Various suburbs are at different stages of their fibre optic development. While some have recently endorsed a service provider, other suburbs are drawing close to the complete installation of their new fibre optic infrastructure.
Most residents’ associations cite that safety is their primary reason – and fast internet is a positive byproduct of the undertaking.
The Craigpark Residents’ Association and CSS Tactical launched the installation phase of their fibre optic network which began in October.
The independent fibre optic installation in Johannesburg’s northern suburbs does have the potential to take away business from Telkom. And this past, week residents in the Craighall area noted that Telkom had started upgrading fibre optic infrastructure in Talbrager Avenue.
Telkom’s contract representative, Blackie Swart, confirmed that they would be working in Craighall for the next month, explaining that it would be a combination of building along the telephone lines and digging up parts of pavements, depending on the infrastructure. He also acknowledged that rain would delay the upgrade process, however Swart could not confirm if Craighall Park would also be subject to Telkom upgrades.
Ricky Croock, chief executive officer of CSS Tactical does speculate that Telkom’s involvement in the area may be for competitive reasons, however he remained confident as the CSS fibre optic project was a community initiative.
He said Telkom’s upgrade of the infrastructure would have no impact on their networks. “We can expect the camera system to go live on 16 December,” said Croock.
Emphasising that the fibre optic installation spearheaded by CSS was for security reasons, and that when it came to offering an internet connection, they would ensure the user’s experience would be better than that of potential competitors.
