South African internet users who have been longing for even faster internet may just have had their wishes realised, as Telkom Internet today launched “game-changing” VDSL (Very high bit rate Digital Subscriber Line) broadband products that will offer users speeds of up to 40 Mbps.

The one caveat is that the new high speed products will for the time being only be available in select areas. Telkom elaborated the initial rollout will take place at street distribution cabinet (SDC) sites that underwent network upgrades. These include Benmore Gardens, Fourways and Waterkloof in Gauteng, Durban North in KwaZulu-Natal and Durbanville in the Western Cape.

 

Additionally, prospective users can use the DSL Checker to verify if they fall within the ‘rollout footprint’ for the new products. They will however, need to acquire a VDSL modem from Telkom Internet; thankfully this is also backward compatible with ADSL for optimal performance.

 

 

Telkom managing director: Consumer Services and Retail, Manelisa Mavuso, commented that the development of these products revolutionises the internet experience in SA. “This is in line with the greater focus on our ISP to enable powerful gaming platforms, business tools and the delivery of rich media content in an increasingly bandwidth-hungry society,” Mavuso continued.

“Broadband is the essential business connection for the 21^st century. This step sets the stage for our ambition to provide ubiquitous, quality broadband in South Africa for every customer," added Dr Brian Armstrong, the managing director for Telkom Business.

To the point

There has been no shortage of movement with regards to connectivity options of late, with MTN announcing a reduction to its mobile bundle rates, slashing internet connectivity costs by up to 40%, and Vodacom, for its part, set to launch new contract smart plans this week.