Company answers fibre-optic cable installation queries
He referred to the kick-off meetings where municipal representatives from various departments are present, who then provide information on where trenching should be done to avoid damaging any services.
Mr Dieter Kusel, General Manager of Telelanga (Pty) Ltd, was given the opportunity to comment on the company’s work in Standerton and gives his take on telecommunications.
The Standerton Advertiser gave publicity to the latter in two editions and asked questions relating to fibre-optic cable installations.
Mr Kusel firstly replied that Telelanga is a Fibre To The Home (FTTH) infrastructure provider and networks are built for open-access-network-clients on a full-turnkey-basis.
Work began in town on 25 November with a meeting held with various contractors and entities and the date for completion was given as middle April.
Their workforce comprises of about 250 employees and some residents were of the opinion that workers from out-of-town are employed.
He indicated that subcontractors are employed and to the best of their knowledge, mostly local community labourers are at work.
The question whether wayleave procedures and conditions were adhered to, was answered in the affirmative.
“We always approach the local municipalities and follow their wayleave procedures/conditions in applying for the requisite permission to deploy the networks.”
He referred to the kick-off meetings where municipal representatives from various departments are present, who then provide information on where trenching should be done to avoid damaging any services.
According to him, the cost is carried in most cases by Telelanga with regard to damages.
“Unfortunately, it is not always possible to avoid damages to water and/or electrical infrastructure, so we do liaise very closely with the municipal departments in the event of any damages.
“We thus notify the municipal department responsible and, in most cases, employ local (municipal approved) electricians or plumbers to repair the damages at our cost.”
On a legal note, application to deploy the network is carried out in terms of the Electronic Communications Act.
Mr Kusel went on to say that the local municipality subsequently accepted their application and issued them with certain conditions to comply with.
According to him, it has been proven worldwide that broadband fibre services have boosted economic growth in communities.
A reference was made to more and more people beginning to use online shopping platforms.
An example was given, namely the deployment of community security systems such as CCTV-cameras and Internet of Things (smart homes, smart metering, etc.), which now also becomes a reality.
According to him, it would be at much more affordable rates.
In conclusion, the question as to the benefits to the community was met with saying broadband services entail being able to receive much faster, and more reliable internet services.
