The term “Luddite” is one of many derogatory insults applied to people who object to masts in their neighbourhoods. These people are generally portrayed as being anti-technology, pro the Dark Ages, impeding progress… The original Luddite rebellion however was primarily a response to harm brought to communities through the undemocratic and destructive way in which new technology was deployed. Which is what we object to as well.
What we call for is the implementation of newer, safer technologies such as fibre cabling and the upholding of the Precautionary Principle which states that “where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation.” [more: http://www.emrsa.co.za/precautionary-principle/]
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. 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.
“Constantia Fibre” is an iniative to bring fibre internet to the Constantia Valley and more information is available on their website: http://constantiafibre.com/
What is also required though is subsidised fibre cabling for those “not lucky enough to live in relatively affluent areas“.
We don’t recommend the accompanying wireless routers in the home, but rather cabled solutions with different network points if required.
Vumatel to offer 100Mbit/s uncapped home fibre in townships for R89/month (Sep 2017)
Best fibre-to-the-home prices in South Africa (Apr 2017)
Thumbs up for fibre optics (Jun 2015)
How will FTTH help as a solution?
Femtocell technology
“to conquer is to be careless.
carefulness is holding oneself and one’s acts in appropriate relation and proportion to the many other beings and intentions.”
[Ursula le Guin]