Department of Communications to discuss high telecoms prices again

The first colloquium was in July this year and set the foundation for a more in depth study of how to lower telecoms costs.

This second colloquium will be held at the same place, Gallagher Estate, on the 11th and 12th of October.

The aim of the October colloquium is to review the recommendations made by the Working Group at the first colloquium on the underlying pricing issues.

The topics under the spotlight regarding pricing are market structures, regulation, unbundling the local loop, self-provision, broadband penetration, universal service and international cable access.

The Deputy Minister of the DoC, Mr. Radhakrishna Padayachie, has come out in full support of transformation in the telecoms sector.

“We cannot hope to achieve universal service with the current programmes and at 100,000 DSL subscribers, our broadband penetration is far too low, considering its potential for critical socio-economic contribution!”

“We must modernize the telecommunications sector and achieve the best for all South Africans in terms of choice, quality, innovation and value-for-money.”

“This is essential to promote a competitive economy and achieve the target growth rate of 6%. Effective and competitive telecommunications services must be available to all.”

The Deputy Minister’s support for change in the telecommunication industry is encouraging. The hope is that this second colloquium will provide valuable information that will jump-start the much needed lowering of telecommunication costs.