Telecoms firms prefer rivalry, not rules

[kb]

http://www.busrep.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=561&fArticleId=2626118

The panel comprised executives from cellular operators Vodacom, MTN and Cell C, fixed-line phone monopoly Telkom and state-owned signal distributor Sentech.

Hmm. a well balanced and unbiased panel - NOT.

"The most important factor that will reduce prices is competition.

Like the introduction of cell-c saw cellular call charges plummeting - NOT.

"The regulator must also manage competition in such a way that players make money

We need a protected environment where we can rape and pillage in order to maintaintain obscene profit margins.

Sorry, I'm just to damned cynical when any of the incumbents open their mouths. I entirely mistrust their objectives with any article like this.

 

[Kei]

No need to apologize... I agree with you.

 

[mak2000]

Are these guys feeling the heat? I seem to think this is because of the awareness raised by MYADSL and such about the rip-offs carried out by these companies.

 

[bwana]

Besides prices, the panel deliberated on the policy and regulatory framework, affordable broadband services and universal internet access for South Africans.

Oh - price fixing?

Given the current levels of government interference how long would it take to open the market up? 5, 10 years perhaps - all that time these guys will be in their government approved protected bubble.

Reminds me of all those movies where the villains meet up in a dark room. Was $izwe sitting at the end of the table stroking his cat?

 

[neio]

Reminds me of all those movies where the villains meet up in a dark room. Was $izwe sitting at the end of the table stroking his cat?

He was def stroking something.

 

[bwana]

Rule of thumb - find out what telco's want and do opposite.

 

[arf9999]

Hello Pinky, how are you today? Awake yet?

Nombulelo Moholi, the chief sales and marketing officer at Telkom, said the speedy entry of the second network operator (SNO) to compete against Telkom would have positive spin-offs for consumers.

"I actually believe the frustration that consumers are experiencing is related to the lack of competition," said Moholi.

...you think?

 

[kb]

Given the track record of business in SA iro price maintenance and their aversion to compete aggresively on price, I firmly believe that "competition" alone will not result in the type of price reductions we are looking for. Unfortuneately I can only see this happening through some form of regulatory intervention in the market. I also hope that I am wrong in this respect, as it would be preferable for this to take place in a truly competitive environment.

 

[bwana]

Hello Pinky, how are you today? Awake yet?

...you think?

lol - old argument I know but how much of a positive impact did cell c have?

 

[Spamtheman]

Roy Padayachee, the deputy minister of communication, acknowledged that the prices were high, but said that by operating in a developing country, South African telecoms providers faced a particularly high cost burden, which forced them to charge higher prices than in the developed world.

WTF!?!?!?! Why should the fact that we're a developing nation increase the cost burden? Does being a developed nation result in the spontaneous generation of infrastructure? The only conceivable way there could be a higher cost burden would be because of legislation preventing cellular providers from installing their own infrastructure and forcing them to use Telkom. But they're still probably shafting us hard.

 

[stoke]

Let me get this right - they actually publically admit having a meeting with all the players of one sector in one room at the same time ?
In other countries, they'd call that collusion.
In this country, it's called a Panel.

<Q>Nombulelo Moholi, the chief sales and marketing officer at Telkom ... "I actually believe the frustration that consumers are experiencing is related to the lack of competition," said Moholi. </Q>
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA - Come over to my place in your luxury car and say that to my face you ....

 

[Gatecrasher]

This has to be one of the most sickening pieces of sanctimonious crap I've read in a long time. Who do these fat cats think they are fooling????

The frustration consumers experience is from being RIPPED OFF.

The ONLY thing preventing the reduction of prices is GREED.

And no amount of sitting around tables, fingers crossed behind their back, while exchanging platitudes about competition is going to change these simple facts.

The government must take tough, uncompromising action. For the good of ALL its citizens.

 

[dominic]

Hello Pinky, how are you today? Awake yet?

...you think?

certainly not the Brain