Broadband should be a human right in SA: Broadband Infraco Chair
Broadband Infraco, the state owned enterprise tasked with reducing bandwidth prices in South Africa, was launched at a glitzy event in Johannesburg yesterday.
Minister of Public Enterprises, Malusi Gigaba, said at the launch event that Broadband Infraco is a government initiative to deliver broadband services to South African citizens and bridge the digital divide.
“By deploying ICT infrastructure and services to these marginalized communities, Government can improve its machinery to deliver services cost-effectively and efficiently. We can break the backward perception that the advancements of technology are in a monopolized niche market only to be enjoyed by the rich,” said Gigaba.
“The launch of Broadband Infraco is further evidence of the strength of the ICT sector, and it signals Government’s commitment to further lower the cost to communicate so that the majority of South Africans may have access to cheaper telecommunications and broadband services.”
Broadband Infraco Chairman Andrew Mthembu in turn said that South Africa is very far behind the rest of the world in terms of broadband penetration rates and broadband speeds, and that this needs to be rectified to unlock South Africa’s economic potential.
Mthembu continued by saying that having access to affordable broadband connectivity in the 21st Century is as much of a basic human right as having access to water, electricity and sanitation.
“Even in South Africa, this means that we can no longer think of broadband as a luxury that can only be available and afforded by the privileged few members of our society,” said Mthembu.
This is however easier said than done. Deputy Minister of Communications Obed Bapela said that South Africa is likely to miss the UN target of reaching 50% universal broadband coverage by 2015.
Bapela urged the start of broadband strategy discussions in South Africa as well as better broadband mapping from all operators and other stakeholders.
Broadband should be a human right in SA: Broadband Infraco Chair << Comments and views
Loading ...