Telkom ‘practicing economic apartheid’
He is however, concerned about the fact that these new offerings are only available to post-paid and ISDN customers.
Telkom has “lost the golden opportunity to seize the moment and has opted to continue practicing economic apartheid,” he said.
“Telkom should ensure that this service is available across the board… Other than sheer silliness, there clearly exists no discernible reason why [certain] categories of users should be denied the benefit,” he continued.
Mr. Khaas is very critical of Telkom’s service delivery in previously neglected areas (PNA’s). He pointed out that ‘broadband delayed is broadband denied’ and questioned the lengthy waiting period for fixed lines in certain areas.
“Telkom must announce why it is still taking longer than 15 months to install fixed line telephony in certain areas, even where the LSM is highest and the potential consumption of broadband services greater. Also, by delaying the rollout of broadband in PNAs, Telkom continues to widen the digital divide.”
Mr. Khaas and the SMME Forum have a strong focus on increased broadband penetration, and reiterated the need for improved ADSL provisioning.
“If Telkom really wants to get closer to its customers, we suggest that it opens its ears and eyes more to what the small businesses and the rest of the consumers need: – access to affordable fixed telecommunications services, especially broadband, ON DEMAND,” he said.
Telkom’s ADSL service is currently around 1000% more expensive than comparable international offerings. This has a direct impact on the local broadband penetration rate which currently sits at around 0.3%. When compared to the OECD rate of around 12% the severity of this problem becomes clear.
Mr Khaas has called on ICASA to ratify the current pricing models and to put pressure on Telkom to do more.
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