The global economy faces its worst crisis in decades. Though SA has lagged the rest of the world in the slowdown, there is no doubt we have had our fair share of negative consequences. There are signs, however, that the worst may be over. Recently published GDP figures indicate a deceleration in the rate at which the economy is
Browsing: Opinion
I know that this article is going shock you, but not in the way you expect, so buckle up. I have oversimplified the piece, but its essence is as true as you could wish for. The other day, I found a Telkom — in those days Posts & Telecommunications — internal “newspaper” called Postel, dated December 1982. The front page article — coincidentally written by myself at the time — described a 40% cut in international data communication tariffs based on X.75 packet-switching. Before the 40% cut, it cost, in today’s money, more than R10 000 to send 1MB of data. After the 40% cut, it cost only R6 000/MB — a bargain, with demand exceeding supply
The Internet is 40 years old next month. There can be little doubt that the worldwide network has changed the way we communicate as a species. And the change it’s going to bring has only just begun. Hold on to your seat. It’s going to be a wild ride
Large sums of money are available to technology start-ups in SA. But there are almost no technology start-ups getting funded. This is a big problem for the country, both socially and economically, as it strives to lift its long-term growth trajectory. Foreign direct investment and portfolio investment flows will never achieve this alone. Strong growth in new businesses is paramount for growth and social upliftment.
I recall a conversation I had three years ago with an older colleague of mine. We both were working for a large media company and were debating the impact of digital media channels and potential displacement of traditional channels and skills. When I told him I was hoping to up skill my traditional media skills to join this digital revolution, he smirked
There is a strong case for intervention by Icasa to reduce interconnection charges between mobile operators. Here’s what needs to happen for costs to come down, writes Patricia de Lille
Icasa, the communications regulator, is mandated to champion the cause of consumers in the electronic communications market and to protect them from the worst excesses of former monopolists, cellular cartels and miscellaneous fly-by-night operators
I get really pissed off when there is good reason to change something but the status quo prevails because people who should know better spout nonsense about why there should be a change
Apple’s iTunes Store now sells a quarter of all music, both physical and digital, in the US. The venerable compact…