Cell C to invest $660 million in mobile broadband

Cell C, the smallest of South Africa's three mobile operators by subscriber numbers, is in discussions with vendors to expand its network coverage and roll out a $660 million high-speed HSPA+ network during 2010.

Lars P Reichelt, CEO, Cell C, said the planned  investment will allow the company to offer mobile download speeds of up to 21 mbps,  giving it a significant advantage over its rivals MTN and Vodacom, which both already have HSDPA networks with download speeds of up to 7.2 mbps.

"Currently the fastest 3G networks in South Africa offer speeds of 7.2 mbps. Cell C's network will offer download speeds that are three times faster than what is available in market today," he said.

Reichelt added that Cell C will become "a significant broadband player in the market" by using the latest mobile broadband technologies.

Cell C, which launched in 2001, covers 30% of South Africa's geographic area and 87% of the country's population. The company is also the only operator in South Africa to have formed an MVNO agreement, with UK operator Virgin Mobile operating on the company's network.