Kenya trumps SA's internet

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Rosaudio

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http://www.fin24.com/Business/Kenya-trumps-SAs-internet-20100802

Johannesburg - East Africa, and specifically Kenya, has leapfrogged South Africa in terms of consumer internet connectivity, say industry players.

According to Mark Schneider, chairperson of East African telecommunications group Wananchi, this is due to support from the Kenyan government, a liberal regulatory environment and private sector investment.

Wananchi and network infrastructure company Cisco have recently paved the way for a new "triple play" service in Kenya that combines broadband internet connectivity, television channels and voice communications delivered over high speed fibre-optic connections to consumers' homes.

Called Zuku, the service is priced at the equivalent of about R500 per month for an uncapped, 1Mbps internet connection with over 100 television channels included.

Analysts say that the Zuku product brings Kenya up to date with countries like Japan and Sweden, where fibre to the home is growing in use. While the actual connection speed of the Kenyan offering is less than that of the countries mentioned, fibre technology allows for virtually limitless incremental speed upgrades in the future.

Along with fibre connections, Wananchi also plans to provide wireless connectivity using WiMax technology in areas where fibre is not a viable option.

The Wananchi Group is currently the only triple play operator in East Africa and plans to roll out its new services in nine countries including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Malawi, Ethiopia, Sudan and Zambia.

Schneider is particularly critical of South Africa's telecommunications regulator Icasa. "We'd be there (South Africa) tomorrow if not for the regulator," he said.

He said South Africa's regulatory environment makes it difficult for players such as Wananchi to set up operations in the country and provide meaningful services.

Steven Ambrose, MD of independent research and consulting firm World Wide Worx Strategy, agrees fibre solutions are vital
for South Africa.

"Our copper lines are ageing and Telkom is focusing on wireless, which is easy but short-term thinking," he said.

"Fibre is the only way to keep up with northern hemisphere developments in terms of internet connectivity. In five years' time there will be services that will not work over slow broadband connections."

Ambrose conceded it is easier to establish such infrastructure in greenfield territories like Kenya than in South Africa, where a mature telecommunications industry already exists.

"The real issue in SA is not so much the regulator as all the red tape and vested interest of the incumbent operators," Ambrose said.

He hoped that one of South Africa's existing operators would realise there is a business case for fibre to the home in the country.
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Thanks Telkom!
 
Called Zuku, the service is priced at the equivalent of about R500 per month for an uncapped, 1Mbps internet connection with over 100 television channels included.
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*** cries in pillow ***
 
Is it just me are we starting to fall behind Africa nevermind the rest of the world in more areas at a rapidly increasing rate?
 
And yet Telkom continues to blow big money on advertising blowing nothing but hot air up their butt! This sort of press is the least of what they deserve. Well done, T-scum. You've only got yourself to blame for this. May you wallow in it!
 
Ah so that's why we're at the bottom of the continent?

Someone please inform the ruling party, that just because we're due south, does not necessitate our lives, economy and telecomms environment to be there as well.

Perhaps someone should sneak into Zuma's office and flip the Altas/Globe of the world around so that we're up top.
Then allowing policy directives to place us at the top of this continent. :rolleyes:
 
This is quite a sad situation...I don't understand how this country can't get it right. For starters, ICASA needs to go...
 
Stop blaming Telkom ... who runs Telkom ... who has controlling interest in that company ... who is also in control of the regulatory body ... who turns a blind eye to a certain minister of communication's shenanegans ?????????

3 letters.
 
davemc said:
Stop blaming Telkom ... who runs Telkom ... who has controlling interest in that company ... who is also in control of the regulatory body ... who turns a blind eye to a certain minister of communication's shenanegans ?????????

3 letters.
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I must say I've only ever had excellent service from Telkom with my phone and adsl rental. Like Dave has said the problem likes many levels up the ladder.
 
Nothxkbi said:
I must say I've only ever had excellent service from Telkom with my phone and adsl rental. Like Dave has said the problem likes many levels up the ladder.
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Is the CEO your friend or something?
Kidding :p

I've had both good and shocking service from them. IMO if an issue can't be resolved quickly over a simple email or two, then the service isn't good enough. Foreign companies I've dealt with have met this standard, but South African companies haven't come close except for a few.
Many SA companies are still living in the past and don't answer email quickly, or don't have it at all. And then expect you to phone and sit on hold for half an hour (Telkom!).
 
As someone who has been to Kenya a couple of times I'll glad pay double for my uncapped 4mbps adsl rather than put up with that traffic.
 
Mineer said:
internet traffic or car/transport traffic:confused:
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Transport traffic. 2 lanes become three, taxis are much worse than here. It's one big circus, but without the clowns and trapeze artists.
 
Maddmatt said:
Many SA companies are still living in the past and don't answer email quickly, or don't have it at all. And then expect you to phone and sit on hold for half an hour (Telkom!).
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Worst part is when a company (even some ISP's) ask you to fax things through. When you ask if you can not just email they say, no we need a fax. WTF?
 
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