Pivotal Commware, a global provider of 5G mmWave infrastructure products for the wireless edge, has concluded a 5G mmWave field trial with MTN, Africa’s mobile network operator (MNO).
Pivotal created the product ecosystem to help 5G MNOs like MTN to reduce the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of their mmWave networks, typically by 25% to 35% compared to the cost of fibre, while also minimising deployment time and maximising confidence in service assurance. Pivotal products leverage its patented antenna technology, Holographic Beam Forming.
The field trial used Pivotal’s network planning tool, WaveScape, to optimise the placement of multiple Pivot 5G network repeaters, enhancing mmWave signal coverage for the Festival’s Edge apartment complex in Pretoria. These repeaters, which require no fibre connection, were able to extend mmWave signals beyond the range of the existing MTN base station’s line-of-sight, improving broadband service coverage more than using fibre-connected base stations alone. The Pivot 5G’s use of Holographic Beam Forming technology enabled fibre-like, gigabit+ speeds at customer premises. Future testing will include the use of Pivotal’s cloud-based Intelligent Beam Management System (IBMS) to commission, monitor, and optimise Pivot 5G functionality.
“MTN is committed to using enhanced cost and capex efficiencies to expand broadband service to our constituents. This field trial, the first of its kind in Africa, demonstrates our ability to harness robust, cutting-edge 5G technology to enable the benefits of a modern connected life to everyone,” says Amith Maharaj, MTN Group CTO. “Pivotal Commware has given us a fresh perspective on the potential of mmWave’s ability to help bridge the digital divide with gigabit connectivity.”
Maharaj adds, “While mmWave does present new challenges, its enormous capacity and throughput are undeniable. In Africa, mmWave could provide not only an attractive broadband alternative to fibre in terms of speed, quality and deployment time, but it could also lay the groundwork for enhanced mobile broadband.”
“Pivotal is delighted to support MTN’s bold and transformative step into mmWave, which we think will deliver on the promise of 5G for Africa,” says Brian Deutsch, CEO of Pivotal Commware. “We look forward to partnering with MTN to bring reliable, ultrafast 5G broadband to African homes and businesses and regard this field trial as both a technical success and a demonstration of Pivotal’s ability to execute globally.”
Comment on this article below or via Twitter: @VanillaPlus OR @jcvplus
