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  • Econet 5G Explained

    Econet 5G Explained
    Author
  • Washington Mkombodzi
  • Staff Writer
  • Posted Oct 18, 2024
  • 5G is now generally available in many parts of Zimbabwe, marking a significant milestone in the country’s tech landscape. Econet, one of the country’s largest mobile operators, is rolling out this next-generation mobile network, and if you’re in Harare, there’s a good chance you’ve already encountered it. I’ve spent the last few weeks testing Econet’s 5G service across various parts of the city, and the results are promising, but there’s more to this story than just speed.

    Econet’s 5G network is gradually spreading across Zimbabwe, offering faster internet in varies areas. So far, I’ve picked up 5G signals in key spots, including the Central Business District (CBD), Avondale, Robert Mugabe International Airport, Zindoga Shopping Center, and Harare Hospital. In each location, the speeds have been quite consistent, with an average download speed of around 35Mbps. While these speeds might not blow you away, they represent a significant improvement over the 4G network most of us have been using. For comparison, typical 4G speeds hover between 5Mbps and 15Mbps.

    What Exactly is 5G?

    Before diving deeper into Zimbabwe's 5G rollout, let’s break down what 5G is and why it’s such a big deal globally.

    5G, short for “fifth generation,” is the latest standard for mobile networks. It promises three main benefits over its predecessor, 4G:

    Faster Speeds: 5G can deliver theoretical download speeds of up to 10 Gbps (gigabits per second), although speeds in the real world are usually lower depending on location, network traffic, and device capabilities. Still, it’s exponentially faster than 4G.

    Lower Latency: Latency refers to the delay before data starts transferring after a command is given. In simpler terms, 5G reduces the time it takes for your device to communicate with the network. For things like gaming or video conferencing, this improvement is crucial, as it leads to a near-instantaneous response.

    Increased Capacity: 5G networks can handle far more devices at once than 4G. This is particularly important in cities where many people are connected simultaneously. It also enables the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT), where smart devices—from traffic lights to refrigerators—can communicate with each other.

    It’s important to note that having a 5G signal on your phone doesn’t always guarantee the fastest speeds possible. That’s because the 5G spectrum is divided into three distinct frequency bands: low-band, mid-band, and high-band. The highest frequency, known as mmWave, offers lightning-fast speeds that far exceed previous cellular generations.

    However, mmWave comes with certain limitations. Not only is it expensive to deploy on a large scale, but high-frequency signals also struggle to penetrate obstacles like walls. As a result, maintaining a stable mmWave connection indoors can be challenging, and even if the signal holds, you may experience slower speeds and higher latency.

    To address these limitations, mobile carriers typically combine mmWave with low-band and mid-band networks. Low-band, which operates on frequencies similar to 4G, provides reliable coverage both indoors and outdoors. Mid-band, on the other hand, offers a good balance between speed and range, making it a more versatile option in many environments.

    5G Performance in Other Countries

    Globally, 5G has shown tremendous promise, although the experience varies by region. Countries like South Korea, the U.S., and China have been leading in 5G deployment, with real-world speeds often reaching several hundred megabits per second (Mbps).

     In South Korea, where average 5G speeds reach 500Mbps, the technology has enabled everything from ultra-HD mobile streaming to cutting-edge VR gaming. Recently, the UAE set a new benchmark with the world’s fastest recorded 5G speed of 30.5Gbps on a live network. If real-world 5G connections ever achieve these kinds of speeds, it would be nothing short of revolutionary. We’d enter a new era where even 8K videos could be downloaded in mere seconds. 

    However, challenges remain. In some densely populated cities, 5G performance can fluctuate due to network congestion and obstructions. Additionally, since 5G operates at higher frequencies than 4G, its signals don’t travel as far, meaning more base stations (towers) are required to maintain consistent coverage.

    How Does Econet’s 5G Compare to Liquid Fiber and Starlink?

    Econet’s 5G rollout enters a competitive field with other prominent internet options, each with its own strengths.

    Liquid Fiber: Liquid Telecom's fiber network is still the gold standard for home and business internet in Zimbabwe. Fiber typically offers faster speeds—ranging from 50Mbps to over 100Mbps—making it ideal for heavy users who need high bandwidth. However, the main downside is its limited availability, as fiber is only accessible in areas where Liquid has installed the infrastructure.

    Starlink: Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink, has been a disruptive force in Zimbabwe, especially in rural areas where traditional internet options are scarce. However, recent congestion issues in Harare have caused a noticeable drop in Starlink's performance, with users experiencing slower speeds and higher latency. As a result, in some areas, Econet’s 5G has been outperforming Starlink, particularly during peak usage times.

    Econet 5G: While it may not yet match the speeds of Liquid’s fiber, Econet’s 5G has shown impressive reliability during my tests. As mentioned earlier, speeds have consistently averaged around 35Mbps, but what sets 5G apart is its mobility. You can access high-speed internet on the go, something neither fiber nor Starlink can offer. For Zimbabweans who need fast internet while commuting, at public hotspots, or in places without fiber coverage, 5G is quickly becoming a compelling option.

    Challenges and the Road Ahead

    As promising as 5G is, there are still some hurdles. In Zimbabwe, the primary challenges for Econet’s 5G network will be the cost of infrastructure and device compatibility. The higher frequency of 5G signals means that more cell towers are required, particularly in rural areas, where rolling out this technology could be costly.

    Additionally, not all smartphones are 5G-ready. To access the network, you’ll need a 5G-enabled device, which, for now, tends to be on the pricier side. But as more manufacturers release affordable 5G devices, this barrier should start to come down.

    The Bottom Line: What Does This Mean for You?

    5G is an exciting leap forward, bringing faster internet speeds and a host of new possibilities for industries like healthcare, education, and smart cities. In Zimbabwe, Econet’s 5G network is in its early stages, but it’s already making an impact, particularly as Starlink faces congestion issues.

    While 5G may not yet replace fiber as the fastest option for home internet, its advantages in mobility and urban connectivity make it a significant player in the future of Zimbabwe’s internet landscape. As coverage expands and more 5G devices hit the market, this network will undoubtedly shape the way Zimbabweans work, learn, and connect in the years to come.

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