Telkom’s whoelsale division Openserve, is about to introduce G.fast broadband technology in its network, allowing DSL lines to deliver speeds of up to 100Mbps on copper lines.
This innovative technology utilises the copper tail or drop wire within the customer premises, as an alternative access technology, to deliver high speed broadband where viable.
The announcement was made by Telkom Group Chief Executive Officer, Sipho Maseko, at the company’s Annual Results presentation this week.
“Openserve, is amongst the first few companies to utilise this technology globally and is geared to rapidly expand its high speed broadband footprint across the country,” says Alphonzo Samuels, Openserve Chief Executive Officer. “This is a testament to Openserve’s commitment to innovate and enable high speed broadband access to as many homes as possible. In our endeavour to utilise multiple technologies, G.fast enables us to further extend the use and lifespan of our existing copper infrastructure.”
In areas where Openserve has an access fibre footprint, it is now possible for residents in townhouse complexes, smaller gated communities, multi-dwelling units and office parks, who already have existing copper access lines to experience high speed broadband speeds of up to 100 mbps.
“As the most experienced broadband infrastructure player in the South African market, we are aware of some of the needs as well as the challenges faced by residences to get access to high speed broadband technology,” says Samuels. “We continuously look to innovate and bring in new technologies which will enable greater access to more residences.
“G.fast helps us overcome the hesitation that many Home Owners Associations and Body Corporates of multiple-dwelling complexes have with granting permissions to upgrade infrastructure on their properties. We’ve now have found a way to better make use of infrastructure that is already in place thus reducing any disruption or possible harm to the aesthetics of the estate or the associated expense.”
Openserve will extend the access fibre in the suburb to an equipment room typically in the basement or gatehouse where the copper access distribution point (DP) is situated at the complex. A G.fast node will be installed where the fibre extension is terminated and complex residents will now have access to the higher broadband speeds available utilising the existing copper tail/drop wire. These residents will then have access to a wider range of high speed offerings from the Internet Service Provider (ISP) of their choice.
“We’ve completed testing G.fast technology in our labs with results indicating amazing suitability to our broadband network especially in scenarios where the length of the copper tail/drop wire is 150m or less. Our proof of concept is currently well underway in-field.
“We are excited to share this with our ISP and broadband resell partners who will now be able to reach an even broader customer base to grow their businesses and get these higher speed broadband services to even more of their customers.”