Update on Fibre to the ConnectParkview home project
Parkview FTTH Survey results
Following the strong support the ConnectParkview project received at the last Annual General Meeting, the PRA published an online questionnaire at the end of July 2014 to test demand for fast broadband services in Parkview. The response was excellent - 632 responses werereceived by the deadlinein the second week of August. The PRA estimates this represents more than 60% of owner-occupiers orrenters in the suburb. The responses show that there is great support in the suburb for getting new fast broadband services. Based on the response, the PRA has drawn up a Request for Proposals to get proposals from suitable businesses. We will update you on progress next month once we have received the proposals.
The survey helped gauge demand for fibre to the home and also helped inform the executive on issues of concern to residents. 92% of respondents state they have a current Internet connection at home with ADSL being by far the most common service.Most of thesehouseholds (61%) have ADSL connections at speeds between 1 and 5 Mbps. Another one in four (24%) have ADSLof 10Mbps or above.According to the survey, 45% of households use between 10 and 50 GB of data per month. One in eight (12%) use more than 50GB.
Current costs and propensity to pay for fast broadband Internet
Almost a third (31%) pay between R300 and R499 per month. Over a third (37%) pay between R500 and R799. Over a fifth (22%)pay more than R800per month. Almost 6 out of 10 (59%) Internet households also pay over R100 per month on landline calls.Most non-Internet households don't have alandline at all. Of these, none said they didn't need the Internet.
The survey confirmed the demographics of the area as being mostly families. Most (51%) households in Parkview have childrenor teenagers. Averagehousehold size is four (including adults and children).
More than three quarters of respondents indicated willingness to pay between R700 and R900 per month for speeds of 50Mbpsto 100Mbps (inclusiveof data costs and ISP service). One in eight would pay R900 per month for 100Mbps connection with100GB data (line and ISP inclusive). 50Mbps wasthe most popular choice of speed based on an estimated cost of R700 permonth plus installation cost or R900 with no installation cost (line and ISPinclusive).
Support, Concerns and Issues
Comments from residents and local business owners were generally very enthusiastic. One respondent stated, “I badly need a morereliable service in order tobe able to work from home, and would gladly pay more for this.” Another enthused, “It will befantastic to have these speeds, please do it. Thanks.” Anumber expressed exasperation with current services: “We areextremely frustrated with the current Internet service we receive... We definitelysupport an application for fibre in Parkview.”
A number of respondents were concerned about poor execution in restoring roads and pavements. “If they have to dig uproads/pavements theyMUST be properly repaired!” Some comments clearly showed that price is a major factor for many. Therewas also concern about data caps andshaping. “I would prefer an uncapped (or soft capped) service. With iPad app updates andvideo streaming 100GB gets used quickly!”
We will be paying particular attention to the issues residents have raised when we look at proposals.
If you would like further information or would like to help in the Connect Parkview project please contact the PRA