". un_htmlspecialchars( Where is this? SA or another part of Africa? At least they painted the building, one next door looks shabby :d.
Personally don't really blame MTN, they're just a company and that's what companies do they charge as much as they can for something ... I blame govt for this. ) . "
". un_htmlspecialchars( I fail to see how this is negative? They provide a service. If they didnt then you would argue that MTN are exclusive to wealthy people/areas. ) . "
". un_htmlspecialchars( You're absolutely right SlappY ... cellular guys have done a great job covering the country. I read the picture and blurb as being about the fact that communication costs are a far larger percentage of average income than should be. Thandi selling mielies over there could do with a better table :d ) . "
#3 Wed July 25, 2007 10:20am
". un_htmlspecialchars( This is Uganda.
They had monopoly in Rwanda and much of the place looks the same.
The point is that there are cellphones everywhere, disease everywhere, poverty everywhere and no food.
Rwanda is one example where for 9 years, MTN had the cell phone monopoly (came to an end last year).
My point is that MTN does WHAT for these communities that have had to become relient on their service to eak out a living?!
You can no longer run a competitive business without a cell phone thanks to...
the cell phone. ) . "
". un_htmlspecialchars( I agree with slappy --- if these people would be better off without MTN's service, then they can choose to just not buy it. All trade is mutually beneficial - the reason they sign up is it still benefits them and improves their lives. Now, sure, we/they could use more competition and pressure to bring prices down, sure, but hey, OTOH look where they are - this is poor Africa - and MTN went in and spent a lot of their own money investing in infrastructure at their own risk, they didn't have to, give them some credit. ) . "
". un_htmlspecialchars( However, at the same time they made it essential to own and operate a cell phone to make a living... cos if you don't you won't get that job...
So, now what percentage of income is spent on what has become an essential service? ) . "
