South Africa

Back in the 1980's Ronnie Reagan spoke about the USSR being an "evil empire". Today, we have Telkom. With their fixed line monopoly (soon to expire) and arrogant attitude, Telkom is exactly what we don't need in South Africa today. The various negative effects of their actions are superbly analysed here. Strongly suggest you go and check it out.

In a recent Mail&Guardian article it was noted that :

"Telkom’s share price hit an all-time record high this week as the company reported massive profits for its last financial year."

Asked to comment Telkom CEO Sizwe Nxasana smugly stated “We are not apologetic about our profits. I’m in the business of making money; after all, we live in a capitalist society.” Well there we are, thanks for clearing that up Sizwe, just don't forget to remind the peasants to keep eating cake...

Let's turn to Hellkom.co.za to put things in perspective:

"Sizwe - I dare you to walk into the middle of Soweto or Khayelitsha and proclaim that to the millions of people who cannot afford a telephone thanks to you and your 'super team' or whatever lame name you gave them.

You are in the business of making money, yes, but in an UNCOMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT in a monopolistic situation - do you understand what that means? It means you don't have a CHOICE but to make money! Falling off your chair would be more difficult than making money.
What you have done takes no skill AT ALL - communications is a basic service and you have effectively denied it to most of the country, whilst ripping off the ones that still can afford it. Thanks for that precious quote though, it will be put on the flyers to be distributed in the townships in the next couple of months.

You should be apologetic not only about your profits, but for screwing South Africans and the economy. I hope for your sake you can sleep at night, I sure as hell know I wouldn't be able to if I was you. Perhaps change the Telkom slogan from 'Touch tomorrow' to 'Patriotism is overrated'."

Couldn't have said it better.