CEO: WBS likely to enter LTE pact with Vodacom or MTN

iBurst parent Wireless Business Solutions (WBS) has conducted extensive discussions with South African mobile duo Vodacom and MTN regarding the deployment of a national 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, CEO Thami Mtshali has informed TechCentral. Mtshali commented: ‘We are very close to the [two] mobile operators. We know how the deal can be structured and a lot of points have been agreed to. Most of the issues have been resolved’. Although the chief executive feels that an outright acquisition of WBS by Vodacom or MTN is less likely, he conceded that it is ‘an option’. An operational tie-up with WBS remains is an appealing prospect, with the company possessing LTE-suitable spectrum in the 1800MHz and 2600MHz bands. While the company has already built a limited trial network using the 2600MHz band, it requires substantial investment before considering rolling it out on a national scale.