In light of imminent ADSL speed increases by Telkom, local Internet service provider (ISP) Web Africa has launched an online tool that will allow customers to monitor line speeds and performance - as well as reset ports - without third-party intervention.
Web Africa says that, while faster ADSL speeds will yield benefits, consumers may be unaware of the improved service. “Since Telkom does not alert customers when the line speeds are increased, consumers could miss out on the opportunity to upgrade services at no cost.”
The ISP has consequently developed the ADSL Line Speed Optimiser, which allows Web Africa customers to check the health status of their line by using the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and attenuation values.
Tim Wyatt-Gunning, CEO of Web Africa, says if users know their ADSL line is performing, they can control and manage their Internet experience. “Knowing when your line has been upgraded also means you can act on the information and benefit from more attractive packages.”
Tool utility
“It also allows users to check line attenuation, which is the reduction of the signal strength on the copper cables over the distance and is measured in decibels. The further you are away from the Telkom exchange, the higher your attenuation as signal decreases.
“A user's router should provide them with an idea as to what the attenuation is, but the online tool is a much simpler way of accessing and viewing this data. Knowing the SNR means a user can call Telkom to address the problem, should the ratio be sub-par.”
The ISP adds that information garnered via the tool also gives the Web Africa technicians a better view of their customers' lines, which means they can quickly diagnose issues and offer support.
Wyatt-Gunning notes that local Internet users are becoming more informed and more technically savvy. “For those who would like to manage their accounts and connections, we are making it as simple as possible. Customers will now be able to maximise the additional speeds as a result of the Telkom upgrades and shift their packages and preferences to leverage the improvement.”
Telkom announced in June that it would institute ADSL performance upgrades, starting from August and rolled out progressively into September. At the time, the fixed-line incumbent said its “Up to 384kbps” customers would be upgraded to “Up to 1 024kbps”, while those with its “Up to 1 024kbps” ADSL would be upgraded to “Up to 2 048kbps” speeds.
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