Emmarentia aims to get FTTH

EMMARENTIA – Emmarentia residents might soon enjoy the benefits of fibre optics.

Emmarentia Resident’s Association (ERA) is currently on a mission to get residents to sign up to have Fibre To The Home (FTTH) installed in their suburbs.

ERA held a public engagement meeting at Mark’s Park Sports Club to explain the new project on 30 July.

According to ERA’s chairperson Wolfgang Phoenix, there has been a request from residents that they want fibre in the area.

The first suburbs to enjoy the benefits of the optic cables were Greenside and Parkhurst. Phoenix encouraged residents to sign up for the groundbreaking initiative.

Phoenix hit on the idea that residents can either choose to have the community-based model or use a fibre provider.

“We are supporting both initiatives, and the sub-committee will choose the best model for the community going forward,” said Phoenix.

He also added, “My heart is in the community initiative, but the reality is that we are probably going to move ahead with the fibre provider model.”

He also said getting fibre to the home means residents will enjoy faster internet, value added services such as CCTV monitoring in public spaces.

So far, they have received 250 sign-ups and they require about 50 more sign-ups to make fibre in Emmarentia a reality.

Meanwhile, without holding back, residents in attendance voiced out their concerns about the installation of fibre optics. One resident said they were not convinced on how the project will roll out. While another resident demanded to know how much they will be paying per household.

However, Phoenix assured residents that the newly elected sub-committee which will be hands-on with the project, will ensure they meet people’s needs and in due time their concerns will be addressed. “I am happy with the quality of the individuals on that sub-committee,” he said.

The sub-committee will have the opportunity to choose whether they go with the community initiative or fibre providers, concluded Phoenix.

Details: www.emmaretia.co.za

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