Soweto gets Wimaxed

Soweto now has high speed Internet, well in some parts anyway. MWEB have been conducting WiMax trials around the country with Soweto being one of the earmarked areas. Intelligence (July issue) recently interviewed Rudi Jansen, CEO of MWEB, about the trials. According to Jansen MWEB is confident of being granted a full license in the near future.

"WiMAX is ideal for achieving rapid Internet installation in areas that were previously not catered for by fixed line operators, as WiMAX is not hindered by cable infrastructure. It is far easier and quicker to deploy a WiMAX network than a fixed line network. In addition, there is worldwide and local support for the technology which, in future, will drive costs down further as the uptake increases,” said Jansen in a recent company press release.

One of the big pull cards for WiMax is that it can provide access to areas where fixed line and WiFi cannot be accessed. The roll out of this technology has been seen as a possible bridge for the digital divide found in South Africa.

100 residents were connected within 7 days, an impressive set up time.