Cables stolen, not going to replace.

[graviti]

My father lives in a smallish community, about 45km outside of Durban. Recently the local supply of telephone cabling was acquired by some affirmative shoppers. This meant that a whole community is now no longer able to communicate with the outside world, unless they use our cellular providers. Telkom's response to the issue... We are not going to replace the cables, it is not viable for us, as the area is high risk for them. We are talking a few hundred households, including retirees who now no longer have a landline. My father had his landline for 17 years, and it is the first time it has been stolen. Where is the risk???

Many people out there run businesses from home, and need Internet connectivity. There are/were about 100 ADSL subscribers in the area. Telkom's refusal to re-establish the lines has cost many people their livelihood. Others, like my father have tried the cellular route. However, it is in the Valley of 1000 Hills, which means that in some places in the house he gets OK reception, others he doesn't even get, because that hill is in the way. Or is it that one. At best he gets about 2 bar EDGE connectivity, most of the time nothing at all.

What we are looking for obviously is some information and suggested solutions.

Firstly, what is Telkom's obligations with regards to the replacement of those stolen cables. Do they not have a mandate to supply?
Secondly, what can MTN do to help us improve the reception in the area. (My father was silly enough to listen to the stupid salesman who told him they have perfect reception, and signed a 24 month contract for a service that doesn't work.)

Looking forward to some constructive ideas

 

[MickeyD]

You can petition ICASA and/or the National Consumer Commission to request Telkom to justify their "not viable" statement, especially if what you say about the number of services is true.

They should be able to provide the revenue numbers and the cost to replace and provide security on the route.