Vodacom Congo begins 5G testing

Details: Manny Pham; Category: Operators; 06 November 2023; 9325 views

Vodacom Congo revealed it has began testing 5G technology but its strategy remains rooted to deploying 4G base stations to expand coverage, reported IT Web Africa.

In an interview with the publication Vodacom Congo CEO and managing director Khalil Al Americani said: “Under the regulator's supervision, we are testing 5G technology, with certain sets of frequencies to ensure that we are technically prepared”.

He added the 5G test will enable Vodacom Congo to develop viable use cases for enterprises, government services and IoT. The operator did not disclose the licensing criteria for commercial rollout of 5G.

However, the focus for Vodacom Congo now is to deploy 4G nationwide and 3G in certain locations. Americani said “there's still a long way to go before we start rolling out 5G” due to challenges in needed denser meshes of network sites as it will use higher frequency spectrum, meaning higher Capex spend.

The chief executive also noted Congo is rising in its use of data services, shifting away from traditional voice and SMS, as smartphone uptake rises. Vodacom has a smartphone penetration of between 30% to 35% nationwide, peaking in Kinshasa with one in two subscribers using smartphones.