More fibre for Joburg for neighbourhoods

·15 Dec 2014

Vumatel, a provider of high-speed broadband connectivity, will be rolling out an open-access fibre network throughout Parktown North.

The Parktown North Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association (PNRA) said that Vumatel will be rolling out an open-access fibre network throughout Parktown North.

“Vumatel has presented a technically sound and fully funded proposal, which also includes a comprehensive plan for active communication and engagement with the community,” the PNRA said.

Vumatel’s commitment to supply public Wi-Fi access to Parktown North subscribers through their home accounts at the shopping nodes along 4th and 3rd Avenues further strengthened the attractiveness of its business model, the association said.

The fibre access company has also promised a service level agreement under which it commits to attend to critical faults within 12 hours, to serious faults within 18 hours, and to minor faults within 24 hours.

As with its Parkhurst installation, Vumatel’s proposal includes a once-off installation fee of R1,500 (including VAT) per home, and free line rental for 4Mbps.

Vumatel said it has identified 35 Johannesburg neighbourhoods for its fibre installation.

“The benefits of transparency in pricing, increased competition and greater consumer choice far outweigh the temporary disruption of civil works during the construction phase,” said Lee-Ann Louverdis, chairperson of the PNRA.

“The community will enjoy the benefits arising from greater choice and competitive ISP service offerings — both of which will undoubtedly improve the desirability of living in Parktown North. This bodes well for real estate values in our suburb.”