Connectivity; it’s personal

It is hard to believe that only approximately 4% of the world’s population was online in 1999 and that social media only originated in the 2000s. (Click here if you would like a reminder of what the internet looked like in earlier days). Since then, the growth of internet usage exploded. As of January 2021, 59.5% (4.66 billion) of the global population were using the internet worldwide.

“Because connected life offers so many opportunities in terms of cost savings, entertainment, news and public participation, people will keep moving into it.” — Robert Bell, co-founder of the Intelligent Community Forum

Whether for work, study or play, one thing is certain; much of our lives are being spent online. The internet has provided a way for the world to connect and communicate in unprecedented ways and has made information and knowledge available to almost everyone. The technology, services and communication opportunities internet connectivity provide have become an essential part of our lives.

However, the whole family working, studying and playing online has illuminated the country’s telecommunication inadequacies. One only needs to spend five minutes in a household where someone’s gaming, Teams meeting or soccer match on Showmax is interrupted due to a bad connection to realise how entrenched it has become in our personal lives.

Reliable, high-speed internet access is essential with multiple users in the home leading their best (online) life and engaging with the internet of things (IoT). We email, meet, make calls, learn and shop online. We upload, download and store in the cloud. We stream content and play games using the internet. Smart TVs, smartphones and increasing implementation of smart technology solutions in the home all add to data demands.

High-speed internet connectivity can boost the value of your property

Proximity to schools and other amenities, safety and security, and location are no longer the only factors prospective home buyers consider when purchasing a property. Due to the rise of online living and smart technology, access to fast and reliable internet had become a sought-after commodity. Not only does it impact positively on the sale and rental value of a property, but also results in faster sales and rentals.

High-quality connectivity will make a home even more attractive in the market as smart technology, such as home automation, advanced security systems and IoT (all requiring fast, reliable internet) become more prevalent. Furthermore, the rise of millennials entering the housing market would result in an even higher demand for exceptional connectivity.

Choices, choices

As the uses and services provided by the internet have grown, so had the technology evolved that gets us online. These include wireless, fibre and satellite. The question is, which method of accessing the internet fast is best for you? It is a known fact that too many choices make it harder to choose. Fortunately, the days of dial-up connection are as outdated as landline telephones, and even ADSL technology is fast becoming old news. This takes at least two options out of the equation.

The fastest and most popular options these days are fibre to the home (FTTH) and wireless connection. These are also the two choices people have most difficulty deciding on for their homes, with proponents on both sides waxing lyrical about the benefits of each over the other’s (supposed) weaknesses.

In previous posts, we have talked a lot about our FTTH solution, which allows complex residents to confidently step into a future of high-speed internet connectivity for working, studying and playing in the comfort and safety of their own homes. We have already assisted over 300 community schemes with their fibre network installations. Through our partnership with market-leading fibre network providers, we can install super-fast fibre networks at no cost to the community scheme. An open-access fibre network offers residents the liberty to choose their preferred internet service providers (ISPs).

Our team conducts the necessary feasibility assessments and confirm whether it is possible to install fibre infrastructure in your community scheme. There are however cases where the installation of fibre to your community scheme is simply not feasible. This may be due to a lack of fibre coverage in that specific area at present, or excessive costs of installing the infrastructure in a specific area. No fear when STS is near!

STS has partnered with Echo Property Xchange (EPX) to provide you with a bespoke alternative to fibre to the home, that offers much of the same benefits of fibre, and MORE! This solution offers community schemes untethered wireless connectivity with speeds exceeding that of FTTH without the hassles, timeframes and complications involved in laying physical fibre cables within the community scheme. But first, let’s weigh up the options…

Difference between fibre and wireless internet connection 

Fibre networks transmit data, voice and video signals at the speed of light through super-thin glass strand optical fibre cables. The information is transmitted much faster than through traditional copper lines. However, the fibre optic cable needs to be installed right up to your property.

Wireless connections provide internet connectivity based on radio frequencies. Data is transmitted through space via electromagnetic waves in the last mile infrastructure, without well, any cables or wires. The signal is sent from a dish to a receiver at your property.

Why is connecting with wireless a smart solution?

Amazingly fast internet

EPX wireless can reach speeds of up to 2 Gbps, even with multiple users accessing the internet at the same time. This makes it perfect for gaming, streaming movies and listening to music in HD quality, buffer-free online meetings and video calls, and uploading and downloading documents at lightning speed. Unlike other wireless connections like LTE, this wireless solution offers symmetrical speeds for uploads and downloads.

Hassle-free installation that is also easy on the eye

The wireless network is installed at your community scheme without the trouble and complications involved in laying fibre cables within the community scheme. That’s right! No digging and trenching, which also results in a much shorter installation timeframe. EPX provides an end-to-end point of contact for installation, project management and support, meaning more efficient problem resolution. Receivers can be attached anywhere at your property, even on the roof, and without any messy wiring. EPX will perform a site survey and advise on the best location for the installation of the equipment.

Reliable and secure connectivity

Because connectivity is untethered, it is less vulnerable to damage to fibre optic cables due to roadworks or digging.  Although electrical signals can be susceptible to weather interference, EPX wireless provides an intelligent, “self-healing” failover service, resulting in less downtime and frustration.

How would community schemes benefit from rolling out a wireless connectivity network?

Installation of a wireless network positions your community scheme as a forerunner in providing access to future proof, untethered connectivity and communications technology. Unit owners will not only have a wide variety of high-speed and reliable internet packages to choose from depending on their needs but will also add value to their homes.

The wireless network can also be used for installing real-time CCTV surveillance equipment throughout the community scheme to boost the safety and security in a complex or residential estate, adding additional value for unit owners. You can also remotely control your home’s devices such as lights, appliances, security cameras and geysers to name a few.

Still undecided?

Whichever option you choose, STS collaborates with the community scheme to ensure reliable, high-speed internet access. Our expert solutions consultants are standing by to provide you with expert advice on which option would be the best fit for your community scheme.