Vodacom KwaZulu Natal builds indoor mobile coverage and capacity in South Africa

DURBAN, 12 February 2019 — As businesses across Umhlanga Ridge invest in the early stages of digital transformation, many are seeking to create first impressions which make a long-lasting impact on customers, employees and tenants.  To help businesses deliver first-class service, Vodacom announced it is offering dedicated *4G digital distributed antenna systems (DAS) to boost in-building wireless technology.

“As global technological advancements are evolving at a rapid pace, businesses across South Africa can’t afford to be left behind,” said Ishmael Mathinya, head of operations, Vodacom KwaZulu Natal.  “Vodacom is continually improving our network and we seek to establish the right supplier partnerships to provide increased 4G coverage to residents and visitors in the local Umhlanga community.”

As new generations join the workforce with different hopes and expectations regarding how technology is used at work, businesses must look to the future.  In fact, Gen Z (people aged 13-22) have grown up with digital devices and expect seamless connectivity no matter where they are whether it be at home, at the shopping mall at the gym or in an office building.   

“Local businesses are increasingly prioritising customer and employee experience.  Indoor mobile coverage is a vital first step as part of a wider digital transformation strategy,” Mathinya added.  “Ensuring the delivery of first-class in-building wireless coverage is becoming more of a priority for local businesses.”

There are a number of factors that influence how the quality of mobile coverage within individual buildings can vary.  These include the location of the nearby macro base station antenna sites, the strength of the other ‘interference’ and whereby the physical structure of the building, such as the metal framework and more recently energy saving glass creates a blocking preventing the external signal from penetrating its frame.  These can all result in a huge reduction in signal strength indoors – leading to reduced productivity and business output. The in-building technology helps make wireless more affordable for building owners and commercial real estate companies.

* The 4G digital distributed antenna system is powered by CommScope’s in building wireless technology.