Cell C HSPA+ 900 network reaches Durban and Pietermaritzburg

South African wireless operator Cell C has confirmed that its 900MHz HSPA+ network is now operational in the cities of Durban and Pietermartizburg. This announcement follows successful launches in Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, East London and Cape Town in recent weeks. Subscribers in Durban and Pietermaritzburg can expect data speeds of between 6Mbps and 7Mbps, although Cell C has claimed maximum technical throughput speeds of 21Mbps in the two cities. Cell C CEO Lars Reichelt commented: ‘As South Africa’s third largest city and the largest port on the eastern African seaboard, the start of our network in Durban is a boon for business and private customers alike.’ Previously, Reichelt has promised to cover more than a third of South Africa’s population by the end of 2010. According to the CEO a single HSPA+ 900MHz transmitter can cover a three to five times larger area than those using a higher band.