|
Optical fibre network rollout
ADSL South Africa (Broadband South Africa), 9 September
2007
MTN South Africa has kick-started the process to rollout a 5000 km
optical fibre network across South Africa over the next two years.
‘MTN SA announced today that it has started the process of requesting proposals from
suppliers to roll-out a national 5 000km optical fibre network, which it intends to build across South Africa over
the next two years’ (MTN to roll out 5000 km fibre network, MyBroadband, 7 September 2007).
In other words, MTN will enter the fixed-line business over the next two
years.
Why would MTN be interested in the rollout of an optical fibre
network?
Self-provisioning and all the benefits that come with it.
According to the Managing Director of MTN SA, Tim Lowry: “The demand for data services is placing huge requirements on our transmission network and this
need cannot be met by current suppliers” (MTN to roll out 5000 km fibre network, MyBroadband, 7 September 2007).
“In response, MTN has designed and mapped out its own national backbone network, and is in the process of going out
to tender to identify relevant suppliers and obtain final costings for the laying of 5000km of optical fibre cables
to build the MTN network. It is our intention to engange with joint venture partners and suppliers in this project,
and a final decision on the awarding of the tender will be taken before the end of this year” (MTN to roll out 5000
km fibre network, MyBroadband, 7 September 2007).
In other words, a national backbone network of their own is MTN’s answer to current
transmission network difficulties, which current suppliers can’t solve.
Furthermore, MTN is “…going with self-provisioning to cut operational and customer
costs and we are now the alternative choice to the current fixed-line operator” (MTN to roll out 5000 km fibre
network, MyBroadband, 7 September 2007).
In other words, an optical fibre network of their own will enable them to cut costs
and to provide alternative fixed-line services.
Also, a “…fibre optic network offers MTN almost infinite capacity, and can carry far
more information at higher speeds over much greater distances, using far less power than copper cables” (MTN to
roll out 5000 km fibre network, MyBroadband, 7 September 2007).
In other words, current capacity problems will become a thing of the past and MTN
will be able to provide Internet access services at even greater speeds over greater distances.
It’s no secret that MTN also intends to buy Telkom’s
fixed-line business and now you know why. Despite the obvious risks involved in buying or building your own
fixed-line business, MTN doesn’t seem to be discouraged at all and is not planning to drag their feet.
According to Lowry: “Entering the fixed-line
business is a bold move by MTN and typical of our ‘can do’ spirit. Once we have appointed our preferred suppliers
and partners, we will be building the network as rapidly as we can” (MTN to roll out 5000 km fibre network,
MyBroadband, 7 September
2007).
| 
