Short and sweet newsletter this month. There's a link to our past newsletters at the bottom of this page.

Tech Talk

We are in the middle of a massive migration of clients to the new self-service accounts and internet connection management system that I have mentioned over recent newsletters. I again request that you make sure you clear any outstanding balance on your account, as if you are in arrears this system will disconnect you until paid up in full - no exceptions.

We'll be moving clients across in blocks based on where you connect to. We will contact you directly with portal and app login information as we do so. Please make sure the contact details we have on file are correct so you don't miss out! Our office team will be on standby to help with any questions.

All debit order clients will be processed via the integrated Netcash system - we will be moving debit orders from Stratcol. You will not need to sign a new debit order but may need to approve an e-mandate update.

Some features of this system include:

• An app for Android or iOS - manage your payments, service upgrades, support requests, see your invoices and your statements all in one place.
• A website interface - all this and more also available via your favourite browser using the same login details.
• Change your banking details, make payments online (including by credit card), check your balance.
• Update your personal details, email address and phone number
• Check your use stats
• See your uploaded client documents and agreements
• Track support tickets and correspondence
• Check the status of your connection
• If you are disconnected for non-payment, pay online using a link and your connection will immediately be restored once the payment is processed. The link will generate the right payment reference so your account is credited correctly.

Yes, this may be a bit of a learning curve - but it's going to make managing your internet service a whole lot easier and quicker.

From the Archives

Meet Olivia the Land Rover. When we started Cape Connect Internet, she was our sole 4x4 and daily transport.

She is a 1976 Series III - so a proper vintage vehicle who traveled the length of Africa under her previous owner before getting a complete renovation and upgrade under our care.

Built simple and strong, she was an absolute work-horse with an array of lights that could see into next week. She hauled over a ton of equipment up mountains, had tower sections, ladders and equipment boxes strapped to her roof-rack, towed everything from a trailer to a Mitsubishi (that was also towing a replacement hut after the big fire of 2011 and couldn't make it up the hill). She transported sand and cement to build foundations, she went to client sites to install connections. She towed Toyotas out of muck - and got towed by a Toyota once when she stubbornly refused to start.

You may notice the flaps on the doors - that's the "aircon". A bit of airflow over the feet usually helped to cool the heat from the engine. The engine itself however often got extremely hot in summer. We would have to stop to "admire the scenery" at least twice on the way to one particular site while it cooled down. In winter though that engine warmth was much appreciated!

Yes she was slow, and driving her was a work out. In a car like that YOU are the power steering. But they built them solid back in the 1970s. We could not have created this company without her.

These days we have modern vehicles that start without complaining, that go when you say so, make it home without praying, and stop without stomping on the brakes or holding on for dear life. Yes they're reliable - but they'll never generate the stories that Olivia did.

Shot of the month

We're often out on site at very odd hours and in very strange places - but this means we get some awesome views. Here's this month's picture perfect shot.

Happy Spring!

Michelle Bainbridge

Chief Internet Artisan

Cape Connect Internet (Pty) Ltd

Read Past Newsletters