leonardharley
Active Member
Hi,
Probaly throwing the cat amongst the pigeons here but here goes anyway...
In my opinion the real issue at hand is the Telkom monopoly over communications services. It is clear to me that ICASA is a toothless regulator. They are clearly biased towards Telkom - why has it taken so long for deregulation of the telecoms industry in South Africa to begin happening? Why is EVERY bid to date tarnished in the eyes of ICASA? Does Telkom & ICASA think that the public is STUPID!
Personally I think that the issue actually needs to evelated to the highest level in government. This may sound childish but think on the following:
* Every country in the world is driven by it's economy
* The number of Small and meduim sized businesses by far exceed the number of large corporations
* The Internet is a leveler - i.e. a small business can promote and sell it's products and services as effectively as a multinational on the Internet.
* Communications drive business!
* Telkom has legally monopolised the fixed line communications industry in SA (also dont forget about Vodacom)!
* Customers of all sizes have no choice - if you want to earn a living in this country you HAVE TO USE TELKOM DAILY, regardless of cost or quality or service!
* Competition is the lifeblood of free market economies - competion = choice which ultimately = lower costs due to competition.
Mabey I'm an idiot but the above is my logic on the issue.
I think it is high time that ALL South Aricans across the economic and political spectrum be heard as one voice - ENOUGH is ENOUGH - Mr Mbeki must now intervene - get rid of the innefectual Minister of Communications who clearly is not skilled enough to hold the post - replace the individual with someone who has the pedigree to hold such a key post (look at the high regard for Mr. Trevor Manual internationally).
Commited action to accelarate deregulation in the telco sector is URGENTLY needed and SHOULD BE DEMANDED BY ALL SOUTH AFRICANS. Surely the Telkom monopoly goes against free market principles, and this affects EACH AND EVERY SOUTH AFRICAN - a better economy means more jobs which = less unemployment which actually affects all of us.
I am sure I am going to get flamed for this post but what the hell - it's an open forum - it's my opinion and opinions are like armpits - everyone has one!
Probaly throwing the cat amongst the pigeons here but here goes anyway...
In my opinion the real issue at hand is the Telkom monopoly over communications services. It is clear to me that ICASA is a toothless regulator. They are clearly biased towards Telkom - why has it taken so long for deregulation of the telecoms industry in South Africa to begin happening? Why is EVERY bid to date tarnished in the eyes of ICASA? Does Telkom & ICASA think that the public is STUPID!
Personally I think that the issue actually needs to evelated to the highest level in government. This may sound childish but think on the following:
* Every country in the world is driven by it's economy
* The number of Small and meduim sized businesses by far exceed the number of large corporations
* The Internet is a leveler - i.e. a small business can promote and sell it's products and services as effectively as a multinational on the Internet.
* Communications drive business!
* Telkom has legally monopolised the fixed line communications industry in SA (also dont forget about Vodacom)!
* Customers of all sizes have no choice - if you want to earn a living in this country you HAVE TO USE TELKOM DAILY, regardless of cost or quality or service!
* Competition is the lifeblood of free market economies - competion = choice which ultimately = lower costs due to competition.
Mabey I'm an idiot but the above is my logic on the issue.
I think it is high time that ALL South Aricans across the economic and political spectrum be heard as one voice - ENOUGH is ENOUGH - Mr Mbeki must now intervene - get rid of the innefectual Minister of Communications who clearly is not skilled enough to hold the post - replace the individual with someone who has the pedigree to hold such a key post (look at the high regard for Mr. Trevor Manual internationally).
Commited action to accelarate deregulation in the telco sector is URGENTLY needed and SHOULD BE DEMANDED BY ALL SOUTH AFRICANS. Surely the Telkom monopoly goes against free market principles, and this affects EACH AND EVERY SOUTH AFRICAN - a better economy means more jobs which = less unemployment which actually affects all of us.
I am sure I am going to get flamed for this post but what the hell - it's an open forum - it's my opinion and opinions are like armpits - everyone has one!
