How do you choose the right telecoms contractor for your project?

Selecting the right telecoms contractor begins with verifying their qualifications and registration status for the specific work scope. In South Africa, contractors involved in the installation, maintenance, or repair of telecommunications networks that connect to the public network are required to hold relevant ICASA registrations. For in-building DAS systems, contractors must typically demonstrate that their designs and installations meet the technical requirements of the mobile network operators whose signals the system will carry, and some operators require contractors to be accredited on their approved supplier list before work can commence. Manufacturer certification from vendors such as CommScope, Corning, Panduit, and Belden is important for structured cabling and fiber installations where warranty-backed system certification is required.

Experience and references are arguably more important than certifications alone for assessing a contractor's capability to deliver a specific project type. Request references from at least three comparable completed projects, including the project scope, value, client contact details for verification, and details of any issues encountered and how they were resolved. A contractor who has successfully delivered ten DAS installations in commercial buildings is a lower risk choice for a new DAS project than a contractor with broad general experience but no specific DAS track record. Verify that the references are current and contactable, and that the projects described are genuinely comparable in scope to the work being tendered.

Insurance and financial stability checks protect the client from the risk of a contractor causing damage during the works or failing to complete the project. Professional indemnity insurance covers errors in design and specification, while public liability covers damage to property or injury to persons during the works. Request certificate of currency documentation for both cover types and verify the insured amounts are adequate for the project value. For larger projects, it is also prudent to verify the contractor's financial standing to ensure they have the capacity to procure materials and sustain cash flow through the project without requesting advance payments that put the client at risk if the contractor fails to perform.