SHENZHEN, China--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ZTE Corporation (“ZTE”) (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), a leading global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions, today announced that Cell C, South Africa’s cellular network operator was awarded the accolade of “South Africa’s Fastest Broadband Services”. This accolade was awarded through the 2010 Broadband Survey for Cell C’s latest GSM/UMTS network, built and deployed by ZTE.

Following a total of nearly 2000 broadband users’ responses from the completed survey, the performance of Cell C’s network led by a clear margin. In a series of speed tests conducted, the average download speed for all broadband services in South Africa was 2.17 Mbps for local connectivity and 1.3 Mbps for international speed tests. The newly launched Cell C HSPA+ offering had the highest downlink speeds of 7.21 Mbps for local tests and 2.47 Mbps for international tests. Cell C's HSPA+ achieved uplink speeds of 2.01 Mbps locally and 1.03 Mbps internationally.

Mr. Lars Reichelt, CEO of Cell C, noted that since the launch of the GSM/UMTS high-speed network at the beginning of September 2010, the network operator had been reaping customer accolades for its sheer speed and connectivity. “If you want to be part of the future, you have to shape the future, and this is exactly what ZTE and Cell C have been doing for the past 10 months, through installing the most advanced mobile network on the African continent with HSPA+ 900, MSR and an all-IP platform,” stated Lars.

The award for “South Africa’s Fastest Broadband Services” came just seven weeks after the launch of its newly-built network, signaling the dawn of a new era in South Africa. “The strong collaboration between ZTE and Cell C brings fast and affordable wireless broadband services everywhere in South Africa,” Lars added.

ZTE President Mr. Shi Lirong said: “We have been investigating and studying customer requirements, and will deepen cooperation with operators to provide more comprehensive solutions and more efficient, enhanced services.”

Cell C is one of three top mobile operators in South Africa and is the first operator to roll out a GSM 900MHz/1800MHz network. As a key strategic partner ZTE deployed the 2G/3G network for Cell C in Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein, East London, Port Elizabeth, Pietemaritzburg and George. The network incorporated the use of leading SDR bases and Uni-RAN solutions to realize true GSM/UMTS integration and the support to upgrade to an LTE solution smoothly. Based on Uni-RAN solution, Cell C launched the first commercial UMTS900M HSPA+ network. To date, ZTE’s Uni-RAN solution based on SDR has been used in more than 50 countries.

About ZTE

ZTE is a leading global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions with the most comprehensive product range covering virtually every sector of the wireline, wireless, service and terminals markets. The company delivers innovative, custom-made products and services to over 500 operators in more than 140 countries, helping them to meet the changing needs of their customers while achieving continued revenue growth. ZTE’s 2009 revenue led the industry with a 36% increase to USD 8,820.7 million. ZTE commits 10 percent of its revenue to research and development and takes a leading role in a wide range of international bodies developing emerging telecoms standards. A company with sound corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, ZTE is a member of the UN Global Compact. ZTE is China’s only listed telecom manufacturer, publicly traded on both the Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ). For more information, please visit www.zte.com.cn.