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.

Telkom will now migrate post-paid fixed copper users, including those on legacy DSL technology to fibre and wireless alternatives

“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