Collaboration and Tech Key to Safer, Connected Communities
The advent of Fibre-to-the-Home has not only changed the way we work and play but has also heralded the launch of a number of advances for the security industry. Leading private security provider, Atlas Security, and MetroFibre Networx, one of South Africa’s foremost fibre infrastructure providers have entered into a collaborative partnership that brings many benefits to residents of Port Elizabeth. The partnership is indicative of the convergence between technology, security and information sharing and how communities can benefit.
The collaboration will see Atlas Security and MetroFibre Networx bringing affordable, uncapped fibre internet to the homes of Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth. The benefits of super-fast and reliable internet however extend much further than the entertainment and work aspects.
“Fibre internet enables a wealth of security enhancements not previously possible on the limited bandwidth and high costs of 3G, ADSL or LTE networks. We see this working hand-in-hand with the existing Atlas Security camera infrastructure through improved camera technologies, enabling proactive monitoring and pre-emptive security measures. >From an Atlas Security perspective, this means we can proactively monitor the streets and surrounds around our client sites, providing a far more holistic and preventative security approach. Greater bandwidth also enables superior camera technology, which means we receive high quality, high resolution imagery. With an uncapped fibre line at home, you can also connect safety and security devices such as your alarm system and CCTV cameras to the web, allowing you to remotely access these feeds via a smart device or computer,” explains Wayne Hart, Group Marketing Manager of Atlas Security.
Jan-Jan Bezuidenhout, Deputy CEO of MetroFibre Networx, adds: “The collaboration between Atlas Security and MetroFibre talks to the commitment of our organisations to the community, by facilitating the futureproofing of homes and lifestyles for a world of connectivity, knowledge and services we have yet to conceive of. Enhanced security – an absolute must in South Africa – is just one aspect of what you can access with your fibre line. The reality is that a reliable internet connection has become as essential to daily living as services such as electricity and water. With the speed and bandwidth of a fibre connection at a very affordable cost, you have access to a world of software, services, education, entertainment, video streaming, music, shopping and cloud connectivity and storage. It’s hard to believe that it was just ten years ago that we could still get by without an email address and decent internet connection. Just think of how much has changed and what we can now do with a reliable fibre connection to the home,” says Jan-Jan.
Atlas Security was established in 1985 and has cemented itself as the market leaders in Port Elizabeth and has recently expanded beyond its traditional home base into the greater Port Alfred area. Atlas Security have always leveraged advances in technology to improve their capability as demonstrated by the roll out of the CCTV infrastructure throughout Port Elizabeth, St. Francis Bay and rural Eastern Cape farming communities. The CCTV infrastructure includes LPR (License Plate Recognition) cameras, enabling our Port Elizabeth based control room to immediately receive an alert of any suspicious vehicle entering an area.
MetroFibre Networx was established in 2010 as an Open Access Network service provider providing Carrier Class Ethernet services over fibre infrastructure. Open Access means that MetroFibre owns and manages the infrastructure and has partnerships with all leading ISP’s on their network. This benefits residents by allowing them to choose their preferred internet service provider (ISP) at a suitable price and speed for their needs. Headquartered in Gauteng, MetroFibre are investing in Port Elizabeth and the community, establishing offices and employing sales and support staff locally over the coming months. In addition, the company will be training and developing teams of specialist fibre installers to bolster the roll-out and support capabilities in Port Elizabeth. The Fibre infrastructure roll-out starts in Summerstrand and will extend through Humewood, South End and beyond. MetroFibre has recently completed a micro-trenching proof of concept which was approved by the local council. Micro-trenching is an unobtrusive and much quicker method of installing fibre.
A detailed map with timeframes is available on www.fibrepe.co.za and will be updated as the installation progresses.
MetroFibre Networx Rolls Out Fibre Micro-trenching in Nelson Mandela Bay https://t.co/MOchxFBpmG
From the very first cut to installing and completing the entire installation of the fibre infrastructure.#ConstructionSafety @MiningSafety @_ArriveAlive @Metro_Fibre pic.twitter.com/CEpkfQsrLq
— Construction Safety (@ConstructionSfy) June 21, 2019
