Gated estates lead pack with hi-tech services
It is now easier to gain access to cutting edge technology, such as broadband Internet, optical fibre voice telephony and pay TV in gated communities than elsewhere.
Research company BMI Technology last week released a report, “Multiple Play Opportunities in the Gated Communities Market”, that showed that property developers across the world are including converged data, and voice and multimedia services in their developments.
Carolyn Falconer, senior telecoms analyst for the company and co-author of the report, said that new residential developments can be provided with access to multiple-play services through technologies such as fibre-optic cable, powerline communications, DSL and wireless applications.
A fibre solution provides the largest-capacity backbone for broadband solutions in new gated estates and is the preferred technology globally and in South Africa.
Falconer said: “South Africa is at the bottom of the wave in terms of such double, triple and multiple play services being incorporated into new gated estates.
“Developers tend to be wary of new trends and the costs involved. By and large, they do not have the mentality of wanting to be in the networking business, and so the installation of networks or the sale of the corresponding services is not considered.
“But, as consumer demand for multiple-play services in gated estates increases, developers will have to change their mindset and begin incorporating such technologies and their corresponding services into their developments from day one.”
A small number of gated estates are installing optical fibre. Developers who have deployed an optical fibre networks will be able to use it as a differentiator in selling their properties.
Srinivasa Addepalli, corporate strategy executive for Tata Communications, said that many fibre optic networks in South Africa were nearing completion.
“Providing services will be easier for gated communities because the roll-out for them is targeted.
“Bringing fibre to individual houses is a bit more cumbersome.”
MTN announced that it would complete its 5000km fibre optic network by the end of this year. Installation of Neotel’s 1300km network around Gauteng is under way.
Harjit Singh, Neotel’s principal executive officer, said: “We are making good progress with our fibre project. We’ve got a network linking the major cities of South Africa and we’re still busy with the intracity network.
“It’s much easier to lay cable on highways and to large organisations because it takes more time to get approval for the installation for individual properties.”
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