Sentech has spent hundreds of millions of rands on new wireless technologies to offer broadband Internet access. New offerings will be launched in phases over the next six months.
As part of the broader wireless broadband strategy, Sentech will roll out 50-100 wireless fidelity (WiFi) hotspots in the near future. Negotiations with landlords and partners are being finalised.
WiFi, often referred to as wireless local network, is easy and cheap to deploy. The radio technology allows laptop or handheld computer users in the vicinity of a hotspot to access the Web or corporate networks at speeds of up to 11Mbps (50-100 times faster than a typical dial-up modem).
For Sentech, Wireless Broadband will complement its satellite Internet offerings, in particular those using Vsat technology, which requires only a small satellite dish for two-way communication. Sentech's hub can handle 8 000 terminals. Vsat customers include the Communications Department, leading banks, Post Office outlets and small businesses around the country.
Wireless broadband, based on the Internet Protocol, represents a paradigm shift in delivering multimedia services. Sentech's plan is to grow its broadband wireless network quickly by partnering with service providers, who in turn will offer services to end-users.
France's Alcatel is Sentech's primary "operating support system/business support system" integrator, supplying primarily the billing and customer-care components for the back office. Plessey is responsible for building the operational network and service delivery systems, including network monitoring and service-provisioning systems.
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