Telkom plans to open its exchanges to ISPs

[Kevin Lancaster]

Telkom plans to open its exchanges to ISPs to boost broadband

Telkom said it will make 200 of its exchanges available to Internet service providers on an open access basis to stimulate access to broadband in SA.

 

[km2]

This sounds good, but what does it mean? Is this Telkom's version of LLU? Why are they sounding positive about it, that makes me suspicious!

 

[Hummercellc]

Would it not be easier for Telkom to offer BitStream access and lower the current IPC pricing, plus make 100% sure no exchange is congested?
Also maybe push harder to get VDSL rolled out quicker.

The open module does sound inviting, but ISP's will cherry pick exchanges, and rural exchanges will see no action....

 

[MisterFiftySomething]

Would it not be easier for Telkom to offer BitStream access and lower the current IPC pricing, plus make 100% sure no exchange is congested?
Also maybe push harder to get VDSL rolled out quicker.

The open module does sound inviting, but ISP's will cherry pick exchanges, and rural exchanges will see no action....

Reading between the lines, specifically this part:

Telkom is initially rolling out this initiative in areas where it is easier to determine the total cost of service to refine the model.

I think it will mostly be rural exchanges. For now, at least.

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

This sounds good, but what does it mean? Is this Telkom's version of LLU? Why are they sounding positive about it, that makes me suspicious!

It does sound suspicious, either that or desperate.

 

[Lawnchairman]

The 200 exchanges would be showing Telkom's hand for sure!

 

[K3NS31]

/checks
hmm, it's not 1 April.

 

[Thor]

Mmmm, this sounds so wonderful and something we have been asking since the invent of adsl, but I'm not sure what this means since its coming from Telkom self...

 

[sybertiger]

maby they will ask the isp for maintenance cost then and ask for "rent'?

that way they score and save alot more money?

must be a catch somewhere

 

[MickZA]

Reading between the lines, specifically this part:

I think it will mostly be rural exchanges. For now, at least.

In which case expect a total lack of interest from the ISPs.

 

[rph72]

And what does Neotel say about this?

 

[MickeyD]

In which case expect a total lack of interest from the ISPs.

iirc it will be a mix of exchanges from each profitability group. It's probably the same group of exchanges used as samples to determine cost of service.

As to "rent", etc.... it brings "Facilities Leasing" into the equation. And there are always costs involved... e.g. it is crazy for a co-located operator to obtain separate electrical feeds and to provide their own backup power when it is already available.

 

[MickeyD]

And what does Neotel say about this?

Very interesting question!!

If Telkom are going the facilities leasing route then they will push the regulator to apply the same legislation equally to all network operators.

 

[nallayarg]

That sounds wonderful !!!
I wonder if they will fix my ADSL line so I can get what I pay through the nose for ??
Fault number 713 CRK 060715 refers
They keep sending me SMS messages asking me to tell them how well it's working.
It has not worked for 5-6 weeks !!
Does anyone have any suggestions how I can get a workable service I'm currently using a GSM modem and it's costing me plenty.
Please can someone help me ??

 

[Rickster]

You know how telkom is, they say one thing and do another.

 

[skimread]

200 isn't alot but at least a first step

 

[Valhallan]

I think the best spin off from co-location could be the dropping of the analog line parasite on DSL connections.

I have my doubts that Telkom will make it affordable....more than likely the same cost as IPC or the wholesale division would loose cash

 

[belowalthough]

So the stone age of Telkom is moving ahead now we have to wait another million years for this and LLU.

I will believe it when it happens.

 

[Johand]

It's too late. Telkom cannot even offer 10Mbps to a big number of its customers because the exchanges are too far apart. They seemingly stopped deploying new MSANS. So what can somebody do with an exchange that's too far?

Fiber deployment seem to be the only way forward. Either Telkom is going to put in the capital and deploy or other parties will. In the meantime their assets in the ground are being sweated without sufficient investment until it is close to worthless. And then I assume Telkom will theb either close its doors or be nationalised and become a tax payer burden.

This sounds more like a desperate last gasp than a sustainable 10 year strategy.

 

[MickeyD]

It's too late. Telkom cannot even offer 10Mbps to a big number of its customers because the exchanges are too far apart.

Can you provide actual numbers or is it based on your perception and that of a few members here?