Sentech MyWireless on borrowed time
Sentech first launched its MyWireless broadband service in 2004. At the time Telkom’s DSL 512 service with a 3 GB monthly usage limit was the only broadband service on the market, and Sentech’s uncapped MyWireless offerings with speeds ranging between 128 Kbps and 512 Kbps initially enjoyed strong uptake.
Unfortunately poor service levels dogged the new broadband provider, resulting in a consumer backlash led by a group of MyBroadband members. This severely damaged the reputation of Sentech’s MyWireless service, something which the company never really recovered from.
Further problems with funding, which meant that Sentech could not actively extend its network and market its broadband offerings, resulted in a steady decline in subscribers and ultimately the decision to exit the retail broadband market.
In a recent email Sentech informed subscribers that the company had made a decision to withdraw from the retail telecommunications market. “Due to the fast changing nature of the ICT market and entry of well-funded competitors, Sentech has not been able to sustain the momentum and growth of these products and services. In addition, the equipment delivering retail broadband services is now entering the planned redundancy period,” Sentech said.
This decision was actually made a long time ago, but the paratstatal did not give any definite dates as to when it would discontinue its MyWireless services. It has however now committed to a cut-off date stating that it will discontinue the MyWireless service on 30 November 2009.
Sentech said that in addition to their core business of broadcasting signal distribution, it will concentrate on offering a wholesale broadband network as a common platform for all service providers.
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