MTN South Africa has completed what it describes as Africa’s first 5G-Advanced Upper 6 GHz (U6GHz) network trial, recording peak download speeds of 10.35 Gbps in partnership with Huawei. The trial took place at MTN’s headquarters in Randburg under a temporary radio licence issued by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).
The test combined a dedicated 5G Standalone core network, ultra-wideband active antennas and advanced beamforming technologies across 400 MHz of bandwidth. MTN said the results demonstrate the potential capacity, speed and efficiency of Upper 6 GHz spectrum for future mobile connectivity.
MTN South Africa CEO Ferdi Moolman highlighted the importance of continued innovation, while Huawei’s Alex Xing described the spectrum band as an important resource for 5G-Advanced and 6G development. Huawei also indicated its support for MTN’s commercial network verification efforts.
The trial comes as South Africa evaluates the future use of the 6 GHz band for mobile connectivity. ICASA’s National Radio Frequency Plan 2026 identifies the 6425 MHz to 7125 MHz range, covering 700 MHz of spectrum, for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT). However, parts of the band retain allocations for fixed links and satellite services, while a feasibility study and a Radio Frequency Spectrum Assignment Plan are still required.
Although MTN’s announcement reportedly describes the band as formally allocated to IMT, the spectrum has not yet been assigned to an individual mobile operator. International frameworks also accommodate other services, including licence-exempt wireless access technologies such as Wi-Fi. The identification of spectrum for mobile use therefore does not automatically establish priority over other services.
Industry groups, including the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance, have advocated for licence-exempt Wi-Fi access to the band. Meanwhile, the lower 6 GHz range, from 5925 MHz to 6425 MHz, remains identified for wireless access systems and radio local area networks.
The reported peak speed of 10.35 Gbps was achieved under controlled, single-site conditions and does not represent speeds customers should expect to experience routinely on a commercial network. The trial follows an MTN and Huawei 5.5G test in November 2024, which achieved 8.6 Gbps using millimetre-wave and C-band spectrum.
MTN said Upper 6 GHz spectrum could provide additional capacity in high-demand locations such as transport hubs, shopping centres, stadiums and university campuses. It could also support fixed wireless broadband in areas where deploying fibre infrastructure is difficult or costly.
The trial highlights the potential of Upper 6 GHz spectrum to support growing mobile broadband demand and advanced 5G services. However, commercial deployment will depend on ICASA’s ongoing assessment and the development of a formal spectrum assignment plan.
