Service provider to improve connectivity

For the duration of the project, a select few City Power streetlights will be replaced with MTN posts with antennas to improve signal reception. The project is a result of a tender awarded to the cellular company.

The project, according to Eben Albertyn, began in Bryanston on 14 August and will be rolled out over the next four months across various areas in Johannesburg.

“We decided to embark on this project because we realised that connectivity issues in Sandton are a serious concern and we wanted to amend that,” Albertyn said.

He explained the reason for poor reception in these suburbs, saying it was owing to the presence of buildings in the area, which interfered with signal reception.

Albertyn also explained the purpose of using existing streetlights instead of installing towers in most of the affected areas.

“Often it is difficult to place towers in areas such as Bryanston and in order to resolve the problem of signal issues, we opted to offer a solution for residents an unobtrusive way,” he said.

He said the operation would be implemented in areas starting in Midrand through to the N12. Furthermore, Albertyn stressed that once phase one of the project was completed, MTN customers would notice a difference in the connection.

“The connection will be done in any areas where it would be difficult for us to install towers; the intention is not to duplicate existing infrastructure.”

Other areas set to receive the antennas during phase one of the project include Parkwood, Westcliff, Saxonwold, Dunkeld West, Melrose and Fairlands.

For more information or to indicate interest in receiving the fibres, email: broadband@mtn.co.za