The Constantia FTTH Thread

[richardeb]

I live at the top of Constantia, off Rhodes Drive. When I came home from work yesterday there were guys laying down the fibre just outside my house.

So from the point from where they have connected that up, anyone have any ideas how long it would be before I can actually order installation?

 

[jackshiels]

I live at the top of Constantia, off Rhodes Drive. When I came home from work yesterday there were guys laying down the fibre just outside my house.

So from the point from where they have connected that up, anyone have any ideas how long it would be before I can actually order installation?

That's Telkom fibre (we are getting both).

It's up to you wether or not you want to go with Telkom. They have longer contracts, are more expensive and have less choice. However, you will be able to order from them very soon.

Your area will be completed sometime before June next year by Link Africa, on the other hand. They begin construction next Monday.

 

[richardeb]

Yeah look, ideally I'd choose not to go with Telkom. My ADSL line is so bad though, so if I could get it 6 months earlier I'd probably go with them due to desperation!

For the first 24 months anyway, after that I'd definitely switch over!

 

[p51mustang]

Thanks for the feedback.

So the City has still not come to the party regarding the use of the existing sewer infrastructure. Hope the increased cost of trenching does not have a negative impact on the prices.

 

[jackshiels]

Thanks for the feedback.

So the City has still not come to the party regarding the use of the existing sewer infrastructure. Hope the increased cost of trenching does not have a negative impact on the prices.

The sewer process should be approved by 9 December. No price changes will be happening.

Yeah look, ideally I'd choose not to go with Telkom. My ADSL line is so bad though, so if I could get it 6 months earlier I'd probably go with them due to desperation!

For the first 24 months anyway, after that I'd definitely switch over!

Understandable!

 

[squirrel]

What's my best bet for just off Doordrift Rd? Moving in next week, thinking of ordering 20mbps VDSL for now.

 

[jackshiels]

Update: the wayleaves for the trenching will be issued this week. All trench based homes should be passed on the Main Road by the end of November (300 houses). The backhaul from Constantia Village needs to be set up to handle this - no ETA on that yet. It remains up in the air if installation = connection for the moment (although there is no reason to doubt they will have it ready in time).

I'm quite excited as I fall under that umbrella. Woohoo!

I'll be posting screenshots of the installation when it happens.

What's my best bet for just off Doordrift Rd? Moving in next week, thinking of ordering 20mbps VDSL for now.

I believe Doordrift is the last to be installed zone, sorry

They are expecting by June next year. VDSL is probably the best solution for now.

 

[ipodmusicman]

How long did it take for the CoCT to issue the wayleaves?

 

[jackshiels]

How long did it take for the CoCT to issue the wayleaves?

They were working on those for a while I believe (months). I think it was slower because of the complexity of the overall network, however.

 

[jackshiels]

Trenching has begun! I'll post a picture soon.

 

[jackshiels]

Here we go!

I spoke to the guys and they said two weeks for completion to the first 300 homes.

 

[PostManPat]

Here we go!

I spoke to the guys and they said two weeks for completion to the first 300 homes.

Is Telkom currently busy by ladies mile side? Saw a huge trench from Constantia village entrance past the church.

 

[jackshiels]

Is Telkom currently busy by ladies mile side? Saw a huge trench from Constantia village entrance past the church.

I think that may be Telkom yes. Link Africa are also connecting to a backhaul link from Constantia Village so it might be that too...

 

[ajules]

Saw the 11th Nov update on the status page.Not sure what that means given the subsequent posts in this thread?

 

[jackshiels]

Saw the 11th Nov update on the status page.Not sure what that means given the subsequent posts in this thread?

I personally am getting installed tomorrow. I'll be active by 11 Dec.

As for those in the non-trenched areas, the city council seems determined to delay things further. Hardly democratic at all.

On another update, MWEB has announced they will be supplying FTTH over our network.

Here are all the packages: http://www.frogfootfibre.com/Home/Home/Packages. I see MWEB have launched 50Mb with 200GB data for R749!

 

[squirrel]

I can't even get a working fixed line and ADSL installed Transfer was on 05/11. Still waiting..

 

[jackshiels]

Photos of install (more coming, it is a 3 day install because of the length).

 

[p51mustang]

I personally am getting installed tomorrow. I'll be active by 11 Dec.

So, are you active?

 

[jackshiels]

So, are you active?

They finished blowing the fibre up the tubing today - now we are waiting for DFA to activate the link from Constantia Village to Teraco.

Then I need Vox to bring the router and I'm good to go. Tiny delay but should be active very very soon. I'll post here when it goes live.

 

[Chris.Geerdts]

More of Link Africa's smooth sales talk. Activation is always 'imminent'. They can't blame the Teraco backhaul delays on the council.

At least you have the home install completed. Great news.

Would be cool to come and check it out when you are done. They came close enough to us but our road needs the council now.