Fibre to the Home (FTTH) provides a high bandwidth alternative to wireless broadband which could result in lowering the demand for more masts in residential areas and other unsuitable locations. If we look at the demands made on a cell mast there are basically 3 categories of use:

• SMS (text messaging)
• Voice
• Data

The above are placed in order of least demand to most demand. Texting requires the least amount of bandwidth and reception in order to function. Voice requires more resources but it is data that requires the most – especially as we move into high broadband usage. As more people move to a wireless solution for data the greater the demand placed on mast infrastructure and therefore the greater the density of masts needed to support the demand.

By employing a FTTH / cabled solution for high bandwidth data in parallel with education about responsible use of the technology, the load on the masts will be reduced, as well as the need for more.

FTTH – comparitive prices in SA (Oct 2014)
http://mybroadband.co.za/news/broadband/112104-fibre-to-the-home-prices-in-south-africa.html

FTTH – Telkom prices (Dec 2014)
http://www.techcentral.co.za/telkom-ftth-prices-plans-revealed/53019/

FTTH – Telkom areas (Dec 2014)
http://www.fin24.com/Tech/News/Telkom-launches-fibre-broadband-in-selected-suburbs-20141201