Vodacom Pioneers South Africa’s First 5G Voice Call
In a significant development for South Africa’s telecommunications sector, Vodacom has announced the successful completion of the country’s first-ever 5G voice call. This major milestone was achieved on a test network, showcasing the operator’s progress in deploying next-generation mobile technology. The call was made using Voice over New Radio (VoNR), a technology that allows voice traffic to be carried directly on a 5G network. This achievement signals that a new standard of faster and higher-quality voice communication is on the horizon for South African consumers, although a specific commercial launch date remains unconfirmed.
A Leap Forward with Voice over New Radio
This technological feat is a substantial step beyond current network capabilities. At present, when a call is placed on a 5G-capable smartphone, the service typically drops back to the 4G network to handle the voice traffic. The successful VoNR test proves the viability of keeping calls entirely within the 5G ecosystem, from start to finish. This method eliminates the need to switch between networks, paving the way for faster call connection times and a more seamless user experience. By demonstrating a fully operational 5G voice call, Vodacom is laying the groundwork for a future where the full power of 5G can be leveraged for both data and voice services.
This advancement reflects a strong commitment to innovation, as highlighted by Beverly Ngwenya, Vodacom South Africa’s Technology Director. She stated that the successful call demonstrates the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance its technological offerings. Ngwenya emphasized Vodacom’s promise to deliver fast, robust, and secure connectivity to its customers. While this was a trial, it serves as a clear and promising preview of the enhanced mobile services that Vodacom is preparing to introduce, solidifying its position at the forefront of African telecommunications.
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