Sep 9

Written by:
2009/09/09 03:44 PM 

Yesterday I wrote a post about an intended race between a pigeon and the Telkom landline. The idea was to see if the pigeon can deliver 4GB data from Howick to Hillcrest faster than a Telkom ADSL line could. We all voted for the pigeon.

Well the result is in, and the pigeon won hands down.  Winston, the  homing pigeon, has made history by beating a Telkom ADSL line in delivering 4GB of data from Howick to Hillcrest, outside Durban in just 2 hours 6 minutes and 57 seconds, whereas the ADSL download was "still just under four percent complete" at 11:45.

Winston easily beat the ADSL line, despite giving it a 26 minute head start, while stretching his wings and waiting for the company data to be downloaded onto the memory card.

This does not fill me with confidence over our broadband supplier. Perhaps we should rather spend our money buying and training pigeons and some memory cards.

Although not a scientific masterpiece. Because it can always be manipulated for a favourable outcome. It does highlight the huge gaps in the South African Broadband market. With Telkom having the monopoly, and the ability to charge what they want for something that should be dirt cheap, it’s no wonder people are frustrated. Frustrated enough to set up this little demonstration.

Not only is broadband so expensive, the service from the telecoms provider needs much to be desired. I wouldn't even dare to speak about the terrible speeds that we experience here in South Africa. I mean, I am on 384kps, and I think I’m doing well.

Just read from a  friend of mine that they are considering to upgrade to 18mbs. Wow, I am green.  I want to move to America.

Way to go Winston, you are a Tweet for us all, your song has been sung, and I hope ears are open and itching.

New here, or perhaps you've been here a few times? Like this post? Why not subscribe to this blog and get the most up to date posts as soon as they are published.

blog comments powered by Disqus