Open-access network provider Vast Networks has developed a new true carrier-grade offload network to offset South Africa’s spectrum shortage and facilitate access to affordable connectivity.

In September, the group unveiled the “first of its kind” technology on the continent to proactively and cost effectively deal with the lack of mobile spectrum.

“The technology has been designed to seamlessly move traffic off the networks of mobile or enterprise network operators and on to Vast’s secure WiFi network, [thereby] freeing up valuable, scarce spectrum,” says Vast principal radio network architect Déan Manefeldt.

The traffic can be seamlessly rerouted back on to an operator’s network.

Implemented through its two major network platforms, the Accuris AccuROAM and Benu Networks xMEG gateways, the technology is available across Vast’s network of 2 500 high-density locations, including key shopping centres, hospitals, major transport hubs, offices, hotels and restaurants, townships and inner-city residential hubs, besides others.

“WiFi’s traditional obstacle is on-boarding users. By enabling this functionality, we can now offer our Internet service providers a secure, seamless way of authenticating their customers using their individual Sim cards,” he says, adding that the company can also easily on-board users while enabling mobile offloading for any operator onto their own network.

The limited spectrum and a lack of progress on digital television migration are impacting on the ability of operators to provide mobile data at lower costs and are inhibiting South Africa’s global competitiveness, adds Vast chief technical officer Khetan Gajjar.

Operators will now have access to wider benefits and control, as they do not need to reconfigure devices, can easily update user profiles, ensuring full control and the highest levels of privacy, and can make determinations about the quality of service at locations.

“Mobile devices account for more than 75% of Internet traffic and, with South Africans increasingly ‘connecting on the go’, the need for service providers to pioneer innovative and cost-effective ways to connect customers is vital to achieving sustainable business success,” he says.