MTN Tests its new 5G network in Hatfield

On the 8th of May 2018, MTN partnered with Huawei to run an outdoor 5G field test for the first time on African soil. The trial test took place in Hatfield, Pretoria, and was a great success.

At present, only 3G and 4G are available in Africa. 5G has been tested in numerous countries but has only been successful, commercially launched in Qatar thus far, with both America and China looking to launch 5G soon. Leading partners in these 5G tests include Nokia, Huawei, and Ericsson. Most tests have been successful and lawmakers have started devising ways to incorporate 5G into a marketable product.

5G is, in simple terms, internet that is much faster than the widely-used 4G. But 5G provides the opportunity for many more applications such as cloud gaming, high-speed video streaming, and uploading. The commercial uses of 5G are endless, and the worldwide launch of the network is highly anticipated.
MTN had previously conducted a 5G test in South Africa in January. But it was different for the fact that it took place in a controlled environment and did not make use of consumer equipment. The previous test’s partner was Ericsson, and the test that took place in a room, was also a success- paving the way for the recent outdoor trial.

The field test, that took place a mere 3 weeks ago, made use of a 5G Fixed-Wireless Access tower. Huawei contributed its 5G 28GHz mmWave Customer Premise Equipment towards the experiment. The test was a success and recorded internet speeds 14 times faster than usual. The recorded download speed was 520Mbps on the downlink and 77Mbps on the uplink.

One of the key elements that assisted in the success of the trial, was the use of millimetre-wave spectrum bands. The larger spectrum assists in lengthening the bandwith and allowing space for faster internet speeds.

MTN and Huawei hosted an event to display their impressive 5G speeds by testing Youtube and other media on 4K TV sets. The videos were smooth and fluid, with no buffering or glitches whatsoever. The event also boasted a virtual reality screening for attendees to enjoy. The 5G displays could not be faulted.
While the test was just the first step in making 5G available to the general public, it has soundly laid the foundation of what is to come.

Since the test took place in Hatfield, it is likely that Hatfield will be the first area where 5G may be implemented in the future. This is great news for the commercial node, as faster internet means more efficiency in business. The faster internet will be met with much enthusiasm, as South Africa in-general is infamous for slow and expensive internet.

The field test is yet another positive development for the Hatfield area, which has recently experienced much other growth. The Loftus Park multi-use space recently held its official opening, which has brought further interest to Hatfield. Hatfield is filled with upmarket office spaces and over 30 foreign embassies, making it the perfect place to test 5G.

The worldwide commercial launch of 5G is expected to take place in 2020. But with MTN and Huawei’s successful 5G field trial, South Africa is expected to be ahead of that curve.

Hatfield is a prime commercial property hotspot, with many upmarket office parks and office spaces to choose from. Now is an opportune time to move your business premises to the booming area of Hatfield. Get in touch with one of OfficePlace’s professional and knowledgeable brokers to find out more about our current commercial property opportunities in Hatfield.