Port allocation project?

[Pravech]

Hi,

I've read many posts on this forum including the FAQs; I've also tried to do my own research on ADSL but there is still something I don't quite understand.

I applied for ADSL +/- a 5 weeks age. On following up, I get the response that Telkom is busy with a port installation. (I've tried to get a clearer explanation but the guy seems to read from a screen/paper or something.) Now does this mean:
a) There are ports at my exchange but some buttwipe has to get around connecting my line with the thing?; or
b) There are no (more) ports at my exchange and Telkom have to install more ports?

If it's a) then I can lodge a complaint but if it's b) then I'm screwed as far as I can tell from the posts in this forum.

Can someone enlighten me since I'm not sure I have the correct understanding of the terminology, or else the Telkom guy on the 0800 number doesn't know how to explain the progress of my application.

Thanks

 

[andres101]

5 weeks is not bad. i think the average waiting time for adsl is 3 months.

our line at the office took 5 months... and then stopped working again after one month.

 

[Pravech]

I realise that from the horror stories on this forum. Point is it's 5 weeks running now and the "port allocation project" as the guy described is estimated to be completed on 5 December.

I shudder when I hear words like "estimated completion time", particularly in conjunction with the word "project", and most definitely when an organ of State is involved.

Therefore I need clarity on whether it is just a port that's sitting there waiting for my line to be connected by some guy (who I can hopefully chase up on) or if it is a question of allocating additional ports because there are no more at my exchange.

What does allocating a port mean anyway? Are there only x number of ports per exchange? If so how do they add new ports? Is it something they buy and plug in somewhere? (This is where I have to admit my newbie status and sycophantically ask for forgiveness...)

 

[Luke7777]

In short ......b) Applied mid May. Got told beginning Sept, that they will only be able to tell me Feb2007 when they can possibly supply me with service. Got a phone call 1st week of October confirming installation 7th November! That's after I went Iburst due to their Sept statement.

Did I mention they didn't pitch today ?

 

[cyberarmy]

I applied end Aug and their port expansion according to call center people should finish mid Sep, guess what, telk@k sent letter at end Sep said no port avail for me......

 

[Pravech]

Update on my ADSL application:

Got an SMS today from Telkom saying (verbatim): "This line is parked on a project as we awaiting equipment. Estimated completion date 31-01-2007."

This is after I was initially informed it would take 28 working days (estimate 28/11/2006), then informed about the "port allocation project" (estimate 5/12/2006), now this. Methinks these people are going on holiday early...