Broadband policy for South Africa Cabinet-approved

Cabinet has approved the National Broadband Policy, Strategy and Plan, and the gazetting of the National Integrated Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Policy Green Paper for public consultation.

The Government Communications and Information System department issued a press statement today (Thursday, 5 December 2013) in which it outlined the discussions and decisions made by cabinet yesterday.

In the statement, Cabinet said the National Broadband Policy, Strategy and Plan, collectively referred to as “South Africa Connect”, will contribute significantly to economic growth, development and job-creation.

“The overall goal is to achieve a universal average download speed of 100Mbps by 2030,” Cabinet sad.

“To reach this target in a progressive manner, there are reviewable targets starting with an average user experience speed of 5Mbps to be reached by 2016 and available to 50% of the population, and to 90% by 2020,” Cabinet said.

Cabinet said that targets are also set for schools and clinics and general public sector connectivity.

“The rapid evolution of broadband technology means that these targets will be reviewed annually,” Cabinet said.

Cabinet also said that it has approved the gazetting of the National Integrated Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Policy Green Paper for public consultation.

The Green Paper deals with the need to amend policies and regulations to take account of the rapid changes in ICT in recent years.

Among the issues it focuses on, Cabinet said, are telecommunications, broadcasting and postal services.

Public hearings will be held in all the provinces early next year, Cabinet said.

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