We don't have an infrastructure problem. We have a market design problem.
Our take on ITWeb's 30-year history of telecoms reform, which features konnekt.
A really insightful piece by Samantha Perry, written for ITWeb's 30th anniversary, on how telecoms markets evolve and why, even after 30 years of reform, many still struggle to deliver meaningful access for the majority. Thank you to Samantha for including konnekt.
It breaks down how South Africa moved from a state monopoly to a “liberalised” market, but one that still ended up dominated by a few large players. Despite regulatory efforts like local loop unbundling and infrastructure licensing, true competition never fully materialised. The result? High prices, limited access to wholesale infrastructure, and a system where smaller players struggle to scale.
We don't have an infrastructure problem; we have a market design problem.
Even with near-universal coverage, millions remain unconnected or under-connected because services aren't built around how people actually live, earn and use data.
At konnekt, we're taking this learning directly into the markets we operate in:
- Designing networks specifically for dense, underserved communities
- Delivering full fibre quality, not compromised alternatives
- Aligning pricing with real income patterns
- Focusing on trust, reliability and unlimited usage
When we get this combination right, the demand is already there.
The future of connectivity won't be solved by scaling legacy models. It will be built by those willing to rethink them entirely. If you're working in telecoms, infrastructure, policy, or investing in emerging markets, the full article is a must-read on ITWeb's 30th anniversary portal (itweb.co.za).