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My Summer GUIDE 2019
HOUSE HOME REAL &ESTATE
A NEW WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES WITH FIBRE Fibre optic internet is a remarkable advancement in communication technology. It is here to change the way we do business, the way we go about our daily lives, and even the way in which we educate the youth. As ibre providers, Lightstruck aims to develop and install this next-generation digital utility in communities across southern Africa and take ibre to homes and businesses through our Internet Service Providers (ISPs). “What distinguishes ibre from traditional internet connections is its reliability and speed. Unlike copper internet connections, ibre internet does not lose signal or weaken over a long distance. It can transfer considerable amounts of data over long distances, thereby providing home and business owners with a secure internet connection that works at the speed of light,” says Hannes Pieterse, managing director of Lightstruck. According to him, Lightstruck is backed by Eaglestone, a leading international infrastructure player, speciically focussed on developments in southern Africa. They have more than 100 years of infrastructure experience and have been involved in excess of USD 15 billion of infrastructure transactions in the last 15 years.
HERE ARE THE ANSWERS TO SOME OF THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: What is ibre? Optical ibre is a hair-thin strand of glass, speciically designed to trap and transmit light pulses. The ibre uses light instead of electricity to carry a signal. It can carry an enormous amount of data over very long distances without buffering or a loss of signal, and it can provide those signals simultaneously for the upload and download of data, without losing speed. Copper networks can carry a fair amount of data, but only for a few hundred metres before the signal begins to fade and buffer.
decades to come. Fibre is called end-game technology. 5G and similar connections are still some distance from your property and from thereon everyone competes for the same internet access. Fibre is the only real digital utility that will enhance digital services at home and at work, including video, the Internet of Things, gaming, and smart homes. What is the difference between copper and ibre? Copper internet normally delivers a Digital Subscriber Line or ADSL service over a standard telephone line that also provides internet access. Copper is former-generation technology and is not nearly as reliable as ibre. Fibre internet consists of very thin glass strands, as opposed to copper wires, for faster data transfer. There is no comparison between copper and ibre as ibre is superior on all levels. Can ibre break? Fibre that is properly installed will seldom break and can last for 25 – 30 years. Fibre most often breaks due to human interferences such as theft, accidents, or negligence by other utility maintenance teams. If damaged, your ibre can, in most cases, be repaired on the same day.
What is the difference between an ISP and a network owner such as Lightstruck? A network owner plans, installs, owns, as well as operates the physical ibre network in your area - and is solely responsible for the infrastructure. The ISP is in charge of selling the ibre to the public. Your ISP rents your ibre circuit as a utility from companies such as Lightstruck and pays a portion of your package price over to the network owner. How does connecting ibre to homes and businesses improve the user experience? Connecting homes directly to ibre optic networks enables enormous improvements in the bandwidth that can be provided to communities, now and for many
What does Mbps mean? A ‘bit’ is a common description of a unit of digital data or information. Mbps stands for 'megabits per second' and this normally refers to the physical allocation of your data or “pipe” size. Imagine ibre being a 1 m thick water pipe with ininite capacity. Mbps is like putting a tap on that enormous water pipe that will give you a steady low of, for example, 20 litres per second. How do I get my home connected? Connecting your home to the ibre network is called a Home Drop. There are two simple steps you need to follow after you have ordered your service from your ISP:
(1) the scheduling and (2) the Home Drop itself. You will need to be home for the Home Drop so that the technicians can discuss the process with you and agree on the best location to it the ibre equipment. The time required will differ for each property, but the installation usually takes approximately two hours. One of the technicians will need to be inside your property to it the device. Remember, all Lightstruck’s contractors are certiied. Also, please note, pre-manufactured cables are used and can only be installed where the cable allows, normally to one side of the property, and not necessarily to your perfect location. Do I need to sign any forms to be connected? In addition to the contract you sign with your ISP, you will need to sign our documentation to approve the work to be done on your property. A contract between you and a Lightstruck Home Drop contractor, known as the End User Terms, will need to be signed. It contains the obligations we have to each other in relation to your Lightstruck ibre service and the equipment located on your property. The terms need to be read carefully to ensure that they are understood. The End User Terms are the same for everyone who connects to Lightstruck ibre. If you refuse to sign the End User Terms, installation cannot be completed. Who do I contact when I want ibre? It is best to contact the ISP of your choice directly. You can also visit www.lightstruck.co.za to browse through the virtual ibre shop to look for ibre products delivered to and available at your address.
