At the Africa Tech Festival 2024 in Cape Town, Simo Mkhize, Telkom’s Chief Commercial Officer, shared his insights on how the telecom group has transformed into a broadband player by capitalising on its data-focused infrastructure, affordable devices, and innovative AI-driven strategies.

Reflecting on Telkom’s pivotal shift in the past decade, Mkhize explained how the company’s network was built for the data-driven era, setting it apart from its competitors.

“At the turn of the decade, when 8ta became Telkom Mobile, it marked the beginning of data taking over as the dominant mode of communication and consumption,” said Mkhize. “We positioned ourselves early to drive data adoption and accelerate customers toward data services.

“With the launch of 4G and LTE, we solidified our leadership in broadband, powered by our data-centric network and access to spectrum that allowed us to deliver services more efficiently than competitors.”

Mkhize stated how Telkom’s strong connection to customers’ homes, having been a staple provider of landline services for generations, helped smooth the transition to broadband and mobile data.

“Our customers were already familiar with Telkom as their trusted home service provider, so it was natural for them to embrace our mobile services too,” he added.

But it’s not just about technology, Telkom’s commitment to value for customers has been key.

Mkhize elaborated, “We are the best value network, providing quality services at affordable prices. It’s this combination of value, accessibility, and network quality that sets us apart.”

Looking ahead, Telkom is preparing for a seamless transition from 4G to 5G, with a keen eye on providing affordable devices that open doors to the digital world.

Mkhize noted, “We’ve launched a low-cost 4G device under R300, which will provide customers with an entry point into the digital ecosystem, including services like WhatsApp, now more than just a social tool but a gateway to digital services.”

The company’s OneTelkom vision, which seeks to unify its diverse assets: from mobile to fibre, IT services, and data centres, positions Telkom to accelerate its digital transformation efforts.

Mkhize explained, “OneTelkom allows us to leverage our strengths across business units to provide customers with a seamless experience. The power of having a mobile network, fibre infrastructure, IT services, and data centres all working together creates a competitive advantage that no one else in the market can offer.”

On the other hand, artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are central to Telkom’s future strategy, enabling the company to hyper-personalise services for its customers.

“AI helps us unlock a holistic view of our customers across all business units, allowing us to deliver services in real-time. Whether it’s topping up data while watching a movie or offering tailored promotions, AI allows us to serve our customers with precision,” Mkhize concluded.

Telkom’s vision for the future is clear: harnessing the power of its infrastructure, data, and advanced technologies to deliver a superior, affordable, and connected experience for all.