Just noticed this post. Apologies, we should have responded sooner!
We don't claim we're the fourth provider (we wish!!!). It is correct that we are closely associated with iConnect and offer full hosted iPBX, routing calls through multiple networks with dynamic network failover across all of those networks. We operate primarily in the Cape with offices in PE and East London and opening in George and Cape Town first quarter 2014. We do have several inland sites as they are branches and offices of Cape-based businesses.
We aren't a "reseller" for any of the networks but buy our minutes from many, routing calls through those with least hassle, latency etc. Routing can change hourly, dependent on hassle-factors, but client sites are unaware of seamless switching. We believe that multiple network connections are vital and linking through one only is problematic. Like iConnect, we operate through ViBE3 technology allowing larger sites to run in rain-mode and providing further last-mile fail-over to ensure best QOS wherever we can. iPBX offerings are through Thirdlane, call logging via Majuda, smart-phone linkage to the iPBX host are via Bria and Acrobits.
As a tier-2 provider we can be likened to a broker - obtaining best of everything and bundling it into a unique package and then offering effective management controls and reports. We operate business to business only as iPBX is not designed for the domestic market.
No - we're not the cheapest. That's not where we pitch our business and routing through several networks obviously compromises our purchasing power. But the overall package of hosted iPBX with added features, coupled with the use of ViBE3 and calls and line concurrencies that remain way cheaper than Telkom we'd like to think our offerings are competitive, great value for money whilst being future-proof and totally scalable.
We also fund our own rentals and clients are not put through any credit vetting process, nor do they deal with any third-party asset finance companies. We're aware that's highly unusual but that it's of great benefit to clients - one composite agreement, one point of contact.
Like every other operator and most on mybroadband our greatest challenge lies in last-mile and we are in a constant quest for improvement, cost-reductions and more bandwith. Even more so as a voice operator where optimum packet delivery is vital. As can be seen from the above, all suppliers are top-notch international companies and it goes without saying that all routers are Cisco.
Any questions, feel free to mail.
