Explains Francois van Zyl, divisional Managing Director of Jasco Carrier Infrastructure: "In Africa, the wireless communications market continues to grow but it is also changing rapidly. The market is becoming crowded and average revenue per user has declined. This has prompted network operators to introduce cost and capex reduction strategies. Demand for voice and data has grown and this is expected to continue into the foreseeable future. As such, network availability and quality have become a major challenge and a key differentiator essential to maintaining and/or improve market position.
"As a major global player supplying passive infrastructure solutions to network operators, Jasco's portfolio of rapid deployment units is well poised to meet the challenges these network operators face with regard to network expansion, coverage and quality."
The RDU range is designed to meet client specific load and wind requirements and includes the Rapid Deployment Self Supported Tower (RDS), also referred to as a "site in a box". This is a complete vertical passive infrastructure site solution that does not use a concrete foundation and can be designed to reach up to 60 meter high. The Rapid Deployment Monopole (RDM) is mainly for urban applications and includes Jasco's optimised monopoles and above-ground foundation of up to 30 meter, while the Rapid Deployment Wired Tower (RDW) consists of a complete rapid deployment solution with a rectangular tower up to 40 meter for permanent or semi-permanent installations. The Mobile Communication Unit (MCU or COW) is a telescopic tower up to 30 meter for quick deployment for both rural and urban applications.
Notes Van Zyl: "The ability to quickly install, easily relocate and re-use these RDUs make them ideal for temporary or permanent coverage solutions. Fast deployment means 'instant' profit generation, and since these RDUs are not classified as permanent structures, traditional permitting and site acquisition constraints do not apply. In remote or rural areas, network operators or service providers making use of these RDUs do not need to deal with the cost, labour and logistics challenges associated with installing the complex concrete bases needed to stabilise and secure traditional steel structures.
"Our recent R9 million investment in the plant and equipment at our manufacturing facility in Nigel, along with our access to the continent and a deep understanding of the challenges faced, positions us well to fully leverage this opportunity to full advantage of the company and GSM operators on the continent," says Van Zyl.
