South Africa still has some of the highest broadband prices and this has negatively impacted the uptake and usage of broadband in the country. Consumers were expectant that, as per the much publicised benefits the deployment of the Seacom cable was expected to bring, broadband prices would nose-dive by June/ July and they would enjoy their online experience at basement prices.

However, the submarine Seacom cable has been deployed and commissioned  but the  prices have not come down and in fact, a word of caution has been issued to the consumers who have been advised not to expect joy any time soon. Telkom's huge monopoly in the market has been fingered for the blame.

Someone said that when elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers and this is true with regards to the fate of the local broadband consumers. Who is to blame for this aberration and what is being done to bring relief?

Internet access is needed more now than ever before because a large number of services are online as a way of bringing convenience and flexibility in the way in which people work and play.