Telkom will provide Absa Bank with a VSAT satellite networking solution for the bank`s 1 200 remote ATM machines in almost 800 sites, according to Telkom`s satellite equipment supplier, Hughes Network Systems (HNS).
The roll-out started at the beginning of the year, and is expected to be completed next year.
According to Karl Keppke, HNS regional sales manager for English-speaking Africa, the bank selected the satellite solution as it allowed it to "follow the feet", moving an underused ATM to a new location in three days instead of the previous three month installation time.
The Absa network uses Hughes` PES 5000 technology, which can provide two-way data, voice and multimedia transmissions and one-way video communications.
"Because of the size of the ATM roll-out, economies of scale meant that using VSAT would actually be more efficient and cost-effective than using landline based networks," comments Kobus Eloff, Telkom SA`s senior account manager for Absa.
Sanet Geldenhuys, Absa`s project manager for the VSAT ATM installation, says Telkom has committed to 99.5% availability and zero network downtime on the system.
Keppke says total cost of ownership is usually the biggest factor that customers consider when purchasing a satellite solution over a terrestrial one. He says this project will represent the largest Hughes network in the region on a site-basis, with 735 sites.
Share
