Telkom has confirmed its planned “network freeze” will not include customer repairs and installations.
Earlier this week, the company notified high level customers that it would not conduct any planned maintenance or upgrades to its network during the 2010 Fifa World Cup. The statement resulted in many service providers concerned for their clients.
However, Telkom has now clarified that if customers are experiencing trouble during the soccer spectacle, Telkom will continue to run repairs and installations.
Telkom's senior managing executive for wholesale and networks, Bashier Sallie, says the network freeze period is an industry best practice that is usually implemented during peak retail periods. “Telkom has previously implemented similar measures during the Fifa Confederations Cup and other major events that were held in SA,” he adds.
He says Telkom will put a hold on planned service on the core transmission network as a protective measure. “It is implemented to ensure that special events, like the upcoming 2010 Fifa World Cup, are delivered across a network architecture that is secure, stable and resilient.”
According to Sallie, Telkom clients should not be concerned and not anticipate any service disruptions.
Telkom shares government's sentiment on a hold on large projects, with government putting a freeze on infrastructure development within a 5km radius of each stadium being used for the World Cup.
Companies like Cell C and Johannesburg broadband business Bwired will not be allowed to deploy their fibre projects in these areas until the middle of August. Bwired says the infrastructure restrictions have been put in place to prevent street ditches from becoming hazardous to tourists.
The infrastructure roll-out freeze started at the beginning of this month.
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