Telkom's Israeli connection

ADSL South Africa (Broadband South Africa), 29 April 2007

Telkom’s deployment of its WiMax network – the first commercial WiMax network in South Africa – is a step closer to the implementation of its R30 billion next-generation network (NGN). The Israeli-based WiMax and wireless broadband solutions provider, Alvarion, will supply technology critical to the success of Telkom’s WiMax initiative.
 
While details remains sketchy at best ‘Telkom expects to have a network up and running by next month. The first deployments will take place in Gauteng and along SA's coastal regions’ (WiMax goes commercial in SA, Senne, ITWEB, 26 April 2007).
 
In other words, Gautengers and citizens of our coastal regions (surfers, etc.) will probably be the first South Africans to experience Telkom’s WiMax services.
 
Were Telkom’s WiMax trials conducted in the Northern and Eastern suburbs of Pretoria and Centurion successful?
 
Telkom failed to comment on the results of the trials, so it’s at best difficult to say whether the trials were successful or not, but it’s safe to assume that the trials were successful otherwise Telkom wouldn’t go commercial with it. Would they? We don’t think so.
 
Can you give us more details on ‘Telkom’s Israeli connection’ and the technology that will be deployed?
 
Sure.
 
‘The contract to build the multimillion-rand network was last year awarded to Saab Grintek. The company is in turn sourcing technology from Israeli-based WiMax and wireless broadband solutions provider Alvarion’ (WiMax goes commercial in SA, Senne, ITWEB, 26 April 2007).
 
In other words, Telkom’s connection to Alvarion is through Saab Grintek.
 
According to Telkom’s Executive Officer for broadband technology, Alphonzo Samuels: “We have chosen Alvarion and its WiMax-certified BreezeMax platform to ensure high-quality broadband services for our customers” (WiMax goes commercial in SA, Senne, ITWEB, 26 April 2007).
 
In other words, Alvarion’s BreezeMax technology will be deployed on Telkom’s WiMax network because it makes high-quality broadband services possible.
 
‘…BreezeMax’s extensive network trials’ was noted by Samuels as another reason why Telkom prefers the BreezeMax technology above others.
 
In other words, BreezeMax was already thoroughly tested and this can make a big difference if you don’t want to face problems associated with the deployment of ‘untested’ technology that fails to deliver.
 
What’s Alvarion’s response to the possible deployment of its technology by Telkom?
 
Very positive.
 
“We look forward to upcoming potential deployments, as SA embarks on the vast opportunities of broadband services, in order to enable the citizens of Gauteng and coastal regions to benefit from fast access, triple-play and more” (WiMax goes commercial in SA, Senne, ITWEB, 26 April 2007).
 
In other words, Alvarion seems to be positive about the broadband opportunities its BreezeMax technology can offer South Africans, in particular Gautengers and citizens of the coastal regions.
 
ADSL South Africa (Broadband South Africa) welcomes the commercial deployment of Telkom’s WiMax network.