iBurst

Wireless Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd, operating under the brand iBurst, was a South African mobile network provider offering wireless broadband services. iBurst utilized technology different from the more common GSM-based networks prevalent in South Africa, focusing on a proprietary Time Division Duplex (TDD) technology. Its Mobile Network Code (MNC) was 38, operating within the Mobile Country Code (MCC) of 655, which identifies South Africa within global mobile networks. While offering competitive data packages at one stage, iBurst faced increasing competition from established GSM networks like Vodacom and MTN, as well as newer entrants offering LTE and later 5G services. iBurst primarily targeted the consumer and small business market, seeking users who required faster internet access than offered by traditional dial-up or early 3G connections. Although technically innovative for its time, iBurst struggled to maintain its competitive edge due to the rapid advancements in mobile technology and the wider adoption of internationally standardized technologies by larger South African operators. The network’s unique technological approach, while potentially optimizing network performance in certain situations, ultimately resulted in significant limitations in terms of compatibility and scalability compared to more globally adopted systems. Ultimately, its services were discontinued.