Telkom will today embark upon an external broadband customer trial to test WiMax technology and fine-tune service efficiencies prior to the official launch of the product in May 2007.
The trial will be conducted in collaboration with Internet service providers MWeb, Internet Solutions (IS) and Telkom Internet.
WiMax, a broadband technology which is primarily targeted at customers who do not have access to DSL, will complement Telkom's existing DSL footprint, thereby expanding broadband Internet reach in the country.
"As a customer focused company, Telkom would like to see that all customers have fair access to broadband technology. The WiMax product offering will go a long way towards ensuring customers in remote areas have access to high-speed Internet," said Steven Hayward, Managing Executive for Telkom Retail Marketing.
He added that Telkom was still finalising the WiMax product specifications and the pricing strategy.
Up to 400 customers in the northern and eastern suburbs of Pretoria as well as in Centurion will participate in the trial at no cost at all.
The WiMax equipment will be installed by an external vendor at customers' premises. Customers will then be advised to contact one of the three service providers in order to obtain their login details and a password.
"Each customer will be provided with a 512Kbps fast Internet access and a 2GB ISP access product. The experience will be made easy for the customer and a call centre number will be provided where customers can log any queries," explained Hayward.
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