Great point. My favorite snippet of info is the comparison between cellular technology and fixed-line Telkom.

In the past, government backed Telkom (by giving them a monopoly) to provide connectivity to the masses, and left the cellular companies alone, because it was a "luxury device", not deemed worthy of interference.

What happens? Like you say, Telkom has done absolutely nothing to improve the plight of the people, and the 'free' cellular market (yay capitalism) now provides a brand new, basic cell phone and starter pack for about R350.

Cell technology is the major enabler of communication in rural communities.

Government = crap

I think it's still true that 2 cans attached to a piece of string strung between neighbouring properties is technically illegal. That's progress for you!

Its about time something has been started in this country, and the problem of Telkom's over pricing has been around for ages.

But it is no secret, its simply that no one can do anything about it. The topic was broadcast on Carte Blanch a while back advertising Hellcoms efforts to topple the giant.

The end of year profits are disgusting. And with very little injection back into the community, just back into the directors pockets. But Help is on the way, NEOTEL to the rescue! quickly Google it now! NEOTEL is currently setting up for its scheduled release later this year sometime. However, it will primarily focus for major businesses first before winding down to everyday user level. The brilliance of it is that it is going wireless, so no fee will be charged fort he use of the extensive network of the so yesterday telephone cables laid down by Telkom. This is supported by a back bone of fiber optic cables stretching the continent and going up the Mozambican coast eventually
linking us to the main world such as England, India and our allies the red bastards, the Chinese!

Wireless mean reaching to the rural parts of the country too, just with South Africa's climate the connection speed is weather depending,
so a rain cloud will affect your connection.

It will take time, but its happening, in the mean time, worship Skype.

Oh and Capdog, im typing this using my phone connection too :P

_________________________________________________________
This country is going to the dogs...and I am that dog!

Yeah I know it would be cool, but I'm trying to resist having banners on the site for as long as possible. I also don't think their website is as informative as Hellkom's is, and most people have seen that.

What I should do is support their next initiative, when it comes around.

Aw, just take that kak banner off the top of the page and stick the TAG in, come on guy....:}

Hehe :)