Vodacom has signed a framework agreement making Siemens the sole supplier in building its 3G/W-CDMA network in South Africa. Under the contract, Siemens mobile is to upgrade Vodacom’s existing GSM and GPRS network nationwide with 3G radio equipment and switches. This is Siemens’ first 3G/W-CDMA contract on the African continent. Financial terms were not disclosed. http://www.siemens.com
- Vodacom is a pan-African cellular carrier serving South Africa, Tanzania, Lesotho and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mozambique commenced operation in December 2003 and a 5-year Nigerian management contract has been awarded. Vodacom is the market leader in South Africa, with more than 95% of South Africans now within the coverage area of its more than 5,000 base station cellular network. Vodacom’s shareholders include Telkom SA Ltd (50%), VenFin Ltd (15%) and Vodafone Group plc (35%).