(Telecompaper) South Africa operator Telkom has launched Openserve, the company's redesigned wholesale and networks division. Openserve will be a distinct business unit within the Telkom Group, formed as part of the company's ongoing efforts to strengthen customer focus through a more flexible and agile operating model. The separation heralds a new era at Telkom Group as the South African government works to open up network infrastructure in order to support increased broadband connectivity. Telkom is also working to turn around its financial performance and expects the separation of its wholesale and retail divisions will facilitate greater focus, accountability and customer-centricity. As a stand-alone business unit within Telkom, Openserve will be autonomous and will be responsible for its own profit and loss account. According to Alphonzo Samuels, the MD for Openserve, the separation signals Telkom's commitment to a more competitive market and lower prices for consumers. Openserve will enable more choice, increased innovation and greater service-provider competition, he said. The result will be increased broadband access. Telkom said it intends to play a substantial role in lowering the barrier to entry for new players and to increase the competitiveness of smaller players.