<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mtn.co.za" rel="noreferrer noopener">MTN South Africa</a> has completed the first 5.5G network trial in Africa. The development, in partnership with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.huawei.com" rel="noreferrer noopener">Huawei</a>, was exhibited at the MTN Headquarters in Johannesburg. According to MTN, the innovative technology of the 5.5G network is intended to set a new tone in African telecommunications.&nbsp; 
The development will promote a strong digital economy in South Africa and the rest of Africa towards connecting and enhancing lives. At the forefront of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mtn.ng/helppersonal/5g/" rel="noreferrer noopener">5G network</a>, MTN is working towards a tech-centric continent through the deployment of a 5.5G 10-gigabit experience. 
In the trial, the company deployed Huawei’s commercial SingleRAN ultra-wideband active-antenna units and applied hybrid beamforming architecture. In addition, it employed innovative technologies such as flexible dynamic beam management and Inter-FR carrier aggregation (CA). 
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MTN South Africa said that spectrum resources in the millimetre wave and C-band (using spectrum obtained through a trial license) were utilized on-site in 5G standalone mode. 
The network expansion will offer an ultra-high-speed experience of 8.6 Gbps to users. The experience will expand new commercial services for consumers, households, and enterprises. It will again accelerate advanced use cases such as 24K Extended Reality (XR), High-Speed Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), holographic conferencing, enhanced 5G private networks, and so on. 
The 5.5G technology resonates around five ideas: 10-gigabit experience, all-scenario Internet of Things, integrated communication perception, L4-level autonomous driving networks, and green ICT. 
MTN South Africa expressed that the technological innovations of the 5.5G era will further boost network performance. It also highlighted that the model will increase broadband capabilities ten times compared to the current 5G technology.&nbsp; 
<h4 id="5-5g-network-a-pursuit-of-excellence" class="wp-block-heading">5.5G network: a pursuit of excellence</h4> 
Rami Farah, MTN South Africa CTO, described the network advancement as a testament to MTN’s commitment to excellence.&nbsp; 
“The successful validation of 5.5G technology by MTN SA and Huawei is not just a technical breakthrough but also a testament to MTN’s ongoing pursuit of excellence. We look forward to more innovative solutions to continuously build the best network and deliver an enhanced experience for South African residents,” he said. 
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 <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="964" height="456" src="https://technext24.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/5.5G.jpg" alt="MTN 5.5G network" class="wp-image-239698" style="width: 100%;height:auto">
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Li Chen, Vice President of the Sub-Saharan Region of Huawei, speaks on the partnership saying: 
”The joint release of 5.5G by MTN South Africa and Huawei, not only further deepens the strategic partnership between the two parties, but also fully fulfils Huawei’s responsibilities and vision in Africa, as a global ICT leader, to bringing the most advanced technologies to Africa. Bridging the digital divide and accelerating the development of the digital economy and the advent of the mobile AI era on the African continent.” 
Jason Shao, Managing Director of Huawei MTN South Africa said the company will work together with MTN SA to accelerate digital transformation and create a vibrant, intelligent South Africa. “The successful 5.5G practice marks a major milestone in South Africa’s communications development,” he added.&nbsp; 
Moreover, stakeholders have expressed that the new era will empower MTN to unlock new opportunities for business and its wide range of consumers. 
<h4 id="advancement-and-growth-within-challenges" class="wp-block-heading">Advancement and growth within challenges</h4> 
MTN’s 5.5G trial in South Africa reveals the company’s mixed adventures amidst financial growth and economic challenges. MTN subsidiaries in Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda are showing strong numbers despite unique challenges.&nbsp; 
MTN’s East African arm still pulled in a solid 29.6% boost in earnings, reaching $124.8 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2024.&nbsp; 
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MTN Nigeria, for instance, <a target="_blank" href="https://techpoint.africa/2024/10/31/mtn-nigeria-prioritises-subscriber-recovery-and-tariff-adjustments/" rel="noreferrer noopener">saw growth in data</a> and mobile financial services, fueled by the country’s appetite for digital financial solutions and its massive subscriber base. However, Nigeria’s economic conditions, including currency issues, kept growth from skyrocketing. Even so, MTN Nigeria has been solidifying its market edge. 
In South Africa, MTN’s home base, there’s steady growth in both voice and data, helped along by a growing push into 5G and fintech. Within the sluggish South Africa’s economy and high inflation, MTN’s continued investments in digital services and network infrastructure keep it going strong.&nbsp; 
In short, while MTN Uganda, Nigeria, and South Africa are all seeing growth, each market’s local dynamics make things interesting. Uganda’s rapid adoption of mobile money and increased connectivity drives its growth, while Nigeria’s heavy demand for data and digital payments keeps it competitive, though regulatory challenges add friction. South Africa, on the other hand, benefits from an advanced market but faces a slower economy, which tempers growth.&nbsp; 
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://technext24.com/2024/11/06/mtn-nigeria-completes-momo-acquisition/#google_vignette" rel="noreferrer noopener">MTN Nigeria completes MoMo PSB’s acquisition in a N16.35-billion deal</a>.

MTN completes first 5.5G trial in South Africa

Technext.ng

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