Telecom

South Africa: Telkom not really interested in commercial 5G for the time being

South Africa: Telkom not really interested in commercial 5G for the time being
Thursday, 09 May 2019 18:23

South African telecommunications operator Telkom is not interested in the commercial launch of the 5G. According to information reported by Business Insider SA, the operator estimates that the 5G technology whose availability period is not known will be more expensive than the 4G.

Telkom seems to be of the opinion that investing in this technology is not really profitable because the 5G-compatible devices will be really expensive and few people will be able to afford them.  

In addition, in a really competitive market, it is not that wise to take the path. Indeed, for Telkom, already mishandled by Vodacom and MTN in the 3G and 4G network, going into the 5G will be an unprofitable venture.  

Competitors are already impatient to put all their energies to obtain the 5G market. New competitors such as Rain and Comsol Networks will also make the market tough because they have all tested the 5G tech.  

Even though the commercialization of the 5G is not yet one of its immediate priorities as it is for competitors, Telkom is planning 5G tests later this year to determine whether its technical capabilities would be able to offer this technology to subscribers.  

On the same topic
World Bank assesses progress on PACTDIGITAL and WURI programs Midterm review highlights coverage of 750 digital white zones 2026 roadmap focuses on...
Rwanda, partners break ground on $2 billion Kigali Innovation City Smart city targets digital economy, education and technology...
The government is asking SOTEL and Airtel to amend a 2025 agreement The N’Djamena–Mberé route is central to Chad’s international...
Burkina Faso achieves 91% of 2025 digital transition targets 370 localities connected, 146 online public services operational Government...
Most Read
01

Except for Tunisia entering the Top 10 at Libya’s expense, and Morocco moving up to sixth ahead of A...

Global Firepower Index 2026: Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria Lead Africa's Military Rankings
02

Touted as a tool of emancipation, blockchain was meant to give the Central African Republic a new fo...

Crypto Sovereignty Was CAR’s Goal. A Report Says Crime Risks Took Hold Instead
03

African startup M&A hits record 67 deals in 2025 Consolidation driven by funding pressures and ex...

African Startup M&A Hits Record 67 Deals in 2025, Led by Fintech
04

Royal Air Maroc signed a deal with DAE to lease 13 Boeing 737-8 aircraft. Deliveries are schedule...

Royal Air Maroc to lease 13 Boeing 737-8 jets from DAE as fleet expansion continues
05

Visit scheduled from February 4 to 6, 2026, at the invitation of President Hakainde Hichilema Tal...

Ghana’s president to visit Zambia to deepen economic and trade cooperation
Enter your email to receive our newsletter

Ecofin Agency provides daily coverage of nine key African economic sectors: public management, finance, telecoms, agribusiness, mining, energy, transport, communication, and education.
It also designs and manages specialized media, both online and print, for African institutions and publishers.

SALES & ADVERTISING

regie@agenceecofin.com 
Tél: +41 22 301 96 11 
Mob: +41 78 699 13 72


EDITORIAL
redaction@agenceecofin.com

More information
Team
Publisher

ECOFIN AGENCY

Mediamania Sarl
Rue du Léman, 6
1201 Geneva
Switzerland

 

Ecofin Agency is a sector-focused economic news agency, founded in December 2010. Its web platform was launched in June 2011. ©Mediamania.

 
 

Please publish modules in offcanvas position.