iBurst expands offerings

Johannesburg, 02 Apr 2008

iBurst has boosted its portfolio to include ADSL and HSDPA, effective immediately.

This is in line with its intention to become a network-agnostic provider of fixed and wireless broadband services, the company says in a media statement.

"We have always looked at the needs of potential broadband subscribers and made unbiased recommendations as to which access technologies would suit them best," says iBurst CEO Thami Mtshali.

He says telecommunications is rapidly becoming a generic utility, like water and electricity, and customers are not interested in the technology used to meet their needs.

"Although we are a network operator, from the customer's point of view, we are an Internet service provider. Many consumers do not know or understand the differences between the various technologies and mediums that deliver the Internet to them. In fact, most of them don't care."

iBurst's recent launch of its iCall voice service also means the company can satisfy the voice and data needs of many consumers, he notes.

"The convenience of receiving one bill for both voice and data communications should not be underestimated."

New offerings

Mtshali says iBurst ADSL subscribers will need to apply to Telkom for an ADSL line before approaching iBurst for Internet services.

The iBurst ADSL service is offered on month-to-month and 24-month contracts, with 1GB package prices ranging from R69 per month on a 24-month contract, to R89 per month on a month-to-month contract, the company says.

Ten-gigabyte package prices range from R699 per month on a 24-month contract, to R719 per month on a month-to-month contract. All prices exclude modems.

iBurst HSDPA uses 10% shareholder Vodacom's 3G HSDPA network to provide mobile broadband data services.

It is available on 24-month contracts, from R249 per month for 500MB, to R2 049 per month for 10GB.

iBurst has consolidated its broadband offerings and slashed prices, with the changes going into effect yesterday.

The wireless broadband operator retained its R49 per month Kickstart service, which allows for 40MB of monthly usage.

It also offers subscribers 500MB, at R149 per month; 1 000MB, at R199 per month; 3 000MB, at R449 per month; and 5 000MB, at R599 per month.

iBurst says current subscribers will not be automatically migrated to the new packages. Any subscriber wanting to change their subscription to one of the new packages will need to request this, it notes.

The company previously stated it has 7% of the broadband market.