Network antennas to improve smart meter communication
Cellphone network company, MTN is in the process of deploying antennas on street lamps and pole masts to improve network coverage and quality.
This comes after The Gazette reported on smart meters and how bad cellphone reception in many of the Joburg North areas had resulted in the remote readings not being sent.
The density of the buildings around west and northern Johannesburg has impacted negatively on network coverage and quality.
According to Ward 117 councillor Tim Truluck, many of the technical hitches that had been experienced by the smart meters could be contributed to the bad cellphone reception which resulted in communication problems between the Customer Interface Units and the meters.
To improve reception, City Power has awarded MTN a three-year contract to deploy antennas on street light poles, and erect purpose-built pole masts with zero visual impact around west and northern Johannesburg.
According to MTN, the cellphone network company has had to consider innovative ways of deploying its infrastructure due to the difficulties experienced in installing conventional base stations in these areas.
Eben Albertyn, chief technology officer of MTN South Africa, said customers would experience a noticeable difference in the quality of service when the project was completed.
“The deployment of this solution will have immense benefits for our customers who will begin to experience improved network coverage, faster internet speeds, better voice and data experience and wi-fi fall-back once users becomes mobile.
“This will also lay the firm foundations for future deployment of fiber to the home (FTTH) network.”
The deployment commenced last week with the installation of a pole site in Bryanston.
Other areas targeted include a number of neighbourhoods in Randburg, Fourways, Bryanston and Saxonworld.
MTN expects to complete the first phase of this project in the next four months. The second phase of the project will be determined by customer requirements.
