Mobile operator Cell C has unveiled its HSPA+ network in Johannesburg and Pretoria. It also unveiled contract and top-up data options.
Cell C has been on a nationwie roll-out of its new network since September and has already connected Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Cape Town, George, Nelspruit, Polokwane, Richards Bay and Witbank.
The operator says that currently 62% of the population in Johannesburg and Pretoria metro areas are covered.
Cell C CEO Lars Reichelt explained that the coverage area is not what the company hoped for, due to a World Cup network freeze that lasted longer than expected. As a result, the operator couldn't get enough of its fibre in the ground, or obtain work permits in time.
However, Reichelt committed to having 89% coverage of Johannesburg and Pretoria by mid-January 2011.
He explained that Cell C's network currently covers 32% of SA, but the operator is confident of reaching, and possibly exceeding, its target of 34% coverage by year-end.
The operator has longer term targets, including 67% population coverage by mid-2011 and 97% coverage across the country by the end of 2011.
Reichelt noted that users can expect average download speeds in Gauteng of 4-7Mbps and upload speeds of 2-3Mbps.
At the network unveiling, in Port Elizabeth, the operator introduced its prepaid offerings only, but today introduced contract and top-up offers as well.
The mobile operator currently offers two prepaid packages: a modem capable of speeds of up to 7.2Mbps and 2GB of data per month, for a period of 12 months, for R1 499; and a modem capable of speeds of up to 21.6Mbps and 5GB of data per month, for a period of 12 months, for R2 999.
