Independent operators service the rural areas

ABOUT 100 registered wireless access service providers across the country are providing wireless connectivity services in urban and rural areas where other broadband infrastructure is inadequate or non-existent.

Varying range of coverage

These entrepreneurial companies provide a varying range of coverage and offer telephony and internet services that in part are as much as 40% cheaper than any alternative.

In addition, they often come to the rescue when businesses and consumers find their wired services cut off due to copper cable theft.

He says Vlocity started setting up wireless networks in the Cape Town area in 2004 to provide services to businesses and consumers that needed immediate connectivity.

Since at the time Vlocity has set up wireless networks that provide last-mile connectivity in five of the major provinces and it is setting up networks in Kimberly and Bloemfontein to complete its national coverage, he says.

The company uses Dark Fibre Africa

The company uses Dark Fibre Africa and Neotel's fibre infrastructure for its interprovincial links, and interconnects with ISPs and operators through internet exchanges just as Teraco and Africa Internet Exchange.

He says much of the company's infrastructure is in rural areas where there is little or no infrastructure. This includes a network that reaches from Uppington to Kimberly along the Orange River and runs on solar power.

Johan Kruger started Safricom Telecommunications in Potchefstroom in 2006 to provide wireless internet services for farms, small businesses and university students in the area.

"Our network as well connects to the North West University campus's network in Potchefstroom, allowing students to roam between the two."

This is a problem because with the Phalaborwa gate to the Kruger Park on the doorstep the area attracts tourists who expect to be able to connect to the internet while their stay.

She says the company provides Voice over IP telephony services over a wireless network that runs on the unlicensed 2.4 and 5.8 gigahertz frequency spectrum. Clients that have had their fixed line stolen can keep their existing Telkom number and connect to BushGuru wirelessly.