TELKOM CONSUMER WATCHDOG

[WhatsUp]

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by ASF</i>
Telkom monopoly is actually detremental to the economy of this country. Business relies on communication so Telkom affects each and every one of us in some shape or form.
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Here are two(2) good one's to start with...

<b>(Harmful) Business Practices Comittee:</b>
c/o Department of Trade and Industry
P/Bag X84
Pretoria
0001
Tel: (012) 310-9579
Fax: (012) 320-1417

and

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by ASF</i>
Secondly, and this is the hard one, pressure should be brought to bear on govt to:
1. Replace the Minister of Communications with someone who is qualified to hold such an important post
2. Accelerate the deregulation process for the good of the country...
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Government Ombudsman:
P/Bag X677
Pretoria
0001
Tel: (012) 322-2915/6
Fax: (012) 322-5093
tollfree: 0800-112040
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In addition to the above, this little clause from the
<b>ACT NO. 103 OF 1996: TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT, 1996</b> has the following:
"<b>section 44(7)</b> In the application of section 43(1)(e)(iii) and (4)(b) in relation to making the telecommunication facilities of Telkom available to another person and where the Authority is satisfied <u>that Telkom is unwilling or unable to make suitable facilities available</u> to that person within a reasonable period of time, the Authority may, instead of proposing terms and conditions as contemplated in section 43(4)(b), authorise that person to provide or obtain any necessary telecommunication facilities other than from Telkom on conditions determined by the Authority, notwithstanding the provisions of sections 37(2)(c), 38(2), 40(2) and 41(2)(a) and this section."
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and
"Uncompetitive actions
53. If it appears to the Authority that the holder of a telecommunication licence is taking or intends taking any action which has or is likely to have the effect of giving <u>an undue preference to or causing undue discrimination against any person or category of persons</u>, the Authority may, after giving the licensee concerned an opportunity to be heard, direct the licensee by written notice to cease or refrain from taking such action, as the case may be."

1). Does the undue preference part apply to Telkom employee's who
get special preferential rates?
2). Does the undue discrimination part apply to the ADSL users as
compared to the Analog and ISDN users, who are in fact paying a lot
less for a guaranteed service?
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[beyers]

Hi all

I think we should consider registering as a non-profit, (Article 21?)Company (NGO). Then start lobbying for recognition as widely as possible. This will be a hard and long road, and be sure that Telkom will be the VERY LAST to participate in the official recognition.

For a start we can try to affiliate with relevant governmental regulatory bodies. Also, we can look out for partners in quest for better service.

I think that this NGO can eventually grow into somethin bigger, with an enlarged jurisdiction. But it may be a good idea to start with the ADSL issue first and grow from that firm basis.

If there are people on this forum with the necessary legal background to give us useful advice on the way forward with the idea of forming a legitimate body, please come forward.

Also, I think we would need legal people to advise other legal stuff as well. I am sure Telkom's legal team is looking very carefully for something to catch us out.

Cheers