Representatives from the Communication Users Association of SA (CUASA) and MyADSL have welcomed a new Sentech PC/laptop bundle, saying it shows competition in the broadband arena is hotting up.
On Friday, Sentech released a MyWireless flexi PC/laptop bundle, a package that combines wireless pay-as-you-use Internet access with hardware from HP.
According to Winston Smith, Sentech's portfolio manager of broadband wireless, users can get a PC with a 200MB flexi package for R499, a PC and a 500MB flexi package for R599, or a PC and a 1GB flexi package for R699. The laptop option offers the same flexi packages at R599, R699 and R799 respectively, with built-in WiFi capability included.
Smith says the bundle contract is set at 24 months rather than the 36 usually offered in the marketplace, as hardware tends to quickly become outdated. He says the wear and tear that comes from use and the ever-improving technology mean that in 24 months, users would need to upgrade their machines.
Smith argues that at a minimum of R499 a month, the offering makes broadband Internet accessible to users who previously did not have Internet access or used a dial-up connection.
He says the product offering allows Sentech to play its part in bridging the communication divide by providing broadband access at a price equivalent to that of a dial-up connection.
The product allows consumers to move straight to broadband access at the price they would have paid for a dial-up connection, he says. Consumers can also make phone calls via voice over Internet Protocol.
MyADSL founder Rudolph Muller says MyADSL members considered the pros and cons of the product offering, and on the whole they think it's a step in the right direction.
He says the low prices can help to increase PC penetration in the country. The 24-month contract also makes it attractive, he adds.
CUASA spokesman Ray Webber agrees, saying the shorter the contact period, the less the consumer ultimately has to pay. If they have managed to keep the overall cost down as well, that can only be good for the consumer, he adds.
"It shows that competition in the broadband arena is hotting up, which is great news for consumers."
Related stories:
SMME Forum slams Telkom Net bundles
Convenience in a box
Share