How to make broadband cheaper

Sorry Cell C, before someone wants to merge with you first ensure you have a working network.
 
I've often wondered if it would not be a good idea to consolidate the network. Why have multiple towers covering the same area? At a high level it sounds like a good idea...
 
rudyb said:
I've often wondered if it would not be a good idea to consolidate the network. Why have multiple towers covering the same area? At a high level it sounds like a good idea...
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I think so as well! Spectrum is finite so instead of dividing it up between the operators the alternative will be less hassles and better quality.

That being said. To do this properly will be quite difficult. The regulations and pricing structure will be a mission to deal with which our regulator is not exactly shown it's prowess at doing properly...

Smaller operators would then be able to appear and piggyback off the national network.

The downsides are that upgrades and management need to be done properly.
Some system of % usage of the network = % upgrades done.

It can be made to work, it may be very beneficial but it needs to be handled properly.

That being said, proper management and a structure of repayment into the network would be quite amazing I think.

Rambling here but it would require a lot of restructuring but it MAY end up allowing for a vastly improved network after some time.

If smaller base stations covering smaller areas pop up as a result then the network will definitely allow for better speeds overall.

There are more things to consider such as the network layout and setting it up such that new towers can be erected and added easily.

So tldr, it's a great idea but needs careful planning to be executed perfectly. It is something that may be a good move. Similar to llu
 
Paul_S said:
Yes, but the smaller players like CellC are not in the picture.
If I was a shareholder of CellC I'd be very worried.
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If I was a shareholder in CellC I'd be long past being worried as there is no equity left to be worried about, everything is consumed in the debt of the business
it is creditors who should start getting worried.
 
A single network with regulated pricing will be our best option, but alas this will only happen if there is a major mindshift.
We're more likely to get a couple of spatial networks with with monopolistic control over individual suburbs.
People in these suburbs will one day be at the mercy of the single network provider who can charge whatever they want.

With a national network cross subsidisation will ensure faster growth and eventually the whole country can be covered.

For now, I will stick with my ADSL as there is no other option.
 
If broadband is going to be dominated by mobile, then it will never be cheap. Mobile broadband costs more to roll out. This is why its more expensive overseas. SA focusing so much on mobile broadband at the expense of cable and fibre is a mistake, but understandable considering the regulatory environment.
 
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