Why Is Telkom Network So Bad & How To Fix It

Why Is Telkom Network So Bad: Telkom is one of the largest and most established telecom providers in South Africa, offering a wide range of services, including mobile voice, data, and broadband solutions. Over the years, Telkom has built a significant customer base, catering to millions of subscribers across the country. The company’s network spans both urban and rural areas, making it a key player in the telecom industry.

Telkom’s Market Share and Customer Base Statistics

Category	Statistics
Total Subscribers	Over 16 million users
Market Share in Mobile Sector	18%
Network Coverage	85% (urban), 60% (rural)
Broadband Subscribers	2 million+
Revenue (2023)	$1.2 billion

Despite Telkom’s extensive reach and popularity, many users have expressed concerns about the quality of its network services. Common complaints include slow internet speeds, frequent network downtime, poor call quality, and inconsistent coverage, especially in rural areas. These issues have raised questions about Telkom’s ability to meet the growing demands of its users, particularly as more people rely on stable internet and mobile services for work, education, and communication.

In this guide, I will explore the underlying reasons behind Telkom’s network performance issues, providing a detailed analysis of factors affecting its service quality. I will also look into the common complaints from customers and offer potential solutions to help users enhance their experience with Telkom. After reading this article, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by Telkom and how you can address these issues as a subscriber.

Common Issues Faced by Telkom Network Users

Telkom, despite its reputation as a leading telecom provider, faces a range of service quality issues that have left many users dissatisfied. Below is a detailed look at the most common problems experienced by Telkom network users:

1. Slow Internet Speed: One of the primary complaints from Telkom customers is the slow internet speed. This issue is particularly noticeable during peak usage hours when many users are simultaneously connected to the network. Several factors contribute to this problem:

• Network Congestion: As Telkom’s subscriber base grows, its network infrastructure struggles to accommodate the increased traffic. High user density, especially in urban areas, can significantly slow down internet speeds.
• Limited Bandwidth: Telkom’s existing bandwidth may not be sufficient to handle the high data demand from activities like streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing, leading to slower speeds.
• Outdated Technology: In some areas, Telkom relies on older technologies, such as 3G, instead of more advanced 4G or 5G networks. This results in lower internet speeds compared to competitors that have fully embraced modern technologies.
• Geographical Factors: Rural areas often experience slower internet speeds due to fewer network towers and less robust infrastructure.

2. Frequent Network Downtime: Network downtime is another significant issue affecting Telkom users. Many customers report experiencing unexpected service interruptions that can last from a few minutes to several hours. The main reasons for frequent network downtime include:

• Maintenance and Upgrades: Scheduled maintenance or upgrades can cause temporary service interruptions. However, users are often not notified in advance, leading to unexpected disruptions.
• Technical Failures: Equipment malfunctions, software glitches, or issues with network towers can result in unplanned outages, affecting a large number of users simultaneously.
• External Factors: Adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain or storms, can damage network infrastructure, leading to service disruptions. Additionally, power outages in certain regions can affect Telkom’s network equipment, causing downtime.
• Overloaded Servers: During peak usage times, Telkom’s servers may become overloaded, causing outages or significantly degraded service quality.

3. Poor Call Quality and Dropped Calls: Call quality is a crucial aspect of any telecom service, and many Telkom users have reported issues such as poor audio clarity, echo, and calls getting disconnected abruptly. The following factors contribute to these problems:

• Weak Signal Strength: In areas with poor network coverage or inside buildings with thick walls, users may experience weak signal strength, leading to distorted or unclear calls.
• Network Congestion: High traffic during peak hours can overload the network, affecting call quality. Users may experience delays, static noise, or an inability to connect calls during these times.
• Outdated Network Infrastructure: Older infrastructure may not support high-quality voice services, especially with the rise of HD voice and VoLTE (Voice over LTE) technology, resulting in lower call quality.
• Interference and Environmental Factors: Physical obstructions, such as tall buildings, trees, and mountains, can interfere with signal transmission, causing call drops and poor call quality.

