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First local provider of WiMAX products
ADSL South Africa (Broadband South Africa), 24 June
2007
Telkom has become the first local
provider to offer WiMAX products in
South Africa with the launch of its own commercial WiMAX products.
Telkom’s WiMAX product suite is called ‘Do Broadband Wireless’ and is ‘…targeted at
customers who do not have access to DSL products’ (Telkom unveils WiMax offerings, Damaria Senne, ITWEB, 20 June
2007).
In other words, if you live in an area where you can’t access the Internet via ADSL
broadband, you will be able to get wireless access by subscribing to one of Telkom’s WiMAX products.
Will Telkom stay the sole local provider of WiMAX products for
long?
No.
‘The launch makes Telkom the first local provider to offer WiMax products in SA.
However, other broadband providers are racing to finalise their WiMax offerings, with a number engaged in trials or
planning network roll-outs’ (Telkom unveils WiMax offerings, Damaria Senne, ITWEB, 20 June 2007).
In other words, other broadband providers will soon respond with offerings of their
own. MWEB for one is engaged in
trials at the moment.
Will all South Africans who can afford it be able to make use of Telkom’s Do
Broadband Wireless offerings?
Only if they live in Telkom’s WiMAX coverage area.
‘Customers will only be offered WiMax as an alternative option if they reside within
the WiMax footprint’ (Telkom unveils WiMax offerings, Damaria Senne, ITWEB, 20 June 2007).
In other words, if you live in the desert chances are very good that you won’t be
able to make use of any of Telkom’s WiMAX offerings (at this stage).
Which areas are currently covered?
The Big Four:
Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.
‘…WiMax products will initially be available in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban and
Cape Town. They will later be extended to Bloemfontein, Kimberley, Port Elizabeth, East London, Polokwane,
Middelburg, Pietermaritzburg, Nelspruit, Welkom and Empangeni…’ (Telkom unveils WiMax offerings, Damaria Senne,
ITWEB, 20 June 2007).
In other words, although only the Big Four are currently covered, Telkom is
planning to expand their WiMAX coverage to the rest of South Africa as
well.
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