The Microcom range of ISDN and analogue modems have achieved both ICASA (Independent Communications Authority of South Africa) and Telkom approval.
This is in line with recent regulations, which state that all analogue modems sold in this country must be certified by both bodies - or else their use is illegal, and all ISDN modems to be certified by ICASA or their use is illegal.
Certification of all modems must now be clearly displayed on the units. The end-user will know that a modem has been certified if it carries an `ICASA-approved modem` sticker with the approval number. Ronny Russell, Microcom business development manager at Comztek, says the regulations give ICASA the right to search warehouses for non-approved modems and confiscate these subject to the products being certified at a later stage.
Russell points out that while some modems may have Telkom approval, they must also have ICASA approval - an entirely separate issue, and vice versa.
"Telkom certifies modems according to South African line conditions, which means that all tests are conducted to check for operability and reliability of modems on local telephone lines.
"For example, a Telkom certified modem provides a maximum of 4kV surge protection. All Microcom modems have over-voltage protection, which includes surge and lightning protection. In addition, the modem is supplied with a two-year swap-out warranty for surge damage," he adds.
Russell says there is a distinct difference between surge and lightning protection. "Lightning damage cannot always be identified as such. Therefore, it is imperative that a modem be sold with surge protection since no warranty will cover lightning damage," he says.
"The majority of modems distributed by Comztek are 4kV certified. The newer modems being shipped in the near future, which are the latest available from Microcom, will also be certified and fully compliant with ICASA and Telkom requirements," he concludes.
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