"Telkom’s PC–Internet bundle a fraud”

[rpm]

http://mybroadband.co.za/nephp/?m=show&id=529

 

[BTTB]

What are the specs of this computer?

Pentium IV 3GHz, 512 MB memory, 120 GB HDD, 17” monitor and a Geforce FX card plus a few other little goodies.

Is this the one that is being sold.

 

[Kei]

Yep

 

[lewstherin]

“Telkom has failed to roll out fixed-line telecommunications to the underpriviledged as per its commitment under its now-expired licensing conditions and one wonders how genuine its intentions are to ensure PC and ICT penetration improve, especially to those who need ICTs the most,” said Tebogo.

Tebogo Khaas has got to be the most two faced little beyatch this side of Mars. He is the same guy that was rallying to Telkom's and the Minister's defense about the self-provision story about 6 months back.

http://www.mybroadband.co.za/nephp/?m=show&id=149

 

[BTTB]

Yep

I wonder if that P4 is not perhaps a Celeron.

And what if a customer prefered an AMD based machine?
E.g. 64 Bit 939 Socket.

 

[Dastrix]

Another damning report, I'm loving this!

 

[bb_matt]

Here we go, standard costs and specs from a reasonably priced supplier :-

Intel Pentium 4/ 3.2Ghz Processor - Prescott
Hyper Threading MB & Processor
512MB DDR400 RAM
120GB-7200RPM HDD
1.44MB SDD
ATx Midi Case
DVD Writer +_ ( 16x) Dual Layer (8.5GB)
Onboard sound and speakers
256MB GeForce 5500 w/ TV-OUT & DVI
17" Samsung SVGA Monitor
56K Internal fax/modem + Lan
Internet keyboard
Optical Wheel Mouse

R5450

Now, assuming that there's a standard interest charge over the 3 year period, which is usual with these kinds of "deals", at most, it would be 40%, which is still a ripoff, and would end up at R7630

Bear in mind that the R5450 above is retail cost. It's likely that Telkom will be getting the same at as low as R4000

What a bunch of crooks !

 

[Celemasiko]

As I said earlier on, its a complete ripoff...

 

[BTTB]

And to think the Government dropped the Import Duties on PC Components so that more people could be able to afford one.

 

[antowan]

I know one thing. That PC is sure gonna hurt when Telkom shoves it where the sun don't shine! Shove it Telkom! And while you're at it, try and get some educated marketers to tell you what "consumer needs" mean...

 

[Darth Garth]

Who does he speak for and who appointed him as the custodian of the poor people in the townships ???.

He seems like lackey and a usefull stooge as well when it suits him.

See http://www.itweb.co.za/sections/telecoms/2005/0502221230.asp

 

[antowan]

I also cannot help but wonder what Mr. Khaas is playing at, but when he says something logical, lets support that with praise...

 

[kobie]

Gold option costs:

790.96 x 36 months = R28 474.56

Buying the package normally costs:

R359 x 36 + 249 x 36 = R21 888 (R249 a month for 3 gig Std and R359 for homedsl384)

Difference:

R28 474.56 – R21 888 = 6 586.56

Subtract R404 free installation

R6 586.56 – R404 = R6 182.56

Financing:

Assuming the cost of the pc new is R5450…

5450 = (6182.56/36)*((1-(1+r)^-36)/r)

r = 0.70%

Interest charge = 0.70%*12 = 8.4%

What am i missing...seems like a perfectly valid offer

 

[ayanda]

I just called Telkom. Here is the deal on the bundle ( so they say). They are not subsidising the different elements, but the PC and software, as they are not allowed to subsidise the telecoms elements.

1. If dsl prices go down, any time during the year the bundle price will adjusted down to the user

2. If any of the elements go up , the price will NOT adjust up.

3. At the end of 3 years ( which is after end of contract), you may cancel all the services , the PC is yours.

4. If you are hooked on the internet by then, the PC financing price is removed , and you keep the PC and pay for the different elements in the bundle as you please.

