Poor service aggravates jeweller

Jeweller Albo van Dyk's frustration levels went through the roof when his service provider, Telkom, could not manage to fix his internet connection, leaving him cut off for about three weeks. "No less than four technicians were here and not one could solve the problem. They were all very friendly, but what is the use if they cannot fix the problem? I had to beg, steal and borrow an ADSL line from friends here and there because I had wages to pay and received clients' orders via e-mail. It seemed as if these technicians were not qualified and experienced enough for the job."

If the first technician had done his job, I would have been spared a lot of stress and aggravation.

He said Telkom was not slow to respond. After his initial complaint on 27 June, a technician arrived the following day. "However, the problem persisted and each time a new technician arrived, I was given a different excuse - moisture on the cables, damaged cables and stolen cables. It was ridiculous." It was only after he complained to the George Herald and the newspaper sent a query to the Telkom communications department, that two other technicians were sent out and the line was reconnected. "It was a simple fault and these guys were quick. If the first technician had done his job, I would have been spared a lot of stress and aggravation," said Van Dyk.

Telkom's official response is being awaited.