Vodacom Deploys Africa’s First EcoMatrix Network, Boosting 4G by 200%
The EcoMatrix solution introduces a simplified, highly integrated site architecture designed to improve coverage and user experience while significantly reducing energy consumption and physical infrastructure requirements.
Vodacom, in partnership with Huawei, has successfully deployed Africa’s first commercial EcoMatrix site in Tanzania, marking a significant step forward in delivering more efficient, sustainable and high-performance mobile networks across the continent.
The EcoMatrix solution introduces a simplified, highly integrated site architecture designed to improve coverage and user experience while significantly reducing energy consumption and physical infrastructure requirements. The deployment demonstrates how next-generation network design can address Africa’s unique connectivity challenges, including power constraints, site availability and the need for rapid, cost-effective coverage expansion.
Following the site upgrade, network tests confirmed a 1.5 dB improvement in 4G coverage and a 200% improvement in downlink user experience, achieved without requiring additional antenna space. The solution reduces the total number of site modules by 60%, while new-generation radio units consume 22% less energy compared to legacy equipment.
EcoMatrix supports flexible deployment across six integrated frequency bands (700, 800, 900, 1800, 2100 and 2600 MHz) using a single, cable-free antenna-feeder design. This approach enables operators to maximise existing site assets while delivering greener, low-carbon network operations, including achieving “0-bit, 0-watt” performance during idle traffic periods.
By consolidating nine discrete modules into just three per site, EcoMatrix directly addresses several long-standing technical challenges in mobile network deployment, including mast load constraints, heat dissipation risks and increased passive intermodulation (PIM) exposure.
“EcoMatrix marks a major step forward in simplifying Vodacom’s access network infrastructure. Through this efficient architecture, we can improve coverage, enhance user experience, and potentially lower site-level costs. Tanzania’s deployment demonstrates the practical impact of our network evolution strategy and reinforces our commitment to sustainable, future-ready networks.”
– Liren Naidoo, Acting Network Officer, Vodacom Group
“We are committed to helping operators increase revenue, reduce costs, and improve efficiency through technological innovation. EcoMatrix reduces site rental costs and energy consumption by integrating multiple bands into a simplified, green design. It enables all sub-3 GHz bands to be deployed using a single antenna, leaving ample space for future upgrades. EcoMatrix is a key step towards simplified networks.”
– Chen Li, Director, Huawei Southern Africa ICT Marketing & Solution Sales Dept
The Tanzania EcoMatrix deployment is expected to inform future rollouts across Vodacom’s African markets, particularly in regions where energy efficiency, resilient network performance and accelerated coverage expansion are critical to supporting inclusive digital growth.