I hope this clarifies things.

 

[Byrd]

Ayanda - They should really be putting this sort of thing in writing.

When you say 'DSL Prices' are you talking about line rental or ISP Portion?

In their terms and conditions it states that the client takes full ownership and risk of the equipment upon delivery - which is it?

 

[ayanda]

The bundle includes:

+PC (depends on bundle chosen)
+software
+the analogue line rental ( or your existing one if you already have one)
+ HomeDSL xxx (depending on bundle chosen)
+ 2G / 3G isp account (depending on bundle chosen)
+ 2 year walk-in warranty on PC
+ home delivery by Mecer contractor
+ DSL Installation ( could be telkom technician or Mercer contractor)

 

[stoke]

The biggest problem with this package is that the pieces are not specified.
i.e. If the ADSL goes down 20%, then by how much does your monthly payment drop?
And, of you want to buy yourself out, then what ? Where is those terms and conditions written ?

 

[ayanda]

Here are the conditions:

I just called Telkom. Here is the deal on the bundle ( so they say). They are not subsiding the different elements, but the PC and software, as they are not allowed to subsidise the telecoms elements.

1. If dsl prices go down, any time during the year the bundle price will adjusted down to the user

2. If any of the elements go up , the price will NOT adjust up.

3. At the end of 3 years ( which is after end of contract), you may cancel all the services , the PC is yours.

4. If you are hooked on the internet by then, the PC financing price is removed , and you keep the PC and pay for the different elements in the bundle as you please.

I hope this clarifies things.

 

[MFour]

Here are the conditions:

I just called Telkom. Here is the deal on the bundle ( so they say). They are not subsiding the different elements, but the PC and software, as they are not allowed to subsidise the telecoms elements.

1. If dsl prices go down, any time during the year the bundle price will adjusted down to the user

2. If any of the elements go up , the price will NOT adjust up.

3. At the end of 3 years ( which is after end of contract), you may cancel all the services , the PC is yours.

4. If you are hooked on the internet by then, the PC financing price is removed , and you keep the PC and pay for the different elements in the bundle as you please.

I hope this clarifies things.

Hehe, you must have made quite a few calls to Telkom today

 

[BTTB]

Here are the conditions:

I just called Telkom. Here is the deal on the bundle ( so they say). They are not subsiding the different elements, but the PC and software, as they are not allowed to subsidise the telecoms elements.

1. If dsl prices go down, any time during the year the bundle price will adjusted down to the user

2. If any of the elements go up , the price will NOT adjust up.

3. At the end of 3 years ( which is after end of contract), you may cancel all the services , the PC is yours.

4. If you are hooked on the internet by then, the PC financing price is removed , and you keep the PC and pay for the different elements in the bundle as you please.

I hope this clarifies things.

In my opinion anyone wanting to buy a PC to get on the internet can do the following.

1. Install 192Kb ADSL.
384 and 512 options available later if more bandwidth is needed.
2. Get the cheapest 5GB or 10GB Account from the companies advertising on MyADSL or go to Hellkom's website to check pricing and then upgrade on the fly, if needed.
3. Buy your own ADSL Router.
Search the forums for choices.
4. Buy your own PC from one of the many dealers around the country.
Don’t necessarily go for the cheapest entry level machine, but rather look for something that can be upgraded later if you are on a budget. E.g. Decent PSU and Motherboard is the basis of a good system. Other components can be added.
5. Don’t sign any contracts.
Least of all, one for 3 years.
What they think we are buying? A car on Instalment Sale?
It’s only a PC for goodness sake. Dime a dozen stuff.
3 years down the line that PC would be basically ready for the scrap heap, even if you owned it.
Maybe if they offered a good trade in on your old PC at the end of three years at the price you paid for it, minus lets say 10% pa for depreciation.
Don't know what they would do with the old PC's, other than donate them to some organisation.


Or go check out the ADSL NEWBIE F.A.Q.

I think the emphasis here is that the public should be aware that 3 years in the computer world is a very long time.