Despite a severe financial crisis, the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) continues to waste money on Telkom lines instead of adopting cost-saving Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. This was revealed in an audit by the Gauteng Department of e-Government.
VoIP, which converts voice into digital data transmitted over the internet, could save the province R33.9 million annually, a 91% reduction in costs. However, key departments remain resistant to the switch.
The biggest offenders include:
- Health: R29.1 million
- Education: R3.2 million
- Social Development: R916,918
Michael Waters, DA Gauteng Spokesperson for e-Government, criticised the GPG’s reluctance, stating, “Given the financial crisis caused by reckless spending, departments should be cutting costs, not wasting money.”
The audit also revealed that the GPG had a target of connecting 50 new VoIP sites per quarter but managed only three due to limited departmental requests.
The DA plans to engage departments through the Portfolio Committee on e-Government to demand answers. Waters added, “A DA-led government would prioritize cost-effective solutions like VoIP, redirecting savings to improve service delivery for Gauteng residents.”
What is VoIP?
VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is a technology that allows voice communication to be transmitted over the internet instead of traditional telephone lines. It converts a person’s voice into digital data, enabling calls to be made from computers, smartphones, or specialized VoIP phones. This method is often more cost-effective and flexible compared to conventional landline systems, making it a popular choice for businesses and individuals looking to reduce communication costs.
Why is VoIP Cheaper Than Landline?
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is cheaper than traditional landline services for several key reasons:
- Infrastructure Costs:
- Landlines require physical copper wires and extensive infrastructure, which are expensive to install and maintain.
- VoIP uses existing internet connections, eliminating the need for separate phone lines and reducing infrastructure costs.
- Lower Call Rates:
- VoIP calls, especially long-distance or international ones, are often significantly cheaper because they travel over the internet rather than through traditional phone networks, which incur higher carrier fees.
- Scalability:
- Adding new lines or users with VoIP is simple and cost-effective, often requiring only software updates. Landlines, on the other hand, require additional physical lines and hardware.
- Maintenance:
- VoIP systems are easier and cheaper to maintain since they rely on software and cloud-based services, whereas landlines require ongoing physical maintenance of wires and equipment.
- Features Included:
- VoIP typically includes advanced features like voicemail, call forwarding, and video conferencing at no extra cost, while landlines often charge additional fees for these services.
- Flexibility:
- VoIP allows users to make calls from anywhere with an internet connection, reducing the need for multiple phone lines or devices.
These factors make VoIP a more economical and efficient alternative to traditional landline systems.
