Telkom investigates wireless

By Nicola Mawson for Telkom
Johannesburg, 20 Oct 2006

Telkom will begin deploying a wireless broadband network to complement its ADSL roll-out.

The company`s group executive for corporate communication, Lulu Letlape, says it seeks to "deploy the fixed version of WiMax in the short- to medium-term. Wireless technology will allow Telkom to cover those areas that do not have a fixed-line footprint."

At the end of March, it had 143 509 ADSL subscribers, representing growth of 146% year-on-year, and had seen data revenue growth of 15% to R6.65 million.

The company says it is looking at other opportunities, among which it aims to benefit from a trend towards convergence. Telkom, she says, has been converging its products and services to mobile products and services, creating fixed-mobile convergence.

"This allows Telkom to move forward alongside the mobile businesses and find ways for the two industries to complement each other to provide the best service to our increasingly sophisticated customer base."

It has also applied for a broadcast licence that, if successful, will enable the company to provide triple play and IPTV facilities.

Letlape says Telkom is growth-centred and continues to look for new growth opportunities. "We believe there are a few attractive opportunities in Africa. We have put a team in place to evaluate opportunities."

Among its criteria are aspects such as the potential for high penetration, data and fixed/mobile opportunities.