MTN deploys antennas on street lamps and pole masts to improve network coverage and quality

MTN has started deploying antennas on street-light poles, and erecting purpose-built pole masts with zero visual impact around west and northern Johannesburg, to improve network coverage and quality.

The deployment of this technology follows a three-year contract that was awarded to MTN by City Power, after the utility invited interested parties to submit requests for proposals (RFP) on its plan to commercialise its infrastructure.

The density of the buildings around west and northern Johannesburg has impacted negatively on network coverage and quality. This has compelled MTN to consider innovative ways of deploying its infrastructure due to the difficulties experienced in installing conventional base stations in these areas.

Eben Albertyn, Chief Technology Officer: MTN South Africa, says customers will experience a noticeable difference in quality of service when the project is complete.

"The deployment of this solution will have immense benefits for our customers who will begin to experience improved network coverage, faster Internet speeds, better voice and data experience and WiFi fall-back once users becomes mobile.

"This will also lay the firm foundations for future deployment of fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) networks. The deployment of these antennas is testament to MTN's ongoing commitment of finding innovative ways of improving service excellence and bringing its customers into the bold new digital world," says Albertyn.

Albertyn says an enhanced data experience will enable its customers to undertake activities that require a lot of bandwidth and that will enhance the quality of their lives, including videoconferencing, home automation and remote surveillance of homes.

The deployment commenced this week with the installation of a pole site in Bryanston. The areas targeted include a number of suburbs in Randburg, Fourways, Bryanston and Saxonworld neighbourhoods.

MTN expects to complete the first phase of this project in the next four months. The second phase of the project will be determined by customer requirements.

The pole sites have a coverage radius of between 400 metres and 600 metres, and the number of poles that will be installed will depend on customer density in the targeted areas. "The smaller coverage footprint of these sites means that the resources are shared and by less users, which gives an improved level of service and throughput," says Albertyn. He points out that the pole sites can be used to cater to other services required by the residents. This includes affixing security cameras and installing additional lighting.

To resolve this challenge, MTN devised a solution to build infrastructure closer to neighbourhoods after all conceivable approvals have been secured.