South Africa's third mobile operator, Cell C today launched its HSPA+ 900 network in Bloemfontein.  This follows closely on the heels of the recent Port Elizabeth launch, as part of the company's nationwide 4GS network rollout.   

The high-speed network, dubbed 4GS - 4 Great Speed and 4 Great Service - uses world-leading Multi Standard Radio (MSR) technology to support the HSPA+ 900 MHz network, offering data speeds capable of up to 21.6 Mbps.

Switching-on the network at a press conference in Bloemfontein, attended by the Free State Premier, Mr. Ace Magashule, Cell C's deputy CEO Nigel Hall said the company was 'on track' to launch the country's most advanced network in South Africa's major cities by the end of the year.

To date, Cell C has deployed 1600 HSPA+ 900 sites and large scale user tests are being run in nine major cities.  The first phase of the 4GS network rollout, expected to be completed by the end of 2010, will cover approximately 34% of the South African population, with the network being launched on a city-by-city basis. The company will continue to expand its network roll-out and aims to cover 67% of the population by mid 2011.

Hall said the first phase of the Bloemfontein network rollout was complete with around 50% of the city's population covered.  The second phase, expected to be completed by the end of this year, will provide around 99% population coverage in the city.
He added that customers in Bloemfontein will, from Friday, be able to take advantage of Cell C's two prepaid data offers when products go on sale in retail outlets.

As part of its city launch, Cell C also donated a modem to the Sehunelo High School in Bloemfontein to provide the school with faster internet connection.  The school will also receive a monthly data bundle and an adaptor to allow multiple users connectivity at the same time.