• Vodacom deploys Africa’s first dual-band 5G radio, combining 3.5GHz and 2.6GHz into one unit.

• New technology reduces energy and rollout costs while meeting the surging data demand in South Africa.

• 5G subscriptions in Sub-Saharan Africa projected to hit 180m by 2029, Ericsson says.

Vodacom Group has deployed Africa’s first Dual-Band Massive MIMO 5G radio in South Africa, marking a milestone in next-generation connectivity on the continent. The new unit simultaneously broadcasts on 3.5 GHz (n78) and 2.6 GHz (B41), allowing Vodacom to deliver LTE and 5G services more efficiently. By consolidating two spectrum bands into a single compact device, the operator can reduce energy use, simplify network operations, and lower installation and maintenance costs.

Vodacom said the upgrade supports its strategy to strengthen 5G leadership and future-proof its network amid rapidly rising demand for mobile broadband. Data traffic in its South African market rose 36.4% in FY2025, with average per-device usage climbing 31.7% to 5.1 GB a month.

“This unlocks more network capacity and delivers a great user experience to our customers,” said Beverly Ngwenya, Vodacom South Africa’s Technology Director. “The ability to deploy all our time division duplexing spectrum on a single radio is something we have been working towards since we acquired the spectrum.”

The move aligns with Vodacom’s wider sustainability commitments. The group has pledged to source 100% of its electricity from renewable energy by 2025 and is introducing energy-efficient network equipment as part of its decarbonisation efforts. Vodacom uses internationally recognised standards to measure and report on its energy consumption and CO₂ emissions.

The deployment comes as 5G adoption accelerates in Africa. Ericsson projects that subscriptions in Sub-Saharan Africa will reach 180 million by 2029, highlighting the importance of efficient, scalable infrastructure. By integrating its newly acquired TDD spectrum into a single platform, Vodacom aims to deliver faster, more reliable services while building a more sustainable mobile network.

Hikmatu Bilali