LAUNCHING OF VODACOM'S THIRD GENERATION HIGH SPEED DOWNLINK DATA PACKET ACCESS (3G HSDPA)

On 13th March 2007, Vodacom Tanzania launched the first of its Third Generation High Speed Downlink Data Packet Access (3G HSDPA) products – the 3G HSDPA Data Card which offers broadband speed on the move. Tanzania is the second country in Africa (South Africa being the first) to launch a 3G HSDPA network. HSDPA is an acronym used to refer to the 3.5G, High Speed Downlink Packet Access. The technology offers speeds of 1.8 megabits per second, five times faster than the first third generation (3-G) networks used by most telecom companies in sub-Saharan Africa.

Vodacom Tanzania's Managing Director, Romeo Kumalo affirms that the technology offers the fastest, wireless mobile connection to the Internet, for your office network and email from your computer. “3G technology is an important step forward for Vodacom, as the telecommunications industry enters a new era in mobile communications. Vodacom is rapidly and dramatically changing the way its customers experience their wireless communications. It is also shaping the future of mobile and broadband internet communications through its continued leadership in wireless technology,” he said.

Vodacom will make this product available on both post-paid and prepaid packages through its Vodashops in Dar es Salaam. 3G HSDPA is currently only available in Dar es Salaam but when a user moves out of 3G coverage, connection is maintained by switching to Vodacom’s high-quality GPRS network, available across the country. The key difference between the GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) and 3G HSDPA is the high speed provided by 3G HSDPA. Vodacom is the first in East Africa with such technology giving it major competitive advantage among the other mobile networks.

The 3G HSDPA technology can be installed onto the GSM network backbone to provide Internet or ‘data’ connectivity via a mobile device. Vodacom Tanzania’s 3G HSDPA network enables browsing the internet, making and receiving video calls and MMS messages. The technology also allows users to access their company networks, check email, chat online as well as download online entertainment applications such as music and games at high speeds – all from the convenience of their mobile phones.

With the delay of the installation of the EASSY, optical fibre cable system on the East African coast and the explosion of cell phone usage among all sectors of the economy, including small businesses, where infrastructure is unreliable, the 3.5G technology is said to be the answer to demand for increasing demands for high-speed Internet.

Nigeria is among the other African countries preparing to launch HSDPA.

Below are links to the speech and keynote address during the launch:

Keynote address by Hon. Andrew Chenge, Minister for Infrastructure Development

Speech by Vodacom Tanzania Managing Director Romeo Kumalo at the Corporate Launch of 3G