At the very basic level, broadband is defined as a fast, always-on internet connection. But time's are changing, with many of you no doubt wondering, "what exactly counts as fast?".

According to a 2006 Icasa declaration, reiterated this year, a broadband connection is defined as being 256 Kb/s or faster. Conveniently, this definition means that Telkom's 384Kb/s option qualifies as a broadband service.

But is it really broadband when your two minute YouTube video frequently pauses to load? Is it really broadband when your webcam conversation with a loved one thousands of miles away turns into a slideshow? Is it really broadband when Skype ceases to function properly?

Unbeknownst to Icasa, the internet has become a media-rich environment, evolving from text-and-thumbnail pictures to streaming high-definition video and real-time communications.

As a result, South Africa's out-dated definition has to evolve as the internet does. Setting the bar high enough is the least that a country can do to improve telecoms, giving operators a goal to work towards.

According to a revised definition, the US defines broadband as an internet connection with a download speed of at least 4Mb/s. By that same token, the International Telecommunication Union defines it as 1Mb/s or higher. Let's not forget South Korea and their decade-old national broadband network, with an average speed of 20Mb/s (as of 2009).

Telkom's much-vaunted 10 Mb speed upgrade next month serves as a perfect time for Icasa to change the definition of broadband, putting pressure on the telecoms giant to deliver.

Of course, upload speeds are a priority as well, with the ability to send information of vital importance. While the US defines 1 Mb/s upload speeds as part of its broadband definition (higher than our definition for downloads!), South Africa makes no mention of uploads.

The definition of broadband will change as the internet evolves, and it's high time that Icasa at least try to keep up with the times, rather than hold back the market. After all, there are more benefits to better infrastructure than the ability to download torrents faster...