Telkom to continue with WiMax
In June 2007 Telkom became the first South African telecoms operator to launch WiMax when it rolled out its 802.16d (fixed WiMax) offerings. The service was mainly aimed at complimenting its existing ADSL products by expanding Telkom’s broadband footprint in areas where the provider did not have copper infrastructure.
Two years down the line Telkom announced that it is reviewing its WiMax strategy and had stopped signing up new WiMax subscribers ‘in some areas’. This ‘WiMax freeze’ started speculation that Telkom may be ditching its WiMax plans, focusing its attention on its mobile W-CDMA network.
Telkom however denies these rumours, saying that it has completed its WiMax review and has confirmed that it remains a viable solution for many areas where there is no copper infrastructure, especially where copper cables have been stolen.
“Telkom will therefore continue to exploit WiMax to serve its customers where it is the most suitable technology. Telkom is also selectively rolling out a W-CDMA network to provide both voice and broadband data services,” the company said.
Telkom has also confirmed that it will continue to roll out new WiMax towers in areas where it makes sense. While its W-CDMA rollout may influence the company’s initial WiMax strategy, Telkom is confident that WiMax still has a role to play in the company’s future.
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