure, including a nationwide fiber network, satellite services, the landing of the Equiano subsea cable, Tier 3 by design data centres, full network solutions, as well as mobile and LEO satellite services.

Can Namibia lead telecoms?

Since 2018, Paratus has invested an unprecedented N$1.417 billion (approx. US$75mn) into network infrastructure. In the past year alone, it allocated N$600 million (approx. US$32mn) to establish the new Namibian mobile network, with one third of this funding dedicated to building a digital technology stack that unites all Paratus services into a single, customer-focused platform. Developed in collaboration with Cerillion as the digital technology partner and Nokia as the mobile network partner, the new platform replaces legacy systems and enables a seamless, fully digital customer experience.

With this milestone, Paratus Group reaffirms its position as a long-term investor in Africa’s digital future, delivering full-service networks that empower both businesses and communities with reliable, affordable connectivity.

CEO of Paratus Group, Schalk Erasmus, said, “Connectivity is the backbone of economic growth. Launching Namibia’s first private mobile network is a deliberate step in our mission to transform Africa’s digital landscape. By offering transparent, affordable services, we’re removing barriers and empowering more people to participate in the digital economy. This is also integral to the overriding Paratus passion, purpose and people ethos that we embrace in our culture and expansion plans.

“As we expand across the continent, every investment we make is designed to solve real challenges and open new opportunities. The new mobile service in Namibia is yet another example of that - a private, affordable service that gives customers freedom, control, and confidence in their connectivity.

“This launch marks a defining moment in our journey: a full mobile service going live across Namibia. I want to thank every one of the Namibian team who went the extra mile to make this happen. We're not just launching a product; we're challenging the status quo.”

The Paratus mobile network introduces affordable and transparent data and voice plans, representing a landmark investment in Namibia’s digital future. After more than twenty years in the country, Paratus has evolved from a connectivity provider into a complete digital lifestyle enabler. Offering Voice (VoLTE), Wi-Fi calling, and the fastest digital activation in the market, the service integrates LTE, 5G, fiber, and Sky-Fi wireless solutions to deliver a full ecosystem for personal, home, and business connectivity.

Across Africa, Paratus operates in 15 countries, running the continent’s only fully contiguous network, offering seamless and secure connectivity without coverage gaps. Its East-West Connect route links the continent coast-to-coast, while the Paratus Express Route, powered by the Equiano cable, delivers reliable, low-latency international connectivity from Johannesburg to Europe and the United States. This extensive network footprint enables smooth cross-border connections and simplifies regional partnerships.

Opensignal ranks Cell C joint #1 in reliability, video and voice app experience, marking a key milestone in service

Cell C has secured major recognition in South Africa, being named Joint #1 for Mobile Network Reliability, Joint #1 for Video Experience, and Joint #1 for Voice App Experience by global authority Opensignal

For the first time in its history, the operator claimed the leading position for Network Reliability, a milestone that highlights the impact of its network transformation and commitment to dependable connectivity. Alongside this, Cell C also achieved joint leadership in Video Experience and Voice App Experience, confirming its progress in enhancing customer satisfaction across multiple dimensions. The accolades reflect a network that South Africans can rely on – ensuring, as Cell C emphasises, that nothing should stop you.

Building on momentum

This recognition adds to a series of achievements over the past year. In August 2024, Cell C was named South Africa’s outright winner for Video Experience and joint winner for Upload Speed Experience with MTN. By early 2025, it earned “Global Rising Star” status for Most Improved Network Experiences, also achieving Rising Star awards in Video and Upload Speed categories.

Now, with joint #1 status in Reliability, the operator’s strategy and execution are proving successful, with measurable improvements in customer experience.

“Reliability and video aren’t just metrics – they shape how people live today. From streaming and gaming to online learning or running a small business, our customers can now depend on Cell C in the moments that matter most,” remarked Jorge Mendes, CEO of Cell C.

Reliability, video, and voice

Reliability has long been a challenge in South Africa, but Cell C’s achievement signals a turning point. Powered by its national dual MOCN (Multi-Operator Core Network) model, which gives access to over 28,000 towers nationwide, Cell C now provides consistent connections for students, businesses and families alike.

The operator’s strong performance in Video Experience demonstrates its readiness for a video-first world, delivering smooth streaming, clear video calls and reliable virtual meetings. It also ranks joint #1 in Voice App Experience, ensuring calls on platforms like WhatsApp and Teams are clearer and more dependable – vital for work, learning, and staying connected globally.

Cell C continues to invest in voice quality improvements, having already introduced Africa’s first cloud-native VoLTE solution.

“We are proud that independent data validates what our customers are experiencing every day – a network they can count on,” said chief technology officer, Schalk Visser.

“Reliability is the foundation of connectivity. If you can’t stay connected, nothing else matters. We’ve made progress where it mattered most, and we are committed to taking voice and other services to the next level,” Schalk added.

Customer-first approach

The company’s transformation is built on partnerships, targeted investment in VoLTE and video optimisation, and a capex-light model that keeps services affordable. As the home of MVNOs, Cell C delivers reliable digital access to millions of South Africans.

“We know our journey isn’t finished. Voice improvements and further innovations are underway, but this milestone proves that we’re moving in the right direction. We’re humbled by this recognition – and we dedicate it to our customers, who have believed in us. We will keep fighting to make digital connectivity reliable and accessible to every South African.”