Telkom plans faster bandwidth

Broadband users can look forward to faster bandwidth in the near future as Telkom`s plans to integrate voice, data and television (triple play) will drive the adoption of X-DSL technology and a shortening of the loop-link.

This is according to Telkom`s broadband executive officer, Alphonzo Samuels, who reveals Telkom is "doing lab tests on newer variants of X-DSL".

X-DSL refers to newer and faster variants of DSL, such as ADSL2, ADSL2+ and VDSL.

Samuels also confirms Telkom will appoint contractors to assist in shortening the loop-link, which stands at an average of 5.5km, compared to an international average of between 1.5 and 2km.

"We`re aiming to move the points of presence closer to the customer - the net result would be faster bandwidth."

Samuels explains that X-DSL and a shorter loop-link are necessary before Internet Protocol TV (IPTV), which is entering pilot stage, can be rolled-out.

"When one talks about video broadcasting, it`s obvious that higher bandwidth is required to get quality pictures to the viewer," he says.

"Telkom will embark on an IPTV trial with Microsoft and Alcatel, and once the trial is completed, a decision will be made on how to proceed further," says Samuels.

"But right now we`re still in the conceptual stage of deciding how we want to conduct the trial."

[VIDEO]He adds that the plan is to follow the Microsoft/Alcatel model that has been successful in other countries.

Samuels believes the ability to offer triple play services is crucial to the survival of any fixed-line telecoms company, citing the examples of France Telecom and British Telecom, which recognised the need to provide value-added services.

While admitting the second national operator`s (SNO`s) arrival influences Telkom`s strategy development "to an extent", he notes that Telkom would have looked towards offering triple play services anyway, denying the SNO is the catalyst for Telkom`s reconfiguration.

"Our ultimate aim is to have one million DSL customers within the next five years," he says. Telkom presently has slightly over 120 000 ADSL subscribers.

Samuels adds that if IPTV is to be launched as a fully-fledged service, it is likely that Internet service providers` capping policies require review.

There is a possibility that Telkom will buy a broadcast licence, he confirms, but declines to comment on who the potential content-providing partners would be.