In Things
Browse the archive for a previous article
Today on In-ter-act Greg Melvill-Smith chats to Renee Kirkland from Telkom about Telkomunity (we get out of the studio and into the open air where we take a look at the new vehicle that Telkom have introduced which does the same thing gets out and into the open air...)
Greg
Hi Renee, tell us about Telkomunity
Renee
This is Telkomunity it has been introduced by Telkom as a mobile customer service branch and it serves our under serviced market, primarily in some Urban and rural areas.
Greg
Why do you need a mobile service branch
Renee
Primarily it was introduced for a new service to our customers, access lines and what have you to deploy infrastructure to meet our licence agreement targets we obviously don't have distribution channels in that area. Currently customers usually travel long distances to do business with Telkom or they have never had access to telephone service so this allows away to do business without having to travel long distance.
It brings Telkom closer to our customers so we can use our services more conveniently. The satellite dish allows us direct access to our computers to retrieve and update information about our customers, it means we are totally self sufficient where ever we are. Current areas served include Rustenburg, South West Johannesburg, Southern Natal and Siskia.
Greg
The Vehicle itself, what do we have in the van.
Renee
Basically we have the means of paying the your account, access to computers all this is done through our satellite dish on top of the unit it access all our customer services systems back at head office, so basically any customer information that needs to be pulled can be gathered here and they can help assist a customer.
Greg
It is all done in real time because it is through satalite which is instant. What about security?
Renee
Security is through satellite, we have an educational system on board, that provides and eduction to our customers throughout and in the cue.
Greg
Tell me more about that.
Renee
We have a VCR connected behind a television screen that faces out to our customers, so we can provide them information on how to do business with Telkom, information on our product and services while they are standing in the cue waiting to be served.
Greg
You also have a great shade owning out side
The satellite dish on top of the vehicle, what happens to it when you are on the move
Renee
Basically it collapses, so it shuts down when we move it collapses it raises a little bit so you can see it slightly so that it is out of danger of been burst up against if we are in movement.
Greg
The areas that you cover, when your out and traveling does the vehicle do a set route?
Renee
For most of the regions yes that is true. It takes a rout every day so it is a weekly route so on Monday it will be in Mgwasi and so on.
Greg
Interesting technology brought to rural areas and helping to make peoples lives easier.
Good going by Telkom !
Contact
