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MTN has launched its new 5G service in Gauteng, Western Cape, and Free State with data plans from 75GB to 500GB.

During a live-streamed launch event, MTN South Africa CEO Godfrey Motsa said that 5G will deliver higher peak data speeds, ultra-low latency, increased reliability and greater network capacity.

The service is offered in two variants – 5G home Wi-Fi and 5G mobile.

• 5G home Wi-Fi – This home-connected plug and play solution connects Wi-Fi-enabled devices.
• 5G mobile – Connect to MTN’s 5G network and enjoy fast connectivity at home or on the go.

5G home Wi-Fi promises average speeds of 100Mbps and peak speeds of 500Mbps, while 5G mobile offers average speeds of 50Mbps and peak speeds of 500Mbps.

MTN’s 5G is currently available in Bryanston and Honeydew in Gauteng, Blouberg in Cape Town, and Universitas in Bloemfontein.

“We’re rolling out 5G across South Africa, and soon you’ll have 5G coverage everywhere you go,” MTN said.

MTN is offering three 5G phones to South Africans – the Huawei P40 Pro, Huawei P40, and LG Velvet 5G.

For its 5G home Wi-Fi service, it is offering the Huawei CPE Pro 2 5G, Huawei MC801A 5G, and ZTE 6878.

This followed the release of temporary spectrum by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) earlier this year, as well as extensive 5G trials and testing.