Low self-esteem can be a terrible thing. Indeed, a lack of confidence can lead under-achievement and overall poor performance. But in light of this, I am forced to take back all the bad things I've been saying about Neotel.
In the past, I've have accused Neotel of being a lame duck, of failing to launch and, thus, failing to live up to its promise to change the landscape of the local telecoms sector.
However, I now concede that I may have been a tad harsh.
This week, at the announcement that SITA has successfully deployed government's R454 million next-generation network (NGN), Neotel MD Ajay Pandey shed some light on why the operator has so far been choking at the prospect of stepping up to the plate.
Neotel and Business Connexion were chosen to roll out the NGN, which replaces government's common core network. This week's announcement sent shockwaves through the IT sector, as minister of public service and administration Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi said the project had been completed on time and within budget.
At the event, a beaming Pandey explained the milestone of building the largest public sector NGN has given his company "confidence to take bolder steps in the future".
"You will see more of us in making a difference in communications."
Fab. Glad to see you got your mojo back, old chap. At this point, any steps from Neotel would be most welcome.
Virgin still untouched
A beaming [Ajay] Pandey explained the milestone of building the largest public sector NGN has given his company [Neotel] "confidence to take bolder steps in the future".
Martin Czernowalow, news editor, ITWeb
Since arriving on our shores with a bang, Virgin Mobile SA has done very little screwing. Despite Richard Branson's famous "Screw it, let's do it" philosophy, the virtual network operator has seen little action in this country.
Since launching 18 months ago, the company has attracted 300 000 subscribers, but is adamant that has exceeded its coy targets. During a rare interview, the shy and modest CEO, Peter Boyd, explained that Virgin's local operations are not actually about consorting with every Tom, Dick and Harry, but rather about a search for a few rich Sugar Daddies.
Sadly, mobile number portability has done nothing for Virgin, as it seems that most guys prefer to stick with experienced old gals like Vodacom, MTN and even Cell C, who've been around the block a few times.
So, what is Virgin's plan to reach out and touch someone? "We need to get good subscribers who, like us, want to recommend us to their friends and deliver higher ARPUs," rambled Boyd. He then added something vague about driving the brand.
Uh-huh. Sure. Good luck with that.
What Joburg broadband network?
Since announcing the Joburg Broadband Network Project (JBNP) a long, long time ago, the City of Johannesburg has done squat to advance the R500 million initiative.
But, you'll be happy to know, the JBNP - initially scheduled for completion in the latter part of last year - is well on track.
"There are no delays. We are on track with our tender schedule," says city media liaison Nthatisi Modingoane.
Eh?
Smoothly dodging questions and possible commitment to any future deadlines for the project's completion, Modingoane stated: "Your question would be more relevant once a bidder is actually awarded the contract."
Meanwhile, short-listed bidders say they had no idea about the progress of the project and have subsequently been bound by non-disclosure agreements. I guess it's safe to say that this one will take a while.
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