Telkom 8 Mbps ADSL

Telkom discussed new 8 Mbps ADSL service, but potential launch date remains sketchy

Telkom is currently trialing its 8 Mbps ADSL service in various areas of the country.  Some 4 Mbps ADSL subscribers have reported a speed increase on their connection while the Telkom/SAIX notice board has also confirmed the ADSL speed upgrades. 

A recent notice relating to the Constantia Park IMAX which took place over the weekend reads:  “Implementation of the 8 Meg trial. All current 4 Meg customers on the 4 Meg sync profile will be upgraded to the 8 Meg sync profile.”

The question on many ADSL subscribers’ lips is when they can expect to see a commercial 8 Mbps ADSL offering.  Telkom has previously indicated that an early 2010 launch is likely, but the company would not give any further details about its launch plans.  

Marius Mostert, Telkom SA’s Managing Executive for Network Infrastructure Provisioning, merely said that Telkom is currently investigating improvements to its ADSL speeds which includes the possibility of upgrading the 4 Mbps offering to an 8 Mbps service.

Telkom CEO Reuben September was asked the same question at the company’s interim results presentation in Sandton today, and he would again not commit to a potential launch date.  September said that Telkom is trialing the service in gated communities, and that they are keen to launch an 8 Mbps service as quickly as possible.  September did however jokingly confirm that it will be before the 2010 World Cup.

September added that the upgrade is more than just a ‘speed issue’, and that Telkom is looking at increasing the overall value proposition with this upgrade.  The Telkom CEO did not elaborate on what he meant by increasing the overall value, but may well refer to a potential triple play offering which the company is currently negotiating with a third party:  http://mybroadband.co.za/news/ADSL/10561.html

Telkom 8 Mbps ADSL - discussion

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