Vodacom to deploy Nokia’s passive-active massive MIMO solution

Details: John Tanner; Category: Wireless Networks; 30 September 2026; 1893 views

Vodacom South Africa said on Tuesday it has partnered with Nokia to test what they claim is the world’s first integrated passive-active massive MIMO solution, which Vodacom will now use to evolve its 4G and 5G network.

The passive-active antenna solution was piloted in the Western Cape. The technology – which supports dual-band massive MIMO across the 2600-MHz and 3500-MHz spectrum bands – combines multiple antenna capabilities into a more compact configuration, which Vodacom said will enable it to make more efficient use of existing network sites.

Vodacom said the on-site tests demonstrated that the technology can be deployed at sites where limited space or existing infrastructure makes conventional network expansion difficult, giving it greater flexibility to add capacity and respond to growing demand for mobile data.

For customers, that means a more consistent 4G and 5G experience, with smoother streaming, quicker downloads and improved network performance in areas where demand for connectivity is high, said Vodacom South Africa's technology director Beverly Ngwenya.

“As demand for mobile data continues to grow, we need to continuously evolve our network to deliver the quality and consistency of experience our customers expect," Ngwenya said in a statement. "Innovations like this allow us to enhance our network in smarter and more efficient ways, ensuring it is ready to support customers' changing connectivity needs.”

With the pilot declared a success, Vodacom said it will go ahead and deploy the solution across its existing network at identified sites where additional capacity is needed.