Nashua Mobile: Smart Move

ADSL South Africa (Broadband South Africa), 4 September 2006

Nashua Mobile is planning to launch high-speed internet services by December this year in a bid to double overall revenue within 5 years.

More and more cellphone companies are entering the ISP arena leaving us with more ADSL options that means more competition and hopefully lower ADSL prices. Mark Taylor, Managing Director of Nashua Mobile (Part of the Reunert Group), is very excited about the potential for growth by launching an internet service because it will “create opportunities we never imagined.”

Benefits for ADSL users will include:

• One Bill – Users will get one bill when they buy their voice and data services from one supplier (Nashua Mobile in this instance).

• More access options – Desktop computers users will get access via a broadband fixed line, laptop users will have the option of wireless access and cellphone users will get high-speed internet access.

• Increased Competition – We might see considerable lower ADSL prices within the next couple of years. Telkom for one will see more competition coming its way.

Nashua Mobile bought the ISP Black Dot earlier this year, which will provide the vehicle they need to enter the ISP market. Partnerships with Verizon (global networking company) and Internet Solutions (IS) will further strengthen their move into this market. The networks and technical support of the above mentioned companies (Verizon and IS) will be used as a basis for the Nashua-branded service. According to Taylor the move is not costing as much as expected because of these partnerships.

How big a slice Nashua Mobile will claim of the ISP market remains a mystery at this stage. It might be considerable for a first timer because of the 500 000 cellphone users they already serve through 150 outlets. Another 51 outlets will be added to their arsenal over the next 12 months if they stick to their planning.

This is another development that should leave ADSL users excited for what might come our way sooner instead of later in terms of better ADSL services and lower pricing. Nashua Mobile made a smart move and we hope many will follow suit.