The Limpopo government has undertaken a massive project to install the infrastructure for wireless broadband technology so residents can gain access to internet throughout the province. <\/p>\n
The project, which is expected to be completed by March 2010, involves connecting about 6 000 sites around the province, including 4 400 schools and a number of clinics and hospitals situated in some of the more remote areas.<\/p>\n
Lizel Bodenstein, an information and communication technology (ICT) service manager for the Department of Local and Provincial Government said so far they had shortlisted 13 companies to implement the project.<\/p>\n
"This is a closed bid tender for the 13 companies that have been short-listed for the job," she said.<\/p>\n
Ms Bodenstein said the winning company will be announced on 23 February.<\/p>\n
This company will then be responsible for installing, designing, maintaining and strategically placing the provincially shared broadband network.<\/p>\n
She said due to the skills shortage in the province, the winning company may have to bring in skilled labourers and technicians from elsewhere.<\/p>\n
The current shortage of electricity may, however, hamper the project, Ms Bodenstein noted.<\/p>\n