Jacques du Toit, CEO of Vox Telecom, said:
FGreat advances have been made in long-distance communication, including signals and homing pigeons. Today, communications platforms and solutions are changing the way organizations and individuals share voice, data, video, and information. The world has moved beyond the physical to digital with solutions that enable clear, always-on, and accessible communication.
But what’s in store for the telecom landscape in 2024? Will the bells and whistles return, or are we in store for another leap in digital innovation that reimagines the stage?
Continuous communication evolution
Advances in mobile phone technology have been rapid in recent years, and 5G is currently one of the most exciting steps in the direction of new communications. 5G uses higher frequencies than previous mobile networks, giving more and more devices access to the internet at faster speeds. These networks also offer additional benefits such as increased bandwidth, lower latency, increased density (up to 100x more connected devices within the same physical area where 4G or LTE operates), and reduced power consumption.
In the future, 5G will revolutionize communication and connectivity, delivering increased speed, accessibility, and mobility. Several South African networks have leaked that they are eyeing 5G in 2024, which could mean rapid transformation for the entire country.
A view of local communications through a microscope
South Africa’s five largest mobile network operators (MNOs) have revealed that their 2024 agenda includes new products, 5G expansion, rural rollout and increased load shedding measures.
Additionally, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) will hold another auction of high-demand spectrum, licensed and regulated electromagnetic waves, to be used by MNOs as a communication medium for voice, SMS and data services in early 2024. It’s a schedule. This is a positive step forward for the industry considering how long it took the authorities to hold the first spectrum auction in 2022.
Mobile broadband is a critical part of any country’s economic infrastructure, and its successful deployment is necessary for economic growth, job creation, investment, inclusion and empowerment. The country needs a telecommunications company that is committed to playing an active role in improving South Africa’s economy through investment in infrastructure that enables both organizational and individual growth.
Forward: fixed wireless
Fixed wireless options are slower but less expensive than fiber. Businesses and consumers can benefit from fixed wireless solutions designed to meet budget constraints. This is especially important given the current regional and global economic climate. From uncapped wireless to dedicated 5G services, companies are evolving solutions to ensure their customers have reliable communication services.
Particularly for businesses and consumers looking to break free from strict or restrictive connectivity constraints, important solutions worth looking at include satellite, fiber to the home (FTTB), and mobile and fixed wireless. Thanks to the wide variety on offer, you can find the perfect balance between availability, speed, price and requirements.
Expansion into areas where services were not previously provided
Many mobile network operators (MNOs) have announced plans to deploy fiber optic cables in rural areas. This responds to the growing need to serve South Africans from all socio-economic backgrounds as they consume more content and services online. This will revolutionize connectivity accessibility in areas without fixed lines, as users are fully dependent on mobile with high data costs and no uncapped data options.
Customers in areas such as Mitchells Plain, Grassy Park, Chatsworth, Phoenix, Gonubie, Soweto, Soshanguve and Vosloolus are all likely to see significant changes to their connectivity over the next year.
As an integrated ICT and infrastructure provider, Vox, through our subsidiary HYPA, plans to accelerate fiber penetration in several previously disadvantaged communities around South Africa. HYPA is an Internet Service Provider (ISP) focused on providing cost-effective unlimited wireless connectivity. To areas covered by Fiber, Frogfoot RISE, Vuma Reach and Metro Fiber networks.
Through HYPA, residents in these areas will have affordable prepaid wireless Internet access in their homes with unlimited data. The barrier to entry is further lowered as there are no installation or connection fees or long-term contracts that users need to sign up for.
Frogfoot Networks is expanding its fiber optic network into new and previously underserved areas. Fiber optics has the potential to add value to local economies and revitalize communities by bringing broadband connectivity to everyone.
Dealing with load shedding
To strengthen network resiliency, mobile network operators have made significant investments in batteries, generators, and alternative backup power solutions at base station sites across the country, including critical towers, data centers, and customer service centers. Ta.
For consumers, it is also important to ensure connectivity backup extends to the home. Therefore, investing in an affordable and reliable backup power source is highly desirable. Consumers should consider using customized solutions provided by MNOs. These solutions are designed to meet the demands of home Wi-Fi setups. You want to know that your power solution allows you to continue streaming, browsing social media, and searching online with just a few hours of uptime.
Where is your crystal ball when you need it?
Only time will tell whether South Africa’s economic outlook improves in 2024. Indeed, it was a difficult situation. Economists believe inflation is easing and borrowing costs could fall later this year, which is good news for people paying off mortgages, cars and other debt. And, of course, 2024 is an election year, meaning that certain reforms and infrastructure improvements may become more visible to attract voters.
Whether or not politicians and politicians deliver on their promises this year, it is clear that MNOs will. Competition is fierce and innovation is rethinking how the sector approaches connectivity and customers.
