WiMax goes commercial in SA

By Damaria Senne for Telkom
Johannesburg, 26 Apr 2007

Fixed-line utility Telkom has moved a step closer to implementing its R30 billion next-generation network (NGN) by starting deployment of its WiMax network - the first commercial WiMax network in the country.

However, the company would not reveal much about the initiative at this stage, saying a statement would be released next week.

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.

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.

This follows shortly after a trial was conducted in the northern and eastern suburbs of Pretoria and Centurion, involving 400 customers and in collaboration with Internet service providers MWeb, Internet Solutions and Telkom Internet.

Telkom would not comment on the results of the trial, or be drawn on the exact value of the new WiMax network. However, it previously stated it aims to see a third of its network infrastructure NGN-based by 2011.

Israeli connection

Through Alvarion, Telkom has secured BreezeMax technology for the network.

"We have chosen Alvarion and its WiMax-certified BreezeMax platform to ensure high-quality broadband services for our customers," says Alphonzo Samuels, Telkom's executive officer for broadband technology.

Samuels adds the fixed-line operator is impressed with BreezeMax's extensive network trials.

Alvarion president and CEO Tzvika Friedman says: "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."

Steven Hayward, managing executive for Telkom Retail Marketing, previously said the WiMax network will provide coverage primarily for peri-urban areas, but will also cover urban areas where it is required to complement Telkom's DSL footprint.

Telkom also previously said its WiMax network would provide "fair" access to broadband. However, it has refused to define what is meant by "fair", or how its WiMax offering will be priced opposite its ADSL product.