Telkom deserves its nickname Hellcom

On Thursday morning 18 February my internet via a Telkom ADSL line, and my phone connection, disappeared. I rushed off to an internet café in the Somerset Mall area on the 19th to cancel online math classes that I teach. I didn’t have my Telkom account with me, which has a service number, so I looked for a Telkom number where I could report my problem. Despite many false indications like Customer Care number, Complaints number, Telkom Service number, you could not access any number on the internet! You just get thrown more text in your face if you click on any of the “options”. Unbelievable in the civilized wor!d! So what image is Telkom projecting to the public? We don’t want to work, we don’t believe in service, but you can buy our packages, suckers. In frustration I went to the Telkom office in the Somerset Mall, and explained my problem to one of their agents. The lady took my particulars and I was told that someone would call me on my cellphone number. I was even asked when I would be home. But no telephone call! Amazing integrity. Not entirely unexpected from any SOE, that generally have not developed any service ethic. I phoned the service number on my bill, only to be surprised that they walk through my entire profile, even checking my email address. No wonder they can’t manage their phone queues. When I was still unfortunate enough to have a Telkom internet contract, I once phoned to complain about an internet problem. I was told that I was number 35 in the queue! It is now February 22, now the 5th day without internet. Not even an sms saying that the problem is being investigated, which Is standard etiquette with enlightened service providers. My students suffer and I lose income. But if you are dealing with undoubtedly the neanderthals of the telephone industry, what can one expect.