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Will Telkom ever say die?

Just when one thinks democracy is beginning to turn the tide in SA, along comes Telkom with another ridiculous objection.
By Warwick Ashford, ITWeb London correspondent
Johannesburg, 26 Aug 2005

Even before we could fully digest the news that Knysna is preparing to become the first South African town to become fully WiFi connected, Telkom has begun to raise objections.

Has Telkom enjoyed its monopoly so long that it does not believe it will ever really have to let go of its ridiculously privileged position?

Whatever the truth, Telkom appears to be reeling out furiously its supplies of red tape in an all out effort to tie up Knysna`s efforts indefinitely.

While the rural community surrounding Knysna is presumably celebrating the prospect of being linked wirelessly to education and communication services following the signing of five-year deal with wireless ISP UniNet, Telkom is quoting obscure clauses of ante-democratic legislation.

The fact that the deal will link 62 municipal offices around Knysna, provide substantial coverage to rural areas enabling the delivery of educational and e-government services, and make communication accessible to the poorest of residents, is all being ignored by Telkom.

Instead, Telkom appears to be concerned with only one effect of Knysna`s initiative, and that is how it will impact Telkom`s bottom line.

Sufficiently intimidated?

Has Telkom enjoyed its monopoly so long that it does not believe it will ever really have to let go of its ridiculously privileged position?

Warwick Ashford, portals managing editor

According to UniNet, the wireless implementation planned for the area will save Knysna around R4 million in Telkom fees over a five-year period, so it is easy to see why the telco is upset and desperate to prevent any precedent. Is it any wonder then that Telkom is likely to go to great lengths to delay, if not prevent, Knysna`s pioneering WiFi implementation?

Knysna`s WiFi initiative will also mean that people living in informal settlements in the area will be able to make free calls to anyone connected to the network using WiFi-enabled phones expected to be available at a lower cost than standard cellphones. A good thing, surely?

Considering moves by Telkom in recent days, it would appear that Telkom considers its revenues much more important than further development and upliftment for the poorest of South African communities.

Telkom has approached the local authorities and alleged that UniNet is preparing to provide an illegal service. Telkom says Section 41 (2) (a) of the Telecommunications Act prohibits what UniNet plans to do, but UniNet contends that the section referred to by Telkom relates to public telephone networks and not value-added network suppliers like UniNet.

Telkom says that during its meetings with local authorities, the stipulations of the Act were explained and office bearers were "responsive" to Telkom`s point of view. Does that mean Telkom believes they were sufficiently intimidated?

Telkom`s Waterloo

Interestingly, Telkom has also approached the Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA). Does this mean Telkom is confident its position will remain unchallenged?

Let`s hope that when ICASA delivers its response, it will dare to demonstrate its "authority" and "independence" by forcing Telkom to get real about the development needs of the country.

In light of government`s declared development objectives and ICASA`s supposed liberalisation of the telecoms sector, reason dictates that Knysna should be Telkom`s Waterloo.

Surely the time for intimidation tactics by Telkom should be past and it should be forced to get real about its ostensibly unprivileged status in a democratic SA?

If ICASA ever had any teeth, now is the time to bare them.

Related story:
Storm brewing over Knysna WiFi

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