Broadband10.02.2014

10Gbps Gauteng broadband network progress

Gauteng Online test pattern from Fallout Please Stand By

The Gauteng Provincial Government today (10 February 2014) announced that it has awarded its tender for the implementation of its Gauteng Broadband Network (GBN) to Altech Alcom Matomo.

In January 2013 the Provincial Government’s broadband project was initiated with a tender invitation for the conceptualisation, construction and maintenance of a Broadband Network that would incorporate 1,600km of high-speed fibre optics.

This initiative sought to:

  • provide network coverage to 95% of the Gauteng’s population;
  • acquire and use ICT’s in a manner that leverages economies of scale; and
  • provide cost effective services, and ensure interoperability of its information systems with those of other Government institutions.

According to the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) the system would also enhance the efficiency of service delivery, eliminate unnecessary duplication of ICT’s in the Provincial Government, whilst facilitating security of information systems.

“The long wait for delivering affordable broadband access to Gauteng residents will soon be over,” the GPG said.

The GPG said that it intends to provide its residents with a whole new digital experience and seamless internet access.

MEC Mandla Nkomfe stated that “the importance of the GBN is to connect our people, and thus ensure that they are able to access internet effortlessly”.

According to the 2011 census report, only 35,2% of Gauteng residents currently access the Internet from the following sources:

  • 8.6% from their homes;
  • 16.3% from their cellphones;
  • 4.7% at work; and
  • 5.6% elsewhere.

“Evidently, this situation is untenable and cannot be allowed to continue unchecked, especially because we live in the information age,” said Nkomfe.

“Therefore, the only way for this government to transform this country is by providing our people with easy and affordable access to information, so that they can empower themselves.”

Altech Alcom Matomo will be responsible for building and operating the Gauteng broadband system over a five (5) year period.

The GBN will provide the core network for connectivity. Other ancillary projects such as e-Learning will also be assimilated into the GBN’s network in the future.

Additional facts about the GBN are that the entire solution will include the core infrastructure and overlaid services, which will consist of:

  • The design, implementation and operation of a Next Generation Network (NGN, and a Core Network that provides a Virtual Private Network (MPLS/VPN) of converged network services, considering that there is an existing fibre infrastructure on the ground;
  • Fibre Access Network Connectivity to Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) buildings;
  • An improved universal access by providing connectivity to community service centres; and
  • Fibre connectivity to identified 20 Priority Townships.

The services will include:

  • Internet services with a bandwidth of 1 or 10 Gigabytes (symmetrical or asymmetrical);
  • VPN services; and
  • Telephony services.

The duration of this contract will be:

  • 5-years for the design, implementation, operation, and transfer (BoT);
  • Optic Fibre to be leased from both private and public sector entities; and
  • This network will ultimately be transferred and owned by the Gauteng Provincial Government at the end of the 5-year term.

More on the Gauteng broadband network

95% Gauteng broadband coverage promised

Gauteng online schools project to be reviewed

Gauteng’s R15.9m broadband budget

Gauteng Govt reshuffle sees focus on ICT investments

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