Second operator promises cheaper calls

The head of the second network operator says deregulation of the telecommunication’s industry will have a visible impact on consumer prices over the next few years. Newly appointed SNO managing director Ajay Pandey says South Africa is facing a similar scenario to India, where the freeing up of the telecommunications industry sharply reduced prices and boosted India’s economy. According to Business Day, the SNO’s licence demands that it offers services to half of the population of major cities within five years and to 80 percent of the population within a decade. However, Pandey did not say when the SNO would come online.