The Constantia FTTH Thread

[jackshiels]

Hi all,

So we're looking at using Frogfoot/LinkAfrica for our estate in PTA East as well. Is there somebody in the Constantia project I can chat to about your experience so far? We've already received proposals from multiple providers and need to pick the one we wish to use.

Then one of the biggest questions: how likely is the sewer system to block once you install the fibre optical cables in there?

See PM.

 

[p51mustang]

Then one of the biggest questions: how likely is the sewer system to block once you install the fibre optical cables in there?

I'm pretty sure that the sewers are not prone to blocking, otherwise it would not be such a popular method of laying down fibre so quickly in Europe.

 

[ebendl]

See PM.

Thanks Jack, got it.

I'm pretty sure that the sewers are not prone to blocking, otherwise it would not be such a popular method of laying down fibre so quickly in Europe.

Do you know if there's stats to back this up?

Our committee has at least one lady who is not technologically inclined and who immediately saw raw pools of sewerage bubbling up in her garden when we mentioned we could put the cables inside the sewers. And if she things this then a lot of our users will think this.

I searched for LinkAfrica's FOCUS technology online (i.e. to see if there's studies done on it, or even just some videos / descriptions of how it work) but got very little.

 

[p51mustang]

The LinkAfrica presentation on the Constantia Fibre website, as well as LinkAfrica's website, details FOCUS, including photos and a description as to how the fibre is inserted into the pipes and precautions taken to prevent blockages.

 

[dotVIBE]

The LinkAfrica presentation on the Constantia Fibre website, as well as LinkAfrica's website, details FOCUS, including photos and a description as to how the fibre is inserted into the pipes and precautions taken to prevent blockages.

link?

 

[p51mustang]

http://constantiafibre.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/LinkAfrica-Frogfoot-presentation.pdf

http://www.linkafrica.co.za/technology/

 

[jackshiels]

Had a great stakeholders meeting yesterday - got to hear lots of cool technical information from all those involved. Exciting!

 

[Woofda]

Thanks for the update, Jack. Please keep us informed.

 

[The Philosopher]

Hi jackshiels

How many people did you get together for the constantia fibre project?

I am rallying troops in Hout Bay to approach the constantia fibre project to see if they are interested in extending to Hout Bay.

 

[jackshiels]

Hi jackshiels

How many people did you get together for the constantia fibre project?

I am rallying troops in Hout Bay to approach the constantia fibre project to see if they are interested in extending to Hout Bay.

Team size grew to about 6 or 7, but only a couple of us were truly active. PM me your email and I'll send our main guy your details.

 

[ebendl]

Team size grew to about 6 or 7, but only a couple of us were truly active. PM me your email and I'll send our main guy your details.

That sounds about the same as our team. Started at 15 people, came down to about 7 with 4 doing the most. I was the only one who attended every meeting.

Somebody told me that these things are usually accomplished by one person willing to sacrifice much, much of his/her time.

Can also say that most of my time (so far) went into arranging meetings with everybody (industry and the rest of our team) and actually attending those meeting.

 

[jackshiels]

That sounds about the same as our team. Started at 15 people, came down to about 7 with 4 doing the most. I was the only one who attended every meeting.

Somebody told me that these things are usually accomplished by one person willing to sacrifice much, much of his/her time.

Can also say that most of my time (so far) went into arranging meetings with everybody (industry and the rest of our team) and actually attending those meeting.

Our "dedicated guy" was Martin. He literally devoted every waking moment of his life to making this happen. Designed the website, campaigned, even flying to Durban today to present our process to other communities. The man is a legend.

 

[Chris.Geerdts]

Our "dedicated guy" was Martin. He literally devoted every waking moment of his life to making this happen. Designed the website, campaigned, even flying to Durban today to present our process to other communities. The man is a legend.

That is very much appreciated, as well as your own contribution. The timeframes for this project (so far) have been incredible - which people may not fully appreciate either.

 

[eddief1]

@jackshiels

What architecture did you guys settle on...PON or Active ethernet ? We also looking to get a project off the ground here.

 

[ebendl]

GPON as far as I understand. There's very few active ethernet installations.

 

[jackshiels]

@jackshiels

What architecture did you guys settle on...PON or Active ethernet ? We also looking to get a project off the ground here.

GPON. As far as I know Vumatel is the only provider in SA doing Active Ethernet distributions.

That is very much appreciated, as well as your own contribution. The timeframes for this project (so far) have been incredible - which people may not fully appreciate either.

Yes - the timeframe has been excellent...

 

[PostmanPot]

jackshiels, any news on MWEB's involvement/packages?

Which provider will you be going with?

I'll be seeing my first Telkom FTTH setup in Bishopscourt next week, looking forward to testing.

 

[jackshiels]

jackshiels, any news on MWEB's involvement/packages?

Which provider will you be going with?

I'll be seeing my first Telkom FTTH setup in Bishopscourt next week, looking forward to testing.

Not sure about the process itself, but apparently we'll be getting more info next week in regards to MWEB...

I am personally going with Vox. They offer a VoiP package and a lot of data. Prices aren't bad too. Naturally I will be posting my impressions when I'm online in July.

 

[PostmanPot]

Some MWEB discussion from here - http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthr...ack-Part-3?p=15224198&viewfull=1#post15224198.

Prices too high, may as well stick with my 10Mbps ADSL.

jackshiels, we both know that many people in Constantia use MWEB. Please do your best to get them to bring down prices and compete with the other providers. Otherwise MWEB will be losing clients.

 

[jackshiels]

Some MWEB discussion from here - http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthr...ack-Part-3?p=15224198&viewfull=1#post15224198.

Prices too high, may as well stick with my 10Mbps ADSL.

jackshiels, we both know that many people in Constantia use MWEB. Please do your best to get them to bring down prices and compete with the other providers. Otherwise MWEB will be losing clients.

Those aren't the Constantia prices. Mweb Guy has misdirected you to the Parkhurst page.

They have not officially revealed anything regarding packages over Frogfoot/Link Africa yet. It is likely they will be cheaper as our access fees are cheaper than Vumatels.

I personally am not involved in the ISP "courting" process, but the guys are on it.