4. Coverage Problems: Despite its large network, Telkom still struggles with coverage gaps, especially in rural and remote areas. Even in some urban regions, users report poor signal reception in certain buildings or neighborhoods. The main reasons for coverage issues include:

• Insufficient Network Towers: In rural and remote areas, there may be fewer network towers, resulting in weaker signals and reduced coverage. This is often due to high costs associated with installing and maintaining towers in less populated regions.
• Geographical Challenges: Natural barriers like mountains, valleys, and dense forests can obstruct signals, leading to spotty or no coverage in certain areas.
• Urban Interference: In densely populated urban areas, signals can be obstructed by tall buildings and other structures, leading to weak reception indoors or in specific locations.
• Inconsistent Infrastructure Expansion: While Telkom has expanded its network in major cities, its infrastructure in smaller towns and rural areas often lags behind, creating significant coverage disparities.

5. High Data Consumption and Unreliable Data Plans: Many Telkom users have raised concerns about high data consumption, even with minimal usage. Additionally, the company’s data plans are often perceived as unreliable or inadequate for users’ needs. Common issues include:

• Data Draining Quickly: Customers frequently report that their data depletes faster than expected. This can be due to network issues causing inefficient data usage or background processes consuming data without the user’s knowledge.
• Inaccurate Data Reporting: Users have complained about discrepancies between their actual data usage and what is reported by Telkom’s system. This can lead to unexpected data depletion and additional charges.
• Unreliable Data Packages: Some of Telkom’s data plans offer lower speeds once a certain data cap is reached, without clear notification to users. This results in a poor browsing experience once the initial high-speed data limit is exhausted.
• Limited Data Validity: Many Telkom data plans come with short validity periods, making it difficult for users to manage their usage effectively. Customers often find that their data expires before they can fully utilize it.

What Are The Key Reasons Why Telkom Network Is So Bad

The issues faced by Telkom network users can be attributed to several underlying factors that affect the overall quality of service. Below are the key reasons why Telkom’s network performance may be lacking:

1. Infrastructure Limitations: One of the main reasons for poor network quality is the limited infrastructure that Telkom operates with, particularly in certain regions. This can include:

• Outdated Network Equipment: In many areas, Telkom still uses older technologies, such as 3G, instead of upgrading to more modern 4G or 5G networks. This leads to slower internet speeds and less reliable service.
• Limited Network Towers: The number of network towers may be insufficient to cover the growing subscriber base, especially in rural or remote areas. Fewer towers mean weaker signal strength, resulting in poor call quality and slower data speeds.
• Inadequate Backhaul Capacity: The backhaul, which connects the core network to cell towers, may lack the necessary capacity to handle high data traffic, leading to congestion and slower speeds.

2. Poor Network Maintenance and Upgrades: Regular maintenance and timely upgrades are essential to ensure a reliable telecom network. However, Telkom has faced challenges in this area due to:

• Delayed Upgrades: Telkom’s network expansion and upgrade plans are often delayed, causing it to lag behind competitors who have already implemented advanced technologies like 4G LTE and 5G. This delay results in a lower-quality experience for customers still relying on older, slower networks.
• Insufficient Investment in Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial to keeping network equipment in optimal condition. Telkom’s limited investment in this area can lead to equipment failures, resulting in frequent outages and poor service quality.
• Inconsistent Service Quality During Upgrades: Even when upgrades are performed, users may experience disruptions and poor service quality during the process, as the network infrastructure is temporarily compromised.

3. Congestion and Overloaded Network: Network congestion is a major factor contributing to Telkom’s poor performance, especially during peak usage hours. The following elements play a role in network congestion:

• High Subscriber Density: In urban areas, the sheer number of users connected to the network at any given time can overwhelm Telkom’s capacity. This leads to slower data speeds, dropped calls, and degraded service quality.
• Heavy Data Usage: With the rise of streaming services, online gaming, and video conferencing, the demand for high-speed data has surged. Telkom’s current infrastructure may not be equipped to handle this increased load, resulting in frequent slowdowns.
• Limited Spectrum Allocation: The amount of radio frequency spectrum allocated to Telkom may not be sufficient to meet the growing data needs of its subscribers. This limits the network’s ability to provide high-speed, reliable internet, especially in densely populated areas.

