Durban's low-cost net plunge
By Tribune Reporter
Affordable internet access and low-cost local calls may soon be a
reality for Durbanites, with the launch of the Smart City project.
Durban businesses and residents will have access to low-cost devices that can be connected to existing network infrastructure, providing affordable local phone calls, internet connectivity and e-mail services.
Jacqui Subban, Head of Geo-graphic Information and Policy at eThekwini Municipality, who is leading the connectivity project, said the city already had a broad fibre-optic infrastructure which could be used to connect businesses and citizens.
Other connectivity methods could be the extensive power grid and wireless communications.
"We are involved in a pilot project with SmartXchange, an ICT hub in the city, to determine what technologies will best suit our needs.
"Late last year we travelled to India on a fact-finding mission and have in place a series of MOUs (Memorandums of Understanding) with manufacturers of low-cost mobile and desktop devices," said Subban.Without getting too technical, Subban explained that the idea was to move information, including voice, through the existing fibre optics network.
By paying a relatively low internet subscription, people would have unlimited internet access, including voice access.
Subban said the city would set up portals that would be easily accessible to the community. The proposed devices can be connected to television sets and connected to the internet.
Because it would be using fibre optics and not Telkom lines, it would be cheaper than Telkom's broadband access to the internet.
City Manager Michael Sutcliffe said eThekwini's sights were firmly set on providing a low-cost communications alternative.
Subban said the planning of the pilot project was almost complete and would be presented to the city council after the election.
"We have every reason to believe that it will be feasible. This is a true reflection of the term 'Bridging the Digital Divide', because every home and business that has access to electricity should be able to afford the internet connection."
The new technology will also allow companies and residents to have access to the municipal website portals, where they can access information on tenders or career opportunities, products, new markets, services and education. Subban said multimedia (music and video) would also be accessible.
Although the service would not be free, Subban said it was not the city's intention to generate revenue from the model, but to break even.
It was expected that the project would turn Durban into a "learning city" and attract investment.
[email protected]
Published on the web by Sunday Tribune on February 19, 2006. © Sunday Tribune 2006. All rights reserved.
By Tribune Reporter
Affordable internet access and low-cost local calls may soon be a
reality for Durbanites, with the launch of the Smart City project.
Durban businesses and residents will have access to low-cost devices that can be connected to existing network infrastructure, providing affordable local phone calls, internet connectivity and e-mail services.
Jacqui Subban, Head of Geo-graphic Information and Policy at eThekwini Municipality, who is leading the connectivity project, said the city already had a broad fibre-optic infrastructure which could be used to connect businesses and citizens.
Other connectivity methods could be the extensive power grid and wireless communications.
"We are involved in a pilot project with SmartXchange, an ICT hub in the city, to determine what technologies will best suit our needs.
"Late last year we travelled to India on a fact-finding mission and have in place a series of MOUs (Memorandums of Understanding) with manufacturers of low-cost mobile and desktop devices," said Subban.Without getting too technical, Subban explained that the idea was to move information, including voice, through the existing fibre optics network.
By paying a relatively low internet subscription, people would have unlimited internet access, including voice access.
Subban said the city would set up portals that would be easily accessible to the community. The proposed devices can be connected to television sets and connected to the internet.
Because it would be using fibre optics and not Telkom lines, it would be cheaper than Telkom's broadband access to the internet.
City Manager Michael Sutcliffe said eThekwini's sights were firmly set on providing a low-cost communications alternative.
Subban said the planning of the pilot project was almost complete and would be presented to the city council after the election.
"We have every reason to believe that it will be feasible. This is a true reflection of the term 'Bridging the Digital Divide', because every home and business that has access to electricity should be able to afford the internet connection."
The new technology will also allow companies and residents to have access to the municipal website portals, where they can access information on tenders or career opportunities, products, new markets, services and education. Subban said multimedia (music and video) would also be accessible.
Although the service would not be free, Subban said it was not the city's intention to generate revenue from the model, but to break even.
It was expected that the project would turn Durban into a "learning city" and attract investment.
[email protected]
Published on the web by Sunday Tribune on February 19, 2006. © Sunday Tribune 2006. All rights reserved.
