Embattled telecommunications group Telkom on Tuesday launched its new mobile service, Telkom Mobile, as part of the group’s restructuring process to return it to financial stability.

At the launch, in Centurion, Telkom Mobile MD Attila Vitai said the network offering would not target a specific sector, but rather “data-hungry consumers and those who make high volumes of voice calls”, adding that it was based on the JSE-listed group’s existing network and would benefit from continuing infrastructure investment.

“The costs of introducing Telkom Mobile are modest with existing budget allocations being used to establish the business as the leading mobile brand,” Vitai noted.

He stated that Telkom Mobile offered new-generation converged mobile connectivity through a long-term evolution network and second-generation technology that was simpler, faster and more affordable for data and voice customers.

“Pretty much everyone has at least one mobile device and most use them for more than basic calls and messaging. There is a significant core group of consumers who expect to be able to do more with their devices in their own time and on their own terms,” Vitai stated.

He added that Telkom Mobile was a response to such consumer requirements, as well as to opportunities that a faster, high-quality network offered for launching products that were attractive to heavy and high-end users.

However, Vitai emphasised that Telkom’s mobile offshoot 8ta would continue to be the brand name for a core set of products within Telkom Mobile, as it had developed a strong following in key parts of the market.

Telkom consumer and retail services MD Manelisa Mavuso indicatd that Telkom Mobile was an essential component of Telkom’s group-wide convergence strategy.

“We are working for a converged future, where there is less focus on a particular technology, whether it is fixed or mobile.

“For us, the launch of Telkom Mobile is a clear milestone in the implementation of our plans to drive greater revenue and to meet business plan targets as a converged entity,” he said.

Mavuso further stated that the decision to launch Telkom Mobile was informed by a thorough investigation process and that Telkom Mobile would uniquely position the group in the convergence arena.