Telkom's low-cost voice solution, a fixed-line prepaid service, will migrate away from a copper-based connection to a wireless fixed-line-look-alike (FLLA) technology within the next six months.
The new service will still be a prepaid option based on current pricing rates; however, these details are still being finalised.
Telkom communications head Jacqui O'Sullivan says: "Telkom's current fixed-line prepaid is a basic voice-only service that is traditionally provided on copper lines. This service has become increasingly challenging to maintain as a low-cost form of high-quality and sustainable voice services."
She said service outages are often caused by lightning, rain and - predominantly - copper cable theft. Telkom's FLLA option requires no copper as it is provided wirelessly.
The most recent Copper Theft Barometer released by the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry last year, reported the level increased from R12 million in August 2014, to R13.2 million in October 2014. The chamber warned copper theft was on the up over the short- to medium-term. The amount of stolen copper grew three tons to 176 tons over the course of a single month.
"Moving away from fixed-line copper cables will reduce the impact of lightning and rain on our infrastructure. In addition, by replacing copper cables with an alternate technology, we remove the element that is attracting copper cable thieves into our communities," says O'Sullivan.
"The regular replacement of copper cables is time-consuming and wasteful, particularly when the likelihood of a repeat theft is very high," she adds.
The prepaid customers that will move to the new solution will be given an FLLA device to use at no additional charge and will keep their geographic number. A new SMS function will also be added.
Telkom expects this migration to be completed within the next four to six months.
O'Sullivan points out changes to Telkom's prepaid services are limited to fixed-line services and there will be no amendments to Telkom's mobile prepaid services.
Share