Speedier internet network rolls out

Business Reporter

HIGH-speed internet connectivity has been rolled out to the Bay.

MTN said this week it had extended its Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, better known as 4G, to Port Elizabeth. The new generation network offers high speeds and low latencies over long distances, and is able to support downloads at 300 megabits a second (Mbps).

MTN chief technology officer Eben Albertyn said to have access to a high-speed internet while on the move had become an essential part of our lives.

"Providing MTN customers with the fastest possible internet speeds enables our customers to run their businesses more efficiently and engage more effectively with people all over the world," he said.

A speed test completed earlier this year found MTN LTE customers can upload a photo in six seconds, download a song in four seconds, and a complete movie downloads in minutes.

Albertyn said the roll-out of the high-speed network in the Bay resonated with MTN's vision of bridging the digital divide. The technology is already operational in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Bloemfontein and Durban.

"MTN believes investment in infrastructure is key to broadband access.

"Research has proved that broadband connectivity contributes to economic growth and development, and forevery 10% incremental broadband penetration will result in a 1.38% point in GDP growth rate," Albertyn said.

"These investments MTN makes in its infrastructure will assist government to deliver on its 2030 vision."