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Cape Town – The government should expand partnerships with the private sector to boost the roll-out of broadband in SA, say Fin24 users.
Fin24 recently reported that cost was a major factor in limiting the adoption of universal broadband in SA.
The government has identified Telkom as a “lead agency” in the roll-out of broadband, but some argue that more players should be brought on board.
“When the president said that Telkom would be championing the roll out of broadband in mostly rural areas, I thought it would ensure that they further put more money in it to fund and speed up that process,” wrote Fin24 user Mateo.
“The market should be open enough for other new players to come to the fore, government should rather empower small and new players into the business to promote innovations, make it easier for small enterprises to thrive.
“As long as government doesn't invest enough in new technology and eliminate red tape, wealthier locations will always benefit. Affordability is crucial in this sector,” he added.
Telkom recently announced Openserve which will serve as a facilitator for rival internet service providers to deliver services on the company’s network.
“Obviously they have been identified as the lead agency to drive with penetration, we’re definitely seeing this in a reigniting of their strategy in terms of wholesale with their Openserve launch,” Shane Chorley, head of Carrier and Connectivity at Vox Telecom told Fin24 about Telkom’s move.
But Fin24 user Eben lambasted Telkom’s reputation, based on his experience.
“Telkom is a joke! After all media reports of high speed they still cannot reach speeds of 1 meg to my house, in the upmarket area of Panorama, Cape Town.”
James suggested that Wi-Fi provides a more effective solution for internet access.
“There is a new company being formed that will provide Wi-Fi at a fixed rate of R75pm with uncapped date at download speed of 400mbps.”
