• MTN and ZTE have launched a new technology in the Western Cape, consolidating multiple frequencies into a single compact unit for faster, greener 5G.
• The system reduces tower equipment by 50%, cuts weight by 23%, and lowers wind resistance by 18%, boosting reliability.
• With South Africa’s 5G market set to grow tenfold by 2030, these upgrades position MTN to scale amid fierce competition.

MTN and global technology company ZTE have launched a mobile network technology in South Africa’s Western Cape, promising faster speeds and more reliable coverage for consumers, the companies announced on September 1. The new system, known as the 5-band Remote Radio Unit (RRU), allows MTN to operate multiple frequency bands from a single device, eliminating the need for multiple bulky units on a tower. For users, this translates to fewer dropped calls, smoother video streaming, and faster 5G downloads — all while keeping the network more energy-efficient and sustainable.

RRU, designed by ZTE, consolidates MTN South Africa’s low- and mid-band spectrum into one compact unit. The result is a 50% reduction in radio modules on a tower, 23% lighter equipment, and 18% less wind resistance—making the network simpler, faster, and more reliable.

“MTN’s collaboration with ZTE on this 5-band RRU solves key challenges—coverage, capacity, cost, and energy,” commented Rami Farah, CTO of MTN South Africa. “It offers a replicable, highly integrated solution across Africa and globally.”

As South Africa’s 5G adoption accelerates, this RRU addresses a trio of challenges facing network operators—operational complexity, infrastructure constraints, and sustainability. With data traffic soaring, operators need next-gen hardware like this to maintain performance amid rising demand. Luca Shen, CEO of ZTE South Africa, added: “Our deep collaboration with MTN accelerates network upgrades and sets a new digital transformation benchmark for Africa.”

South Africa’s mobile networks are transforming from traditional models to future-ready platforms. Vodacom recently switched on Africa’s first Dual-Band Massive MIMO 5G radio in Cape Town, making it easier to deliver ultra-fast 5G speeds while also running LTE more efficiently. In KwaZulu-Natal, MTN is investing R420 million in LTE and 5G upgrades, while Vodacom is spending R100 million to install 106 new base stations in rural areas. In Gauteng, MTN has committed R300 million to upgrade 70+ towers, strengthening service in townships and underserved areas.

Moreover, analysts forecast bold growth in South Africa’s standalone 5G market—from $54.8 million in 2024 to $533 million by 2030, a CAGR of 46%. Investing in energy-efficient and compact network infrastructure now sets the stage for scaling alongside these growth trends.  With fierce competition among major players like MTN, Vodacom, and Telkom—and tech-driven investments rolling out rapidly—consumers stand to benefit massively from improved digital access, lower prices, and faster innovation.

Hikmatu Bilali