Innovative thinking and use of the advanced technology inherent in PhilipsiS1000 PABX systems has helped resolve perennial communications problems at Tiffendell - a ski resort high on the slopes of the Drakensberg.
With 80km of high-altitude travel needed to reach the nearest tar road and an area of over 100ha to cover, Tiffendell MD, Phillip van Eck, says communications have always been difficult. "And the lack of potential business across which Telkom can amortise its investment has also made it reticent about laying additional lines. We were given a 12-18 month waiting time."
Rapidly growing demand from guests - particularly in wintertime when snow is on the ground - put further pressure on the communications infrastructure as has the move to market summer hiking and riding activities more aggressively. Clearly a solution had to be found.
Enter local multimedia telecommunications reseller, Telenium. Raymond Smith, a consultant with the company takes up the tale. "This was clearly an application that required an innovative solution and one that employed some kind of wireless technology," he says.
After investigating several alternatives Smith proposed a deal including MTN, coupled with the installation of a Nokia Premicell to provide an additional three outgoing lines for the resort itself.
Everything is then hooked into the Philips iS1000 to provide a seamless interface for telephone users within the resort. "In addition, the network of Philips handsets connected to the PABX are equipped with speakers which allows the system to double as a public address intercom system covering the entire resort," he adds.
The use of cell lines also means reduced cost for long distances but also allows flexibility with moving the Premicell to other premises.
According to Van Eck, future plans for the resort are to extend cellular coverage to Vodacom subscribers and the installation of a network of pay-as-you-go public telephones for use by guests who have left their cell phones at home.
An aspect of the installation which intrigues the local Philips subsidiary is the fact that the resort is located 2720m above sea level. "This makes it the highest PABX in Africa, if not the world," says Terence Nel, iS1000 product manager at Philips SA.
On a more serious note, Nel says Telenium`s implementation at Tiffendell is indicative of the flexibility of the base product. "Who would have thought there was an alternative if Telkom cannot or will not provide lines to a remote location?"
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