4. Weather and Environmental Factors: The quality of Telkom’s network is also affected by external factors, such as weather and the physical environment:

• Adverse Weather Conditions: Heavy rain, storms, and strong winds can disrupt signal transmission, causing interruptions in mobile and internet services. These weather conditions can also damage network infrastructure, leading to outages and degraded performance.
• Geographical Challenges: In rural and remote areas, the terrain can pose significant challenges. Mountains, dense forests, and valleys can block or weaken signal transmission, resulting in poor coverage and connectivity issues.
• Urban Interference: In densely populated cities, tall buildings and other physical structures can obstruct signals, causing indoor coverage issues and weaker reception.

5. Economic and Regulatory Challenges: Telkom’s network performance is also influenced by broader economic and regulatory issues that affect its ability to expand and improve services:

• Limited Investment Funds: Economic constraints may limit Telkom’s ability to invest in necessary infrastructure upgrades and maintenance. In a competitive market, the company may struggle to allocate sufficient funds to enhance its network capabilities.
• Regulatory Restrictions: Government regulations can impact Telkom’s operations, including spectrum allocation, pricing policies, and infrastructure development. Strict regulations may hinder Telkom’s ability to expand its network quickly or adapt to changing market demands.
• High Operational Costs: The cost of maintaining and expanding telecom infrastructure, especially in remote or challenging terrains, can be high. Telkom may face financial constraints in balancing the cost of operations with the need to provide affordable services to customers.

How Is Telkom Responding to this Complaints?

Despite facing numerous challenges, Telkom has been taking steps to address customer concerns and improve network performance. Here are some of the key initiatives:

• Network Expansion Initiatives: Telkom has launched various projects to expand its network coverage, especially in underserved rural areas. The focus has been on building new cell towers and enhancing existing infrastructure to reduce coverage gaps. In the near future, the company aims to increase its reach in remote regions, improving signal quality and reducing dropped calls.
• Upgrading Technology and Infrastructure: To keep up with growing demand, Telkom has been investing heavily in upgrading its network technology. The company is rolling out 4G and expanding its 5G network to provide faster internet speeds. Additionally, Telkom is upgrading to fiber-optic technology in key areas, which will boost both data speed and reliability.
• Customer Service Improvements: Telkom is also working on enhancing its customer service to address user complaints more effectively. They have introduced new service channels, including online chat support and a dedicated helpline, to ensure faster resolution of issues. These efforts aim to improve overall customer satisfaction and provide a better user experience.

What Can Users Do to Improve Their Telkom Network Experience?

If you’re experiencing issues with Telkom’s network, there are a few practical steps you can take to enhance your connectivity:

1. Use Signal Boosters or Network Extenders: Signal boosters or network extenders can help improve reception, especially in areas with weak signal coverage. These devices amplify the existing signal, providing better call quality and faster internet speeds, particularly in homes or offices located far from cell towers.

2. Optimize Phone Settings for Better Connectivity: Adjusting your phone settings can also improve network performance. Here are a few tips:

• Switch to 4G or 3G manually if 5G coverage is poor in your area.
• Enable “Airplane Mode” for a few seconds and then disable it to refresh your connection.
• Disable apps running in the background that may consume data, freeing up bandwidth for other tasks.

3. Check for Network Outage Updates: If you’re experiencing network issues, it could be due to ongoing maintenance or an outage in your area. Checking Telkom’s website or social media channels for updates can help you stay informed about any service disruptions and expected restoration times.

4. Consider Alternative Solutions: If network problems persist, consider using alternative methods to stay connected:

• Switching Networks: If Telkom’s service is consistently poor in your area, exploring other network providers might offer better coverage and reliability.
• Wi-Fi Calling: Enable Wi-Fi calling on your phone to make calls using a Wi-Fi connection. This can be particularly useful in areas with weak cellular signals, ensuring better call quality.

