Convergence of various technologies are driving telecommunication development in South Africa, Reuben September, Telkom`s Deputy Managing Executive, Technology and Network Services said in Johannesburg yesterday. He was speaking yesterday at a two-day Conference on Solutions to Rural Telecoms Delivery.
While wireless local loop systems like DECT are making a major impact on connectivity in rural areas of South Africa, these systems are only a few of the technological developments Telkom is utilising in meeting its licence obligations. The increasing capacity of fibre optic networks, the growing powers of computers, the explosive growth of satellite communications and other broadband developments are major influencing factors.
Customers are communicating and competing globally, and demanding systems that allow them to traverse the globe on the information super highway. Data is also a major driver of technology, with data traffic volumes growing exponentially as businesses strive for more and more information. Telkom is already investing heavily in fibre which will match the growth in demand, using SDH (Synchronous Digital Hierarchy) transmission systems and technologies such as ATM ( Asynchronous Transfer Mode) .
These developments give a new meaning to terminology like " universal service". Today it means providing a telephone for everyone, tomorrow it will mean giving access to high speed circuits that will place the world of the Internet, e-commerce and global education at the finger tips of everyone, irrespective of how remote they may live from metropolitan centres. The quest for bandwidth will by no means be limited to business only.
"Telkom is continually reviewing its roll-out programme taking latest technological developments into account", said September. "This is being made possible because of the foresight our planners and engineers have shown in their planning. They selected DECT as the wireless local loop system of choice at this time, knowing that new developments are already on the drawing boards in the world`s telecommunications laboratories. Planning must take account of these rapid developments and facilitate the incorporation of new systems without the need to completely overhaul the network every time. "We must be able to converge the current with the future"
Telecommunication helps to create wealth. Improved penetration of telecommunications creates more economic activity, it grows the customer base for corporates which in itself stimulates wealth creation. Telecommunications must thus be seen as one of the most important economic drivers in South Africa. "With Telkom`s extensive roll-out and modernisation programme, the company is making major investments in the future growth of the country and the creation of wealth for both individuals and business. This coupled with our major thrust in network rehabilitation and expansion will ensure that business needs are also catered for now and in the future" Reuben September said.
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