As the cat is coming out of the bag. I should probably enter the same disclaimer at this point - I have accepted a position as a director (and minority shareholder) in a to be launched ISP )this unfortunately makes proceeding with the MWEB issue is a little more complicated).
South Africa needs a robust ICT industry with multiple players interacting and competing within the context of the highest ethical standards of a business. ISPs are revenue orientated enterprises that have a constant risk of failure and can reap in massive rewards. The role that certain ISPs have played in transforming the industry has been commendable and the profits made from playing that role are well deserved. However as a dynamic industry a need has arisen for a new player and a decision has been taken to take up the challenge.
There are certain ISPs that continue to bring innovation to the market, that assume considerable risk in betting for the consumer (and in this vain Afrihost as a competitor ISP is a good example) and others who manage to drive an ever expanding base of users (Telkom Internet) who are adopting broadband as part of their life.
Unfortunately there is also a tendency and ample historic practice of businesses adopting unsustainable and dishonest (particularly on the marketing side of things) practices or making promises to consumers to induce contracts which they later wilfully breach. Too many businesses have blamed consumers for the failure of the businesses business model. Before accepting a position in an ISP I placed a lot of energy into fighting off what is tantamount to fraud, now I hope to put my energies into building a company that forms part of a wonderful ICT ecosystem. I am sure DJ feels the same way but we expect to be held to the highest standards and endeavour to hold ourselves (as we hold our business partners) to those standards. I will continue to push for LLU (and now have a little more muscle in the process) and there is agreement that our business will make the case for that which grows the industry even if it would force us to change our business models.
One of the great things about the Internet is that is is founded on a spirit of competition with cooperation.
South Africa needs a robust ICT industry with multiple players interacting and competing within the context of the highest ethical standards of a business. ISPs are revenue orientated enterprises that have a constant risk of failure and can reap in massive rewards. The role that certain ISPs have played in transforming the industry has been commendable and the profits made from playing that role are well deserved. However as a dynamic industry a need has arisen for a new player and a decision has been taken to take up the challenge.
There are certain ISPs that continue to bring innovation to the market, that assume considerable risk in betting for the consumer (and in this vain Afrihost as a competitor ISP is a good example) and others who manage to drive an ever expanding base of users (Telkom Internet) who are adopting broadband as part of their life.
Unfortunately there is also a tendency and ample historic practice of businesses adopting unsustainable and dishonest (particularly on the marketing side of things) practices or making promises to consumers to induce contracts which they later wilfully breach. Too many businesses have blamed consumers for the failure of the businesses business model. Before accepting a position in an ISP I placed a lot of energy into fighting off what is tantamount to fraud, now I hope to put my energies into building a company that forms part of a wonderful ICT ecosystem. I am sure DJ feels the same way but we expect to be held to the highest standards and endeavour to hold ourselves (as we hold our business partners) to those standards. I will continue to push for LLU (and now have a little more muscle in the process) and there is agreement that our business will make the case for that which grows the industry even if it would force us to change our business models.
One of the great things about the Internet is that is is founded on a spirit of competition with cooperation.
