Telkom will terminate fixed-line copper services for prepaid customers with effect from midnight on 31 July 2019.

The telecommunications operator said on Wednesday that it has upgraded more than 96% of its prepaid fixed-line customer base to wireless prepaid services.

“Telkom’s wireless service is more reliable than its copper-based technology and is less susceptible to interruptions as a result of adverse weather conditions, faults and cable theft,” the company said.

“Based on the success of the upgrades, Telkom is now ready to discontinue its legacy, copper-based fixed-line prepaid service platform and will do so with effect from 1 August 2019.”

It said the decision supports its “strategic objective to decommission and replace its legacy copper technology”.

“Telkom first announced the transition from copper-based technology to wireless in 2015, noting that the migration would be done as a phased approach,” it said.

The company said it will now migrate post-paid fixed copper users, including those on legacy digital subscriber lines, or DSL, technology to fibre and wireless alternatives.  — © 2019 NewsCentral Media