Fixed-line operator Telkom is restoring connections in the Yeoville area, after a blast ripped through its building last Wednesday.
The company, which has confirmed through an independent forensic investigation that the blast was gas-related, has so far restored critical services, such as to the South African Police Services, through alternate links.
Bashier Sallie, senior managing executive for networks, says the company is still looking into restoring other connections. The blast affected some voice, data, DSL and 60 mobile cellular operator links in the area.
Telkom has set up an exchange in a container, diagonally across the road from the existing exchange building, to cut over the critical mass of services. It has received permission from the government and authorities at local government level to set up the container on open land.
“Telkom's engineering teams are close to concluding their planning for this exercise,” says Sallie.
Various solutions
However, the company is unable to start removing rubble or fix the building yet, as it has been declared unsafe by the Department of Labour.
In the meantime, Telkom is looking at providing services through an adjacent exchange. Multiple data and voice services have already been restored through wireless, radio and satellite technologies.
Sallie says the time it will take to get all services back up and running will depend on what solutions Telkom will use. These solutions will be tailored depending on individual customer or customer segment needs.
“We are also in the process of fast-tracking and configuring the set-up of voicemail facilities for all existing voice customers, where possible. The voice mailbox can be accessed from any fixed or mobile telephone,” says Sallie.
In addition, in accordance with Telkom's standard procedures, pro rata rental credits for service interruptions that last longer than 24 hours will be automatically passed on to all affected customers, he says.
Two people were injured in the blast, both of whom are recovering. One, a security official, has already been discharged from hospital, while the other, a Telkom technician working in Yeoville, is still in a Johannesburg hospital.
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