Broadband prices to drop drastically

Minister of Communications, Dina Pule, has affirmed her predecessor’s promise to achieve 100% broadband penetration by 2020. (Image: GCIS)

As part of its efforts to reduce broadband costs, local internet service provider OpenWeb has introduced an affordable broadband solution, its Silver Uncapped package is a brand new ADSL service that is designed to bridge the gap between its Standard and Gold Uncapped packages.

Wright says the Seacom cable increased the country's broadband capacity considerably. "The new West Africa Cable System, the Africa Coast to Europe cable and the South Atlantic Express cable combined should boost broadband capacity substantially over the next year."

Interconnectivity fees must come down

According to the deputy-director general of the Department of Communications, Themba Phiri, Icasa needs to establish a programme to be presented to Parliament on the cost to communicate. He stresses that interconnectivity fees have to reduce drastically and he wants the operators to commit to doing this.

OpenWeb's policy is to be extremely lenient with its fair usage policy for Silver and Gold Uncapped packages. During quieter times and after hours, the company tries to offer an optimal experience to gamers. Silver Uncapped is a shaped service, and generally, during office hours, heavy download protocols will take the lowest priority on the network. However, the company believes that when the network is quiet, its clients should have full access to it.

"Silver Uncapped is the perfect solution for gamers. With a 15% lower contention ratio than Standard Uncapped, Silver Uncapped was made for the after-hours downloader and gamer. We have placed a very specific focus on gaming on our Silver and Gold Uncapped services. As gaming mostly takes place after hours, we have prioritised gaming across our premium network, offering our clients the most superior gaming experience," Wright explains.

None is actually fair

He says there is therefore no actual fair usage policy, other than the fact that download protocols will be shaped during busy periods. "However, when the network is quiet, clients will be offered an unshaped experience."

Daytime speeds are dynamically managed to ensure that all users on the network get the best possible speeds. Clients can choose between the following Silver Uncapped packages, 384K, 1MB, 4MB or 10MB Uncapped ADSL.

"With your Telkom ADSL line and an OpenWeb ADSL package, you can welcome the world into your home from R19 per month. The company offers affordable ADSL for your home and office, fast reliable and affordable uncapped ADSL internet packages that are cheaper and better," he concludes.

For more information contact OpenWeb on 0861 22 44 66 or email az.oc.bewnepo@nimda or go to www.openweb.co.za.