Cell C in discussions to improve quality of network

South African wireless operator Cell C is reportedly in discussions with domestic market leader Vodacom SA in order to extend its roaming agreement with the company, which could significantly improve Cell C’s service levels, MyBroadband reports citing sources familiar with the situation. According to TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database, Cell C launched services in South Africa in November 2001 via a 15-year roaming contract with Vodacom and relied heavily on its rival’s network while its own infrastructure was in deployment. The roaming agreement permits voice and data roaming, though it includes 3G services only in selected areas. It is understood that the current negotiations are aimed at extending this agreement in order to include a far more extensive data roaming footprint and more favourable roaming terms for Cell C. While Cell C reportedly has confirmed that it was in discussions with Vodacom to switch on 3G roaming, the larger telco declined to comment.