Wireless broadband provider WIRUlink will be expanding its wireless Internet coverage to the outskirt cities of Nigel and Heidelberg as well as the additional surrounding areas.
According to the company, this is part of its ongoing strategy to increasing its wireless Internet coverage to include various outlying regions across the country.
"There is no denying that the digital divide remains a reality in SA. In fact, a number of reports indicate that it is more noticeable between major metros and non-metro areas, and between different cities and provinces. Such findings indicate the need for service providers to help improve access to affordable connectivity, even in semi-remote or remote areas," says Riaan Maree, chief technical officer at WIRUlink. "We will continue to expand our network nationally to provide connectivity to other areas of South Africa, that we may not currently service. At present we have a 90% network coverage in Gauteng and for the coming two years we aim to diversify the business to reach these outskirt areas."
Established in 2010 by brothers Riaan and Jaco Maree, WIRUlink has largely serviced the needs of consumers in and around urban areas. However, apart from the Heidelberg and Nigel development, the company says it has also earmarked other smaller towns, which will be rolled out during the first half of 2018.
"Internet access and connectivity has, for a long time, been a contentious topic in SA, largely driven by discussions around affordability. As such, the onus is on us, as service providers, to lead the way and use our expertise to make access to high quality connectivity a priority, even in smaller and underdeveloped regions - a key reason behind our decision to include outlying regions into our expansion strategy," says Maree.
He adds that the move to expand to outlaying cities does not however translate to an inferior service. "We will continue to give exceptional customer service using the best technology available to deliver services to these end-users. Customer service is what we believe differentiates us from the market, as well as drives positive brand association and generation. In a tougher market, it is key to ensure that you are not only trying to grow your business and putting the right measures and spend in place to do so but, very importantly, that you are retaining your base. Good service forms a key pillar to such retention and can make the difference between sustained business and losing market share.
"We are excited about our move into these regions, as they present an opportunity to bridge the connectivity gap by ensuring that households, irrespective of location, can benefit from fast, reliable and affordable internet access," noted Maree.
Development of the core network infrastructure in Nigel and Heidelburg is expected to commence as of 1 February 2018.
Share