Telkom changed the article.... heres' the original...
29 September 2008
Johannesburg, South Africa
Telkom has deployed Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA), taking it a step closer towards enabling fully converged ICT solutions. W-CDMA is a Third Generation (3G) mobile technology that offers services like high-speed Internet access, video and high quality voice transmission. Telkom will initially focus on providing fixed-voice and fixed-mobile data and, in the near future, nomadic voice services. This offers customers choice and cost savings.
In announcing their core strategy of defending and growing revenues, Telkom also mentioned its ambitions to enter the fixed-mobile space with innovative product offerings. Pursuant to this strategic intent, the current piloting of W-CDMA voice services with selected customers is indicative of Telkom making good on its promise to provide this fixed-mobile service by end of September 2008. Fixed voice and fixed-mobile data services will be launched during October, with nomadic voice services becoming available later in the year. Telkom has appointed Huawei as a technology partner, to deploy its fixed-wireless and mobile data network on a turnkey basis. This speaks directly to the current capability management drive.
"Our revenues have been under significant pressure from declining voice services further impacted by the effects of copper cable theft. Three years ago, we announced we are investing in next generation network (NGN) based technologies to provide new generation customer services and products. It isn't about a single network but using various NGN technologies, such as W-CDMA, to provide customer-focused services", explains Motlatsi Nzeku, Telkom's Chief of Operations.
"Customers," added Nzeku, "are central to our core strategy, and we are addressing their needs by increased investment in customer centric technology that aims to enhance their experience with Telkom". He says that, telecommunications services are no longer just about innovative technologies, they are about matching these with customer demand, and this exciting new technology offers a unique response to customers' needs.
W-CDMA ensures sustained service assurance without relying on copper cables. For this reason W-CDMA will assist Telkom in satisfying a number of demands, including addressing the ongoing impact of cable theft. The technology is an alternative for areas where copper cables have been stolen and is also aligned to address areas where Telkom lacks a terrestrial access presence.
The W-CDMA voice services are at a customer pilot stage in Gauteng. There are currently 38 W-CDMA base stations within the Gauteng metropolitan area. Telkom plans to have in excess of 200 base stations by March 2009, primarily focusing on the Gauteng, Cape Town and Durban metropolitan areas.
W-CDMA based services would become available during October in the following areas:
Johannesburg Aasvoelkop, Benoni, Birchleigh, Bryanston, Fourways, Checktown Building, Halfway House Exchange, Honeydew, Isando, Kelvin, Krugersdorp, Robertsham, Sunninghill Park, Sunward Park, Wadeville, Lenasia, New Doornfontein, Bapsfontein, Mainreef
Pretoria Lukasrand, CSIR, Cable Hill, Midrand, Bashewa, Kameeldrif East & West, Erasmusrand, Voortrekkerhoogte, Highveld, Elarduspark, Soshanguve, Silverton, Cosmos, Themba, Fairfield, Pretoria North, Rosslyn
Vereeniging Langerand
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"The Company is acutely aware that customers' forced migration to mobile services, has been one of the unintended consequences of service interruption due to copper cable theft and have imposed relatively higher costs to the data and telecommunication aspects of their day to day business. It is therefore our opinion that, since not everyone needs full mobility; and associated costs, cost-effective nomadic voice and data services will fit the requirements of many customers," concludes Nzeku.
W-CDMA is designed to address a clear need for increased cost effective mobility within the ICT sector. Telkom is on the move - here, there and everywhere.
