Rain and Huawei partner to expand low-band 5G network

Rain is expanding its 5G network with Huawei using low band spectrum technology. The operator aims to improve coverage and increase network capacity across South Africa. The company has already deployed the technology in major cities. It now plans to extend the rollout to thousands of commercial sites.

Bringing massive MIMO to low band spectrum

The expansion centres on sub 1GHz spectrum paired with massive MIMO (multiple input, multiple output). As a result, base stations can serve more users at the same time. Operators already use massive MIMO extensively on mid band 5G networks. However, adapting it for lower frequency spectrum has required additional engineering to overcome technical challenges. Rain says its commercial network now uses the technology. The operator says the rollout has increased uplink coverage by 5dB and downlink coverage by 3dB. In addition, it says the network delivers up to three times the capacity of sites using conventional 4T4R equipment. Operators have long relied on lower frequency spectrum to cover larger areas and improve indoor reception. By combining it with massive MIMO, they can also increase capacity without adding more spectrum or building more sites.

Building on its 5G rollout

The latest rollout forms part of Rain’s continued investment in its wireless broadband network. The company launched South Africa’s first commercial 5G service in 2019. Since then, it has continued expanding the network to meet growing demand for high speed connectivity. Meanwhile, Rain CEO Conrad Leigh said the company had worked closely with Huawei to bring the technology into commercial use. “From launching South Africa’s first commercial 5G network in 2019 to today’s deployment, our partnership with Huawei has always been about solving difficult problems, driving innovation and building the networks that will power the future,” he said. Huawei Corporate Vice President and President of Wireless Network Solutions Fang Xiang said the deployment improves coverage, spectrum efficiency, latency and energy efficiency. He added that it gives Rain a stronger foundation as the operator continues expanding its 5G network.