Gartner analyst Debra Logan has described the high cost of connectivity in SA and many other African countries as "outrageous".
The cost of landline Internet connectivity in SA and many other African countries is prohibitively high for many people. The infrastructure is also often lacking, forcing people to make more use of mobile phones than those in other parts of the world.
"Something has to be done about this outrageous pricing, either through more competition, which is the better long-term solution, or through direct government intervention, such as the Chinese model," she says.
The classic case of asymmetrical pricing is the South African example of where companies running large call centres pay 120c, or less, a minute for a call to London. However, poor people living in a township pay 287c per minute to use their mobile phones to make local calls.
Logan says government intervention has proven to be the fastest way to roll-out broadband connectivity, but that often comes with its own pitfalls.
"The Chinese model is fast, but then people have restricted access to the Internet in that they cannot really get the information they would want due to censorship," she says.
Hi-tech generation
The pitfalls and advantages of the 'consumerisation' of IT, especially that of handheld devices and Web 2.0, will be the main theme of this year's Gartner Symposium/ITxpo Africa.
For the first time, the international research firm will canvas and include South African students in its conference. Students will also participate in the closing panel discussion, says Logan.
"The kids are growing up with these devices, and while the analysts are continuously talking about the impact, this year we are including them, because they are a generation coming of age in this new environment."
Gartner's student competition is open to all undergraduates and postgraduates under the age of 30. The closing date is 10 August and the winners will be hosted at Gartner Symposium/ITxpo Africa, which begins in Cape Town on 27 August. Further details can be obtained from bronwen@sentientcommunications.co.za.
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