In recent years, there has been a massive uptick in data consumption among mobile broadband subscribers in many major African markets, such as Nigeria and Kenya. Meeting the capacity needs from this data growth, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for the communication service providers and their networks. Traditional microwave links have been a cornerstone of network infrastructure globally, as well as in Africa. However, as the volume of data carried by radio base stations continues to surge, the need for increased microwave link capacity has become more critical than ever. In fact, due to the tree-like structure of the microwave links, the capacity demand on the microwave links increases faster than that of the radio access networks. In this article we focus on how high-capacity microwave solutions, in both short and long distances, can address the escalating capacity requirements of mobile networks in many African countries. 

The E-band spectrum (70/80GHz) is essential for supporting the ever increasing requirements from the RAN for 5G and beyond. It offers fibre like capacities and can be rolled out fast and efficiently. Meeting capacity challenges in African mobile networks with E-band and long-haul solutions. Read more .