In a move aimed at moving its customers into faster internet access, Telkom announced on Monday a trial to move more than 11 000 copper-based broadband digital subscriber line users to its new fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) network across the country, at no additional cost. By Staff Writer
Telkom said in a statement that DSL customers within it’s fibre footprint will be given the opportunity to upgrade their copper-based connectivity, to the more advanced fibre network. These customers will also have the opportunity to test Telkom’s Boltspeed 10 Mbps and 20 Mbps fibre products, for free, for two months.
The company said on Monday its ADSL customers increased by 3% to more than 1.1 million in the three months to end-December 2015.
The country’s biggest fixed-line telephone group is offering these DSL customers the option to migrate from their copper-based DSL service, to an equivalent fibre-based service, in a phased approach. The trial offer starts on 2 February 2016.
This offers means that DSL customers, who are currently on 2 Mbps, 4 Mbps and 8 Mbps DSL products can now, for no extra charge, move across to the more stable and reliable fibre network. During the two months trial, they also are able to test the 10 Mbps and 20 Mbps line options and can then make a call at the end of the two months, which package they choose to adopt.
“Telkom has the largest fibre network in the country and we want to take this high performing technology into our customer’s homes, businesses and schools. This unique trial offer is a win-win for customers in that we will migrate them to our Telkom fibre, at no additional cost,” said Telkom Consumer MD, Attila Vitai.
“We are delighted to be able to offer thousands of customers the opportunity to experience the speed and reliability of fibre. Our installation teams are working to secure installations within 7 to ten days from order”, he said.
Telkom customers will also not be charged any installation free, as long as a like-for-like installation is possible.
After the two month trial, customers will be able to upgrade to the 10 Mbps or 20 Mbps options or, they can return to their original 2 Mbps, 4 Mbps and 8 Mbps speeds, however their line will permanently have been upgraded to fibre.
“Fibre is the next evolution of fixed line broadband connectivity and we want our customers to enjoy the best technology experience we can offer. Not only does fibre offer faster speeds but it is less susceptible to electronic interference, lightning and water damage than the copper network,” Vitai added.
“Ultimately, this technology upgrade and fibre trial is mutually beneficial to Telkom and our customers. Telkom will be better equipped to deliver stable and reliable services while customers get to enjoy the many benefits of Boltspeed fibre connectivity.”
