Telkom is featuring its research and development achievements at the International Science, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (INSITE), at Gallagher Estate in Midrand, till Wednesday, 3 November.
Under the Telkom Laboratory banner, developments on show range from innovative software packages to practical items such as a patented manhole cover removal tools to simpler developments like taking care of the bird population affected by Telkom overhead wires.
Sociable weavers build nests on Telkom overhead lines, causing interruption of service. The Telkom labs researched the problem and implemented their findings - by attaching baskets to the poles for weavers to nest in, the interruption to lines would be minimal. "This is an environmentally friendly approach, that helps both Telkom and the birds," says Jac Barry, heading up the Telkom Laboratory. The solution is currently on display at INSITE.
Staff at the laboratories have been involved in a number of software developments aimed at automating various operating procedures. A recent example is the provisioning and assurance of ADSL services to speed up the operation. Many of these software packages are customer centric, aimed at streamlining operations.
Another interesting application on show is a manhole cover lifting-tool locally designed for one person to lift a 120kg concrete filled cover. Telkom utilises heavy manhole covers to discourage would-be fraudsters from entering the manholes to tap lines or steal cables.
On the safety side, the labs developed a fire beacon that prioritises incoming fire alarms and activates a highly visible display in the supervisor`s office. This is a local innovation at the service of employee safety.
A number of new systems have been developed locally to assist in fault diagnosis and proactive routine management. The advantages of local development is the solutions are home-grown and specific to South African conditions, local economy is stimulated and SA is recognised as an innovative telecommunications country.
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