Mobile telecommunications giant MTN South Africa said on Tuesday that it had upgraded its high-speed broadband service to reach speeds of 14.4Mbps HSDPA and 5.76Mbps HSUPA across its 3G and HSPA mobile broadband network.

The group said that in 2009 it invested R7.1-billion in upgrading its network and infrastructure, particularly with an eye on the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup.

"MTN subscribers have been enjoying speeds of up to 7.2Mbps download and 1.8Mbps upload thus far, at no extra charge. This has been extended to include the 14.4Mbps download and the 5.76Mbps upload speeds," it said.

MTN said it would soon provide speeds of up to 21Mbps as its network is upgraded for enhanced HSPA+ services; to be rolled out strategically countrywide.

"MTN customers using the exclusive MTN F@stlink E230 modem can already benefit from these improved speeds. The MTN F@stlink E1820 USB modem, which supports HSPA+ up to 28.8Mbps downlink and 5.76Mbps uplink, will be available for sale in March 2010," it said.

'Achieving these speeds is dependent on various conditions such as transmission, access device capability and the number of subscribers using the site at that particular time of day," it concluded.