Telkom sees huge ADSL growth

[ Johannesburg, 19 November 2007 ] - Telkom has seen huge growth in ADSL subscriptions, recording a 76.2% increase in subscribers, to 335 112, by the end of September.This is a 31.1% increase since 31 March, the company says in a statement. In addition, the number of Internet customers, including dial-up subscribers, increased by 12.4%, to 337 853 customers, it says.This growth comes amid a reported drop in earnings by the fixed-line operator. Telkom delivered its half-year financial results today for the year ended 30 September.Calling the ADSL product's performance “impressive”, Telkom acting CEO Reuben September says the company expects ADSL growth to be further stimulated by the commoditisation of ADSL.The company's Do Broadband offering and the option by potential subscribers to self-install ADSL services are also expected to drive adoption. ADSL port automation and wholesale services are expected to play a key role, he notes.September says Telkom is on track to reach the target of 420 000 subscribers for the year ending 31 March. Telkom aims to achieve ADSL penetration of 15% to 20% of fixed access lines by 2010/2011, he adds.
Telkom acting CEO Reuben SeptemberThe company has also achieved the target of installing ADSL services within 30 working days, as stipulated by ADSL regulations developed by the Independent Communications Authority of SA.This target has long been a bone of contention among potential ADSL subscribers, including online advocacy organisation MyADSL's members, who argued Telkom was wilfully breaking regulations.September says Telkom's introduction of the option for customers to install ADSL for themselves continues to improve the average installation time. He says 59% of all Telkom's ADSL installations were self-installs, as at 30 September.Managed services growthTelkom also reports a 22.7% growth in revenue from managed data sites. The number of sites increased 16.8%, to 23 224, as compared to a similar period last year, it says.Revenue from virtual private networks has increased by 34.4% for the six months ended 30 September.“Telkom remains focused on its revenue opportunities from data and high-value-added services, as well as the innovative products and solutions being developed in line with the next-generation network roll-out,” says September.
Source: itweb.co.za