Mystery surrounds ADSL problems

[BTTB]

Mystery surrounds ADSL problems

BY MARTIN CZERNOWALOW, ITWEB SENIOR JOURNALIST

[Johannesburg, 20 January 2006] - Confusion surrounds the status of ADSL connectivity around the greater Johannesburg area this morning, as users in several areas of the city have reported problems, while others do not seem to be affected.

While it is understood that Telkom's ATM network may be the cause of the problem, the telecoms group has not yet released an official statement.

However, a source at Telkom told ITWeb the group has been experiencing problems with its fibre optic network, which has been affecting ADSL connectivity recently. However, the cause of the problem is unknown, and the source speculated the network could either have been damaged or is simply suffering the effects of “normal wear and tear”.

Sources have also speculated that the fault lies with Telkom's central authentication server through which all ADSL connections are routed.

However, none of this could be confirmed, as Telkom's corporate communications department and CTO Thami Msimango are not available for comment. It is understood that members of senior management are locked in meetings this morning, and an official statement from Telkom is expected later today.

While it is not currently possible to ascertain the magnitude of the problem, Telkom's ADSL call centre was flooded with callers reporting connectivity issues this morning.

In contrast, members of Telkom's technical department claim they are unaware of a large-scale problem.

Johan Landman, manager of high-level support for ADSL, says there has been no word about a major failure, which would have been reported to his department.

Yet ADSL provider DataPro confirmed that most of its clients, in Johannesburg and surrounding areas, inundated its call centre with complaints this morning. A technician at DataPro says the company is still attempting to ascertain the cause of the problem and has not been able to get through to Telkom's call centre.

Meanwhile, users in some areas of the city, such as Randburg, Malanshof and Parkhurst, have not reported problems.

 

[BillyBoy]

IS ADSL Service issue resolved 16:07

According to IS alert sent out : IS ADSL Service issue resolved. Telkom have resolved the technical issue affecting the IS ADSL Service in the Johannesburg area. Service has been restored.

 

[pupa]

Read the SA broadband dictionary

Mystery = Telkom
Crooks is Telkom
Cheats = Telkom
Srew You = Telkom
Fraud = Telkom
Per GiG billing = Telkom

Thus all Sh@t = TELKOM

 

[Sneeky]

Telkom just have to do this every now and then and they will gradually start to gain existing IS customers and increase their own market share.

from the other thread

The needs of Internet Solutions, one of Telkom’s fiercest competitors, seem to enjoy less priority that it should.

This raises the question whether a legally protected wholesaler should be allowed to compete in the retail sphere.

http://mybroadband.co.za/nephp/?m=show&id=1727

 

[dollarbrand]

guys. look towards the cable infrastructure. Yes there is optic but from where.

 

[kilo39]

This is exactly how shameful our telecommunications are: IS reliant on telkom - a massive independent company - brought to its knees - at telkoms whim. Sick and sad.

 

[MrG]

The problem is not Telkom, its IS that even thinks its a good idea to buy from Telkom. You cant resell a competitors services. If someone wants to be really competive what they need to do is simple, get their own international bandwidth

 

[Sneeky]

The problem is not Telkom, its IS that even thinks its a good idea to buy from Telkom. You cant resell a competitors services. If someone wants to be really competitive what they need to do is simple, get their own international bandwidth

Where would IS be able to source bandwidth that is entirely independent of telkom, does it not all come through the saix/telkom controlled landing stations?
Is it possible to cut Telkom out of the equation completely, if it is possible, then they are doff for not going that way.

 

[Sneeky]

^^^the person has a point^^^

 

[MrG]

true Sneeky

 

[RichardP]

Where would IS be able to source bandwidth that is entirely independent of telkom, does it not all come through the saix/telkom controlled landing stations?
Is it possible to cut Telkom out of the equation completely, if it is possible, then they are doff for not going that way.

They can get bandwidth without Telkom, but they cant get access to the ADSL infrastructure without telkom.... hence, they need to buy bandwidth from Telkom if they sell ADSL.

Maybe they should slap up a wireless CDMA network and show Telkom the middle finger.

 

[MrG]

I doubt they are really able to do that... Telkom will find some way to stop every single person that wants to complete with them