hArTh
Expert Member
http://www.moneyweb.co.za/news/tech_stocks/427350.htm
Internet irony
Ana Monteiro
Posted: Thu, 24 Mar 2005 12:02 | © Moneyweb Holdings Limited, 1997-2005
Dimension Data subsidiary Internet Solutions (IS) has made an application to the Pretoria High Court to determine whether fixed-line operator Telkom’s refusal to foot part of a network upgrade bill is fair.
IS director Hillel Shrock told Moneyweb the capacity of its peering network with Telkom – that is, the link between the Internet service provider (ISP) and Telkom’s SA Internet Exchange (SAIX), the source from which all local ISPs obtain connectivity and sell it on to consumers – started running out a few months ago.
By setting up these links, ISPs are able to reduce both traffic congestion on the lines and costs, as they do not have to consume expensive international bandwidth for their Internet and faster asymmetrical digital subscriber line (ADSL) offerings.
“We notified Telkom of the pending capacity problem on the peering link , but instead of opting to share the cost of upgrading the link, Telkom’s response was that we should purchase direct links to the South African Internet exchange (SAIX) which they own, and we would have to pay normal rates,” said Shrock.
Telkom spokesperson Xolisa Vapi told Moneyweb that all major ISPs could request more bandwidth at commercial rates from the company.
In mid-March, Telkom served the ISP with a notice of termination of the existing peering contract, which termination would be effective in three months.
Global best practice involves putting in place links between two ISPs networks, in order to reduce costs – by saving international bandwidth – as well as improving performance by the shortest possible route between two networks. The costs of these links are shared.
Ironically, says Shrock, both IS and Telkom customers will experience compromised service levels, as consumers who have bought ADSL services from Telkom will struggle to access content through IS: “We are trying to work around this, but ADSL services especially are being compromised. It is affecting all customers.”
“We are taking the matter to court in order to get some clarity on whether the sole provider’s behaviour in terminating the peering agreement is valid. However, we are trying to reach an amicable agreement with Telkom, and we hope that the negotiations will alleviate the need for legal action,” said Shrock.
Dobek Pater a telecoms analyst from Africa Analysis, says the three biggest ISPs in South Africa – MWeb, IS and MTN Network Solutions – do peer directly with the SAIX to a limited degree.
Internet irony
Ana Monteiro
Posted: Thu, 24 Mar 2005 12:02 | © Moneyweb Holdings Limited, 1997-2005
Dimension Data subsidiary Internet Solutions (IS) has made an application to the Pretoria High Court to determine whether fixed-line operator Telkom’s refusal to foot part of a network upgrade bill is fair.
IS director Hillel Shrock told Moneyweb the capacity of its peering network with Telkom – that is, the link between the Internet service provider (ISP) and Telkom’s SA Internet Exchange (SAIX), the source from which all local ISPs obtain connectivity and sell it on to consumers – started running out a few months ago.
By setting up these links, ISPs are able to reduce both traffic congestion on the lines and costs, as they do not have to consume expensive international bandwidth for their Internet and faster asymmetrical digital subscriber line (ADSL) offerings.
“We notified Telkom of the pending capacity problem on the peering link , but instead of opting to share the cost of upgrading the link, Telkom’s response was that we should purchase direct links to the South African Internet exchange (SAIX) which they own, and we would have to pay normal rates,” said Shrock.
Telkom spokesperson Xolisa Vapi told Moneyweb that all major ISPs could request more bandwidth at commercial rates from the company.
In mid-March, Telkom served the ISP with a notice of termination of the existing peering contract, which termination would be effective in three months.
Global best practice involves putting in place links between two ISPs networks, in order to reduce costs – by saving international bandwidth – as well as improving performance by the shortest possible route between two networks. The costs of these links are shared.
Ironically, says Shrock, both IS and Telkom customers will experience compromised service levels, as consumers who have bought ADSL services from Telkom will struggle to access content through IS: “We are trying to work around this, but ADSL services especially are being compromised. It is affecting all customers.”
“We are taking the matter to court in order to get some clarity on whether the sole provider’s behaviour in terminating the peering agreement is valid. However, we are trying to reach an amicable agreement with Telkom, and we hope that the negotiations will alleviate the need for legal action,” said Shrock.
Dobek Pater a telecoms analyst from Africa Analysis, says the three biggest ISPs in South Africa – MWeb, IS and MTN Network Solutions – do peer directly with the SAIX to a limited degree.
