Wireless broadband operator iBurst has switched on a commercial WiMax network, following extensive trials, and 120 WiMax base stations are already live in the major metropolitan areas (Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town).
Plans are to expand the network to 250 base stations by the end of 2009.
iBurst head of integration Steve Briggs explains the iBurst WiMax offering will run off Vodacom's existing network, which will give the service an immediate wide area of coverage.
“We have a commercial relationship with Vodacom and the WiMax service will be offered directly through us, as well as through Vodacom.”
This, says Briggs, will allow iBurst to get around the shortage of physical sites for base stations for its wireless network. The company previously cited this as the biggest hindrance to increasing its customer base.
“That is still a problem with regards to securing sites for our base stations. If you take into account environmental and compliance issues, it can take up to two years to secure a site,” says Briggs, but adds that the Vodacom agreement means the WiMax roll-out will not be affected.
Target market
iBurst WiMax is a next-generation technology, offering a wireless alternative to fixed-line services such as leased-line offerings.
Briggs says the plan is to target the leased-line market, which relies on copper lines, and is often frustrated by the slow rate of service roll-out. “This should give us a huge subscriber base,” he says. He would, however, not be drawn on specific WiMax subscriber targets.
The high-gain directional antennas used in the roll-out of the WiMax network cover the major urban centres near potential corporate customers.
"The arrival of the commercial WiMax service will help to spur competition in the South African telecoms environment by giving customers a viable alternative to leased-line and ADSL services. Whether customers deploy it as a replacement or as a backup for a fixed-line service, they will be pleased by the speeds, cost and reliability that our WiMax service will give them," says iBurst CEO Thami Mtshali.
Included in the cost for the services are Internet access, line rental, WiMax modem, antenna and a Cisco router and static IP address.
Following the trial period, iBurst has made a number of upgrades and enhancements to the WiMax solution, the company says. Included in these was a software upgrade for the WiMax device, reduction in size of the antennas and network enhancements to ensure quality of service.
iBurst was originally issued with WiMax spectrum by the Independent Communications Authority of SA in July 2006.
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