Greater Durban residents can now join the broadband wireless (BBW) revolution that is opening up the Internet to consumers that want high speed, always-on portable broadband services.
The Durban switch-on was announced on 5 March by Sentech, the local enabler of affordable Internet and intranet access, thanks to ICASA for awarding the company a licence to provide multimedia services. This technology company is better known to consumers as Africa's largest signal carrier for TV and radio. Sentech is also a member of the global Universal Mobile Telephony Service Time Division Duplexing (UMTS TDD) alliance and is expecting to host the first UMTS alliance conference later this year.
Sentech's affordable BBW service - MyWireless - has already been successfully deployed in some suburbs of Johannesburg, Midrand and Pretoria.
MyWireless provides high-speed, always-on Internet access via regulated, secure and high-powered radio frequency.
With Durban consumers now switching on to Sentech MyWireless, the stage is set for the extension of BBW Internet access to Cape Town and its suburbs by the middle of this year.
Sentech uses Internet Protocol-based technology that makes true portable long-range wireless connectivity possible for the first time in SA.
Previously, Internet users relied on fixed telephone lines, WiFi (short-range, tightly focused wireless fidelity that still required a telephone link and uses an unregulated frequency) or General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) that use cellular telephony and can be expensive.
MyWireless uses high-powered radio networks. High-site transmitters send out signals, which are converted by a modem (USB or PCMCIA) supplied in the MyWireless kit. The modem can be attached to virtually any desktop or notebook computer. Software is self-installable via CD (enclosed in the kit) in a few easy steps.
To accommodate first time users, terminology in the user manual is written in layman's language.
After an initial start-up fee, a flat monthly subscription is charged.
The MyWireless service is currently offered by Sentech directly but within two months will also be available via a network of designated 'retail partners' and selected Sentech Broadband shops. These will be located in Gateway - Durban, MenlynPark - Pretoria, Village Walk - Johannesburg and Canal Walk - Cape Town.
MyWireless' reception extends to a 5.7km radius of a high site in built-up areas. The quality of reception is influenced by the topology in the coverage area.
Potential users can check if they are within the MyWireless zone by visiting the Sentech Web site (www.sentech.co.za), clicking the MyWireless icon and hitting the 'coverage' button. A Sentech helpline (0860 7368324) is also available for enquiries.
Even if users reside within these suburbs, it is imperative they check that their specific street address falls within the coverage zone using the "zone locator" on the Sentech Web site or by calling the Sentech call centre at 0860 7368324.
A range of MyWireless accessories such as Ethernet cables and patch antennas will also be available in April.
A month ago when Sentech introduced MyWireless in Gauteng, a bundled service comprising the Sentech modem or PCMCIA card, an access connection and unlimited Internet usage for a fixed monthly fee was offered. Sentech is proud to announce that in the near future the company will offer an unbundled package whereby customers can purchase the modem separately and only pay for service fees. Watch the press for further details.
Sentech's MyWireless 128 is aimed at the residential market. Two even faster products, MyWireless 256 and MyWireless 512, are aimed at small and medium business owners. Anyone interested can apply online through the Sentech Web site.
"The arrival of the high-speed, always-on and portable Internet access has been eagerly awaited, and the launch of MyWireless makes it more vital than ever that users check their options before signing or renewing Internet contracts. MyWireless creates a choice of price and technology. We believe Durban consumers will welcome the choice and the benefits," noted Marcel Raath, Sentech Group Executive, Marketing and Sales.
Durban areas covered by MyWireless high-site transmitters are: Durban North, Saratoga, Sea Cow Lake, The Bluff, Sunningdale, Malpark and Chartwell.
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