McT
05-11-2009, 07:27 AM
Telkom has always been a bit of a playground bully. After being protected from competition for decades, it didn’t particularly like the idea of other companies eating its lunch. Like most incumbent operators around the world, the idea of competition scared it.
But in 1997, when government handed effective control of the fixed-line operator to foreign operators, the situation got a lot more sinister. The playground bully became more of a terrorist, threatening and browbeating government, the regulator and competitors.
Thankfully, Telkom’s bid eventually failed — if it hadn’t, SA would probably be in the Internet Dark Ages today.
Okay, so maybe we have yet got close to entering into the "Light Ages" but at least there is hope. ;)
Lastly, a fine would be paid to national treasury. But it is the victims of Telkom’s behaviour who ought to be compensated.
Read the original article here... (http://www.techcentral.co.za/the-problem-with-fining-telkom/11086/)
An interesting read. But if they are fined, is it not the consumer who will ultimately bear the brunt of paying the fine? :(
But in 1997, when government handed effective control of the fixed-line operator to foreign operators, the situation got a lot more sinister. The playground bully became more of a terrorist, threatening and browbeating government, the regulator and competitors.
Thankfully, Telkom’s bid eventually failed — if it hadn’t, SA would probably be in the Internet Dark Ages today.
Okay, so maybe we have yet got close to entering into the "Light Ages" but at least there is hope. ;)
Lastly, a fine would be paid to national treasury. But it is the victims of Telkom’s behaviour who ought to be compensated.
Read the original article here... (http://www.techcentral.co.za/the-problem-with-fining-telkom/11086/)
An interesting read. But if they are fined, is it not the consumer who will ultimately bear the brunt of paying the fine? :(