Minister of Communications Ms Dina Pule invites the public to comment on the proposed National Broadband Policy for South Africa
Minister of Communications, Ms Dina Pule, is inviting all South Africans to contribute in shaping the development of the National Broadband Policy for South Africa towards the attainment of some of the goals of the National Development Plan (NDP) and achieving the country’s vision of having every citizen having access to broadband services?) by 2020.
The public has 30 days from the date of publication of the gazette to submit their comments. The comments from the public will be considered as part of finalising this leading policy document on the rollout and use of Information and Communications Technology in creating jobs, fighting inequality and developing rural economies.
“The Government has realised that fighting the social challenges the country faces can be most effectively addressed through progressive partnerships with society, labour and business, especially the Small and Medium-size Enterprises.
“As a Department, we have a positive track record of engaging all stakeholders while we do not abdicate our responsibility of leading the sector,” says Minister Pule.
The proposed National Broadband Policy complements and augments the work that is already being done through the Strategic Integrated Project (SIP) 15, which deals with expanding access to information and communications services with a special focus on broadband, digital terrestrial television and school connectivity.
The proposed policy deals with the complete value chain of broadband rollout, including attracting related investment in broadband infrastructure, enterprise development, encouraging the manufacturing of end-user equipment locally in SAthe support for research and development activities in support of the development of appropriate Applications or Apps and content and reducing the cost of broadband rollout through the creation of a single point of entry for regulatory approvals. This is in addition to the rollout of infrastructure that is covered through SIP 15.
“Government will be a key user of broadband as it seeks to improve the quality of service delivery through the use of e-government services such as e-learning and e-health.
“In the end, this policy must help the country to increase its productivity and place South Africa at the cutting edge of technological advancement, as forecast by the NDP,” says Minister Pule.
The call for public comment is complemented by provincial roadshows that are scheduled for April 2013.
The proposed National Broadband Policy aims to consolidate all the provincial and municipal broadband initiatives in support of the country’s broadband plan.
The government has welcomed the contribution that industry is making to promote greater digital engagement. The Getting South African Business Online nationwide campaign by Google is an example of this as is the National ICT Colloquium which was hosted by the Department of Communications.
The government has invited industry, state and local government and municipalities to contribute to the vision of South Africa becoming a leading digital economy by 2020. The government will continue to collaborate with industry, Provinces and local government and municipalities to progress their digital economy goals and will promote dialogue and networking on identified issues of national importance to South Africa’s digital economy.
Minister of Communications, Ms Dina Pule, is inviting all South Africans to contribute in shaping the development of the National Broadband Policy for South Africa towards the attainment of some of the goals of the National Development Plan (NDP) and achieving the country’s vision of having every citizen having access to broadband services?) by 2020.
The public has 30 days from the date of publication of the gazette to submit their comments. The comments from the public will be considered as part of finalising this leading policy document on the rollout and use of Information and Communications Technology in creating jobs, fighting inequality and developing rural economies.
“The Government has realised that fighting the social challenges the country faces can be most effectively addressed through progressive partnerships with society, labour and business, especially the Small and Medium-size Enterprises.
“As a Department, we have a positive track record of engaging all stakeholders while we do not abdicate our responsibility of leading the sector,” says Minister Pule.
The proposed National Broadband Policy complements and augments the work that is already being done through the Strategic Integrated Project (SIP) 15, which deals with expanding access to information and communications services with a special focus on broadband, digital terrestrial television and school connectivity.
The proposed policy deals with the complete value chain of broadband rollout, including attracting related investment in broadband infrastructure, enterprise development, encouraging the manufacturing of end-user equipment locally in SAthe support for research and development activities in support of the development of appropriate Applications or Apps and content and reducing the cost of broadband rollout through the creation of a single point of entry for regulatory approvals. This is in addition to the rollout of infrastructure that is covered through SIP 15.
“Government will be a key user of broadband as it seeks to improve the quality of service delivery through the use of e-government services such as e-learning and e-health.
“In the end, this policy must help the country to increase its productivity and place South Africa at the cutting edge of technological advancement, as forecast by the NDP,” says Minister Pule.
The call for public comment is complemented by provincial roadshows that are scheduled for April 2013.
The proposed National Broadband Policy aims to consolidate all the provincial and municipal broadband initiatives in support of the country’s broadband plan.
The government has welcomed the contribution that industry is making to promote greater digital engagement. The Getting South African Business Online nationwide campaign by Google is an example of this as is the National ICT Colloquium which was hosted by the Department of Communications.
The government has invited industry, state and local government and municipalities to contribute to the vision of South Africa becoming a leading digital economy by 2020. The government will continue to collaborate with industry, Provinces and local government and municipalities to progress their digital economy goals and will promote dialogue and networking on identified issues of national importance to South Africa’s digital economy.