SADV Installation Feedback/Progress for Estates/Complexes

I have found SADV to lack within the communications department. Our complex was extremely excited to receive their services, however we have not heard from them in over a month - a real disappointment. They simply did not make the effort to make time for a site survey despite the Trustees signing an agreement.
 
oliverwww said:
I have found SADV to lack within the communications department. Our complex was extremely excited to receive their services, however we have not heard from them in over a month - a real disappointment. They simply did not make the effort to make time for a site survey despite the Trustees signing an agreement.
Click to expand...
Is your estate listed here - http://www.signup.sadv.co.za/

You should be able to get a status update from there every week or so. I usually just called them to find out what's happening when the status didn't update in a while...
 
Agree @oliverwww it got pretty frustrating. I escalated, and assisted with getting things done quicker.

Our estate isn't listed yet on http://www.signup.sadv.co.za/ , probably because the Trustees need to sign off on final build plan. Not entirely sure and what part of the process an estate features on that site.
 
A general question on SADV - Do they trench in the same was as Vumatel? In the "sidewalk" of the estate?

Or does the estate have to have manholes and conduits already in place?
 
greg_SA said:
A general question on SADV - Do they trench in the same was as Vumatel? In the "sidewalk" of the estate?

Or does the estate have to have manholes and conduits already in place?
Click to expand...

We will try to use existing infrastructure as much as possible. If it isn't there, or isn't usable, then we will trench, either in soil or by lifting paving. We prefer to trench, as then we know what we are dealing with. Existing infrastructure invariably presents problems at some point and delays the build, or requires us to trench anyway if ducts have collapsed or are blocked. But we will try to use existing sleeves first.
 
Update 28 August 2017

June 7th - Contacted pinball wizard from SADV after noticing potential DFA coverage, details from this thread.
June 7th- Received Proposal from SADV, to be signed by Trustees of Estate.
June 8th - Initiated discussion with Trustees of Estate, with motivation for fibre.
June 14th - Trustees in agreement, signed proposal. Sent off to SADV.
June 30th - SADV Conducted low-level survey of the estate.
August 14th - Meeting planned with Trustees for installation discussion. Feasibility study completed from SADV side.
August 28th - Kick off Meeting completed with third party installation company and Trustee at Tuscany Village. Method of installation discussed.

Next: To call residents and schedule, project plan to be sent through.
 
Anyone care to share feedback on SADV?

General responsiveness to queries, support, general line uptime, any problems, etc.

Our complex is being given the runaround by Openserve and we're contemplating the SADV route instead. However, they have generally poor Google reviews (albeit a small sample size) and since there are probably a few clients here, I thought I'd try get some feedback.
 
Seeyou said:
Anyone care to share feedback on SADV?

General responsiveness to queries, support, general line uptime, any problems, etc.

Our complex is being given the runaround by Openserve and we're contemplating the SADV route instead. However, they have generally poor Google reviews (albeit a small sample size) and since there are probably a few clients here, I thought I'd try get some feedback.
Click to expand...

We have many clients on the SADV network, and have had very little network related issues.
 
Seeyou said:
Anyone care to share feedback on SADV?

General responsiveness to queries, support, general line uptime, any problems, etc.

Our complex is being given the runaround by Openserve and we're contemplating the SADV route instead. However, they have generally poor Google reviews (albeit a small sample size) and since there are probably a few clients here, I thought I'd try get some feedback.
Click to expand...

Hi there. I can give you feedback from what my experience has been, for the stages I've highlighted in the progress summary. Initially there were a few communication challenges, but since then they've been great. We're liaising with their third party installers and they too seem decent. Time will tell if they manage to stick to project plans etc. Might be a challenge to get a full buy in from residents, but it's a hot topic at the AGM this evening.

As for service, a few members replied much earlier in this thread of their overall experience with SADV.
 
gmathews said:
I've sent them 3 emails since last week. Called their office looking for Gordon and left him messages as well. These okes don't know how to communicate in my experience thus far. Seems like you need to keep escalating up levels to get any replies. Going to have to do it, once again.
Click to expand...

That's SADV. Don't answer phones, switchboard keeps putting you through, but no answer. When they feel like it, they will call you.
 
