Jasco’s Webb Industries has announced the arrival in South Africa of the new Telegärtner 4.3-10 coaxial connector system for the mobile communications market. Webb MD Paul Richards says that the 4.3-10 introduces a new standard in the antenna connection industry. “Due to its many advantages including its smaller size and the fact that it fits perfectly in between existing connector systems used in mobile communication industry, the 4.3-10 will become the new standard for connections in the mobile communication market and will ultimately replace the 7-16 and N connection standards,” he says.

The 4.3-10 connector system was developed by a consortium of leading European equipment vendors and connector manufacturers in the mobile communications industry including Telegärtner.

Telegärtner MD, Hartmut Gärtner, says the 4.3- 10 connector system is designed to meet the rising performance needs of mobile network equipment while, at the same time, reducing its footprint in response to ongoing space reduction requirements. 

“Initially the demand for a new small-size connector system for use in the mobile communication market came from the mobile equipment vendors who needed a connector footprint in line with the ever-increasing miniaturization of mobile communication equipment,” Gärtner says. 

He adds that despite their size the 4.3- 10 connectors guarantee excellent return loss and passive intermodulation performance (PIM) levels. “Also, these connectors meet the requirements of IP68 and, because of the excellent properties of the materials used in their construction, they are suitable for temperatures ranging from -40° C to 85° C while customised designs are also available for use at higher temperatures,” Gärtner says.

The 4.3-10 series is also very versatile since one universal cable or bulkhead jack is suitable for mating with three different cable plug designs. “The result is a new, state-of the-art connector system, which can be offered with screw, hand-screw and push-pull mechanisms, for much easier installation,” Gärtner says.

The 4.3-10 connector system has been submitted to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for standardization as part of IEC 61169.

Meanwhile Gärtner reiterated his optimism over future South African business. “Our business through Webb grew about 30% this year, which is outstanding. They have an excellent team and with demand growing all the time in the Southern Africa telecommunications industry I see no reason why our coaxial business shouldn’t grow another 30% in the next year or so while the data business, which is growing exponentially in this region, could double or even triple in the near future,” Gärtner says.

Although the Telegärtner group does business in other parts of Africa via Europe, he sees its strong South African base via Webb as a stepping stone into the rest of Africa especially the sub-Saharan region. “Although many other African countries are showing good growth, many global companies understand the necessity of having a strong presence in South Africa as a prerequisite to conducting successful business in the rest of Africa,” Gärtner says.

Paul Richards, Webb MD, says that the Telegärtner range of cables and connectors is a critical component to Webb’s total offering. “The quality of their products and service has made Telegärtner integral to Webb building the name it has in the local market. It’s also their ability to innovate that is so impressive. They are constantly investing in R&D, especially in times when business is slow, and their global leadership in this regard is the result,” he concluded.