iBurst stated that they were going to become a network agnostic provider of fixed and wireless broadband services and their announcement that they will now resell ADSL and HSDPA services falls in line with their future plans. <\/p>\n
“We have always looked at the needs of potential broadband subscribers and made unbiased recommendations as to which access technologies would suit them best. The difference today is that we can recommend and sell iBurst Wireless, iBurst ADSL and iBurst HSDPA,” said Thami Mtshali, CEO of iBurst.<\/p>\n
iBurst says that its repositioning recognises that telecommunications is rapidly becoming a generic utility similar to water and electricity. “Broadband consumers are primarily interested in their needs being met and not in which technology meets those needs,” said Mr Mtshali.<\/p>\n
According to iBurst its recent entry as a serious player in the voice communication arena also means that one telecoms company could satisfy the voice and data needs of many consumers. <\/p>\n
“The convenience of receiving one bill for both voice and data communications should not be underestimated,” added Mr Mtshali. iBurst subscribers opting for multiple access technologies will also receive one bill.<\/p>\n
Pricing<\/strong><\/p>\n iBurst points out that ADSL subscribers will need a Telkom ADSL line before approaching iBurst for ISP (Internet Service Provider) services. iBurst ADSL is offered on month-to-month and 24 month contracts. <\/p>\n One gigabyte package prices range from R69 per month on a 24 month contract to R89 per month on a month-to-month contract. Ten gigabyte package prices range from R699 per month on a 24 month contract to R719 per month on a month-to-month contract.<\/p>\n iBurst’s ADSL prices are higher than most ‘independent’ ISPs like Axxess, but compare favourably with larger players like Telkom Internet and MWEB. Axxess charges R 59.00 for a 1 GB month-to-month account while its 10 GB accounts retail for at R 599.00. This is significantly lower than iBurst’s R 89.00 and R 719.00 respectively.<\/p>\n When compared to Telkom and MWEB, iBurst’s 1 GB month-to-month accounts priced at R 89.00 are higher than Telkom’s R 79.00 but lower than MWEB’s R 145.00 per month. <\/p>\n For a 3 GB account, iBurst’s price of R 229.00 is lower that Telkom Internet’s AllAccess price of R 239.00 and significantly lower than MWEB’s R299.00.<\/p>\n iBurst also offers SAIX based unshaped ADSL accounts for R 139.00 for 1 GB and R 389.00 for 3 GB.<\/p>\n One of the biggest advantages of iBurst’s ADSL offerings is that it includes data carry-over where the unused portion of a subscriber’s monthly data allowance can be used during the next month. <\/p>\n For HSDPA, iBurst’s prices are in line with other offerings in the market.<\/p>\n iBurst HSDPA – which uses Vodacom’s 3G HSDPA network and includes a HSDPA modem with all packages – is available on a 24 month contract from R249 per month for 500 megabytes to R2 049 per month for 10 gigabytes. These prices are exactly the same as what Vodacom offers directly to the public through its own reseller channels.<\/p>\n “Data Carryover is a compelling reason to choose iBurst ADSL because it means that iBurst customers are the only broadband subscribers able to carry over the unused portion of their monthly data allowances to the following month, up to a maximum of their monthly data allocation,” iBurst said.<\/p>\n While this statement is not entirely accurate – ISPs like WebAfrica, Axxess and Cybersmart have long offered prepaid ADSL bandwidth with bandwidth rollover – it is a valuable addition to any broadband service where strict usage limits are enforced.<\/p>\n Mr Mtshali concluded: “Being able to offer three different broadband access options is ultimately an extension of iBurst’s commitment to customer service.”<\/p>\n