Alternatives to Telkom Network

If you’re experiencing consistent issues with Telkom, switching to another provider like MTN, Vodacom, or Cell C may offer better service quality. Here’s a performance comparison of these alternatives:

Provider	Pros	Cons
MTN	– Widest network coverage in South Africa – Fast and reliable 4G/5G speeds – Strong customer support	– Generally higher data and call rates – Congested network in urban areas
Vodacom	– Excellent network reliability and fast internet speeds – Extensive 4G and 5G coverage – Wide range of data plans and bundles	– More expensive plans compared to competitors – Limited promotions and discounts
Cell C	– Affordable data and call plans – Attractive promotions and special offers – Good customer service in urban areas	– Weaker coverage in rural regions – Slower data speeds compared to MTN and Vodacom

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Alternative Provider

When considering switching from Telkom to another provider, it’s essential to evaluate several factors:

• Network Coverage: Check the coverage maps of MTN, Vodacom, and Cell C in your area. Opt for a provider with strong signal strength in your region to ensure better connectivity.
• Pricing and Plans: Compare the call, SMS, and data rates of each provider. Choose one that fits your budget and usage needs, considering both prepaid and postpaid options.
• Customer Service: Evaluate the customer service reputation of the alternative providers. Efficient customer support can make a significant difference, especially when resolving network issues or disputes.
• Promotions and Offers: Look for special deals, data bundles, or promotional offers that might give you better value for your money.

How to Port Your Number from Telkom to Another Network

Porting your number to a different network is straightforward and typically free. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Choose a New Network Provider: Decide whether you want to switch to MTN, Vodacom, or Cell C.
2. Visit a Store or Use USSD: Go to a physical store of your chosen provider or dial their porting USSD code to start the process.
   • Example USSD codes:
     • MTN: Dial *135# to port.
     • Vodacom: Dial *135# for information on porting.
     • Cell C: Dial *135# and follow the porting instructions.
3. Provide Necessary Information: You may be asked to provide a valid ID and your current phone number.
4. Receive a New SIM Card: The provider will issue you a new SIM card. Insert it into your phone once you receive confirmation that the porting process is complete.
5. Activation: The porting process usually takes 24-48 hours. After activation, you can start using your new network while keeping your existing phone number.

Frequently Asked Questions On The Question: Why Is Telkom Network So Bad

Why is Telkom’s network quality so poor in certain areas?

Telkom’s network quality issues are often due to infrastructure limitations, poor maintenance, and high congestion in densely populated areas. Additionally, rural regions may suffer from inadequate coverage, as the company focuses on urban centers where demand is higher.

What steps is Telkom taking to improve its network service?

Telkom is investing in network expansion projects, upgrading technology to include 4G, 5G, and fiber-optic infrastructure, and enhancing customer support. These initiatives aim to address coverage gaps, improve internet speeds, and reduce downtime.

How can I boost my Telkom network signal at home?

You can improve your signal by using signal boosters or network extenders, optimizing your phone settings, and enabling Wi-Fi calling. These methods help enhance connectivity, especially in areas with weak signal reception.

Is switching from Telkom to another provider a good idea?

Switching may be beneficial if you consistently experience poor service with Telkom. Providers like MTN, Vodacom, and Cell C often offer better coverage, faster internet speeds, and reliable service in certain areas. However, it’s essential to compare network coverage and pricing before making a decision.

How do I port my number from Telkom to another network?

To port your number, visit the store of your chosen network provider (MTN, Vodacom, or Cell C) or use their USSD codes. Provide the necessary identification and follow the instructions. The process usually takes 24-48 hours, allowing you to keep your existing phone number on the new network.

Conclusions On The Question; Why Is Telkom Network So Bad 

Thank you for taking the time to read our comprehensive guide on why is Telkom network so bad. We hope this article has provided valuable insights into the challenges Telkom faces, including infrastructure limitations, poor network maintenance, congestion, and environmental factors. These issues contribute to the slow internet speeds, frequent downtime, and coverage problems that many users experience.

While Telkom is making efforts to expand its network and upgrade its technology, there are also steps you can take to improve your connectivity, such as using signal boosters, optimizing phone settings, and utilizing Wi-Fi calling. We encourage you to share your feedback directly with Telkom to help them understand and address user concerns effectively.

For Telkom to enhance its network quality in the future, we suggest focusing on further infrastructure investments, improving customer service, and expanding coverage in underserved areas.

If you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who use Telkom. Feel free to leave comments below with any questions or experiences you’d like to share. If you encounter difficulties or need further assistance, join our WhatsApp and Telegram groups for up-to-date information and support on tech, telecom, and internet connectivity issues.