SSK
14-08-2005, 08:23 PM
To all WISPs out there, including us, stop arguing about the regulations. WISPs are illegal, unless,
we attain a VANS license that ICASA is willing to provide on the following basis:
1. At Least Two Telkom links
2. BEE is a plus
3. The license fee some R5700
3. Connectivity through a licensed PSTS, else permission to self provision if there is proof of unwillingness to provide by Telkom.
I would like to comment on no. 3.
First we have to separate between dial-up and broadband
Broadband according to international standards should be good enough for permanent connectivity, low latency, above 512kbps speeds.
According to a meeting we had with Telkom two weeks ago, Telkom will provide underserviced areas based on per area pricing. An example is of ADSL on farm land if available, may be more expenssive than town or city areas. Why, because Telkom has to consider per area return on investment, and THEY ARE UNWILLING TO PROVIDE UNLESS THEY GET AN ACCEPTABLE RETURN ON INVESTMENT. We all know the limitations of ADSL and the poor quality of other services. Isn't this an act of discrimination? But it is to our favour. Telkom argues that they have alternatives, ie Satellite connectivity. But What is the price range, and mind the latency rendering it non-broadband.
Also. Telkom have stated schedules for service availabilty, some which are two years ahead. Doesn't that mean that they are unwilling to provide for two years? When the people complain, they answer that the people should use whatever they have, and they should be gratedul to have even that. We have witnesses for this, and we ourselves heard something similar in the meeting.
So Dear fellow WISPs, if we have an association, and gather enough complaints from the people regarding lack of services, even in townships and towns, then we will have proof that Telkom has discriminatory conditions and is unwilling to provide under normal conditions. This can be taken up in the equity court, and may help us either force Telkom to provide at normal rates, and that definitely will reduce the 6 Billion, or force them to provide permissions for WISPs to operate, or at least help ICASA have enough excuse to overide Telkom and provide us with the permissions. An association with proper donations may build enough funds to hire proper Advocates to prove our point in court. We will definitely need the help of the people and testimonies of unsatisfaction with the provided services, and the delays. Pressure is the key!
By the way, I am not looking for a leader's position! I don't mind just being a member.
United we stand!
Till later.
we attain a VANS license that ICASA is willing to provide on the following basis:
1. At Least Two Telkom links
2. BEE is a plus
3. The license fee some R5700
3. Connectivity through a licensed PSTS, else permission to self provision if there is proof of unwillingness to provide by Telkom.
I would like to comment on no. 3.
First we have to separate between dial-up and broadband
Broadband according to international standards should be good enough for permanent connectivity, low latency, above 512kbps speeds.
According to a meeting we had with Telkom two weeks ago, Telkom will provide underserviced areas based on per area pricing. An example is of ADSL on farm land if available, may be more expenssive than town or city areas. Why, because Telkom has to consider per area return on investment, and THEY ARE UNWILLING TO PROVIDE UNLESS THEY GET AN ACCEPTABLE RETURN ON INVESTMENT. We all know the limitations of ADSL and the poor quality of other services. Isn't this an act of discrimination? But it is to our favour. Telkom argues that they have alternatives, ie Satellite connectivity. But What is the price range, and mind the latency rendering it non-broadband.
Also. Telkom have stated schedules for service availabilty, some which are two years ahead. Doesn't that mean that they are unwilling to provide for two years? When the people complain, they answer that the people should use whatever they have, and they should be gratedul to have even that. We have witnesses for this, and we ourselves heard something similar in the meeting.
So Dear fellow WISPs, if we have an association, and gather enough complaints from the people regarding lack of services, even in townships and towns, then we will have proof that Telkom has discriminatory conditions and is unwilling to provide under normal conditions. This can be taken up in the equity court, and may help us either force Telkom to provide at normal rates, and that definitely will reduce the 6 Billion, or force them to provide permissions for WISPs to operate, or at least help ICASA have enough excuse to overide Telkom and provide us with the permissions. An association with proper donations may build enough funds to hire proper Advocates to prove our point in court. We will definitely need the help of the people and testimonies of unsatisfaction with the provided services, and the delays. Pressure is the key!
By the way, I am not looking for a leader's position! I don't mind just being a member.
United we stand!
Till later.