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antowan
Honorary Master
- Joined
- Nov 1, 2003
- Messages
- 13,054
Why broadband and other Internet related services will continue to suffer under Telkom
When one thinks of Telkom, one cannot help but be overcome by thoughts of terrible service, slow replies on queries and long installation waiting periods. It does seem as if there has been some improvement with the above-mentioned (long-standing) truths. The improvement can be traced to Telkom’s fear of the possible introduction of the new SNO in the hopefully not too distant future.
To many people Telkom however resembles a real and continuing threat to the development of South Africa. What I want to point out is the danger that Telkom poses to the development of Internet services in South Africa. At least to the possible and much needed narrowing of the digital divide. Telkom as an organization seems to be structured in such a way as to provide services that do not replace each other. For instance, the Diginet lines are protected by handicapping ADSL in the country. I guess you are wondering how that is possible. Let me explain. As you might know, Diginet is a very expensive always on connection. An outdated and ancient service which is a huge cash cow for Telkom because it can keep its Diginet customers bound to the service by simply taking away the advantages of new and more modern (and more affordable) service options. How do you prevent businesses switching from Diginet to ADSL? You take away the advantage of a fixed IP, unlimited bandwidth and quick support… How do you protect your ISDN based business? You port prioritize the new ADSL offering in order to make ISDN better for certain data activities… The list goes on and on…
South Africa’s economic and social development is hampered by this element of Telkom’s anti-progressive behavior.
Regards
Antowan
He who does not understand the value of war at the right time, cannot comprehend the value of life at any time - Anonymous
When one thinks of Telkom, one cannot help but be overcome by thoughts of terrible service, slow replies on queries and long installation waiting periods. It does seem as if there has been some improvement with the above-mentioned (long-standing) truths. The improvement can be traced to Telkom’s fear of the possible introduction of the new SNO in the hopefully not too distant future.
To many people Telkom however resembles a real and continuing threat to the development of South Africa. What I want to point out is the danger that Telkom poses to the development of Internet services in South Africa. At least to the possible and much needed narrowing of the digital divide. Telkom as an organization seems to be structured in such a way as to provide services that do not replace each other. For instance, the Diginet lines are protected by handicapping ADSL in the country. I guess you are wondering how that is possible. Let me explain. As you might know, Diginet is a very expensive always on connection. An outdated and ancient service which is a huge cash cow for Telkom because it can keep its Diginet customers bound to the service by simply taking away the advantages of new and more modern (and more affordable) service options. How do you prevent businesses switching from Diginet to ADSL? You take away the advantage of a fixed IP, unlimited bandwidth and quick support… How do you protect your ISDN based business? You port prioritize the new ADSL offering in order to make ISDN better for certain data activities… The list goes on and on…
South Africa’s economic and social development is hampered by this element of Telkom’s anti-progressive behavior.
Regards
Antowan
He who does not understand the value of war at the right time, cannot comprehend the value of life at any time - Anonymous
]. Let me not steer this to local politics, but look at Mugabe...