Update 05 September:

June 7th - Contacted pinball wizard from SADV after noticing potential DFA coverage, details from this thread.
June 7th- Received Proposal from SADV, to be signed by Trustees of Estate.
June 8th - Initiated discussion with Trustees of Estate, with motivation for fibre.
June 14th - Trustees in agreement, signed proposal. Sent off to SADV.
June 30th - SADV Conducted low-level survey of the estate.
August 14th - Meeting planned with Trustees for installation discussion. Feasibility study completed from SADV side.
August 28th - Kick off Meeting completed with third party installation company and Trustee at Tuscany Village. Method of installation discussed.
August 29th - AGM/House Owners Association meeting - Fibre installation agreed on to proceed
September 04th - All Home owners informed that fibre installation to formally commence on September 11th. ETA for build phase completion = 17 October.
 
Last edited:
Any progress on this? Did the installation start in September as planned and if so how has it been in terms of disruptions and digging up the place, etc.?
 
Update 12 October:

June 7th - Contacted pinball wizard from SADV after noticing potential DFA coverage, details from this thread.
June 7th- Received Proposal from SADV, to be signed by Trustees of Estate.
June 8th - Initiated discussion with Trustees of Estate, with motivation for fibre.
June 14th - Trustees in agreement, signed proposal. Sent off to SADV.
June 30th - SADV Conducted low-level survey of the estate.
August 14th - Meeting planned with Trustees for installation discussion. Feasibility study completed from SADV side.
August 28th - Kick off Meeting completed with third party installation company and Trustee at Tuscany Village. Method of installation discussed.
August 29th - AGM/House Owners Association meeting - Fibre installation agreed on to proceed
September 04th - All Home owners informed that fibre installation to formally commence on September 11th. ETA for build phase completion = 17 October.
October 12th - Construction starting today. Issues with home owners who were opposed to fibre installation delayed the process, this has been resolved. So delays are from the Estate's side this time around. Estimated time for completion = 1 month - so November 12th
 
Last edited:
Friggs said:
Any progress on this? Did the installation start in September as planned and if so how has it been in terms of disruptions and digging up the place, etc.?
Click to expand...

We had issues with a home owner who opposed the fibre installation (he wasn't part of AGM) and was worried about destruction of his garden. This issue took time to resolve, but it has been, and they are beginning the installation today (I saw barricading being put up yesterday already).
 
gmathews said:
We had issues with a home owner who opposed the fibre installation (he wasn't part of AGM) and was worried about destruction of his garden. This issue took time to resolve, but it has been, and they are beginning the installation today (I saw barricading being put up yesterday already).
Click to expand...

Thanks for the update, I have a feeling we will run into similar issues with certain home owners so it's something I should be prepared for.

Will keep an eye on this thread though to see how it progresses while I start with everything on my side.
 
gmathews said:
We had issues with a home owner who opposed the fibre installation (he wasn't part of AGM) and was worried about destruction of his garden. This issue took time to resolve, but it has been, and they are beginning the installation today (I saw barricading being put up yesterday already).
Click to expand...
Those people forget that house values increase, I don't think the value of your house Will increase if you have a small garden
 
Friggs said:
Thanks for the update, I have a feeling we will run into similar issues with certain home owners so it's something I should be prepared for.

Will keep an eye on this thread though to see how it progresses while I start with everything on my side.
Click to expand...

Sure. Some learnings which could be done differently and could have made it quicker:

a) Not everyone attends the House Owners/AGM meeting, so it's up to you to decide on a communication plan to get others up to speed.
b) The more information to the residents, the better, so that they can make an informed decision.
c) If you want the example of the letters of motivation I've written, drop me a PM
d) The crux is to lead and manage the change, it's a lot more difficult with older residents, depends on the estate/complex you're in. (e.g. a typical reply is "I have WiFi I don't need this")
 
gmathews said:
Sure. Some learnings which could be done differently and could have made it quicker:

a) Not everyone attends the House Owners/AGM meeting, so it's up to you to decide on a communication plan to get others up to speed.
b) The more information to the residents, the better, so that they can make an informed decision.
c) If you want the example of the letters of motivation I've written, drop me a PM
d) The crux is to lead and manage the change, it's a lot more difficult with older residents, depends on the estate/complex you're in. (e.g. a typical reply is "I have WiFi I don't need this")
Click to expand...

Hey that would be brilliant thanks, will drop you a PM shortly.

Yeah we actually have an issue with certain home owners who just don't bother attending the AGM or other meetings but then throwing their toys when decisions are made and plans implemented! They are going to be the ones giving me a headache. It will definitely have to be my project to keep on top of as the others generally push anything tech related my way but I'm fine with that.

PM incoming.
 
Sumen said:
Those people forget that house values increase, I don't think the value of your house Will increase if you have a small garden
Click to expand...

Exactly. But he has one of those massive gardens with his lawn being green 24/7/365 with some old trees around. So I do get his point, but the communication could have been better.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X