The Western Cape’s big broadband plans

I have been involved in some discussions about the plan.

Yes it is ambitious, yes it is expensive, but just imagine the difference it will make in those areas where internet access is not a given (townships, rural areas, farms, etc).

First step is connecting government buildings, schools, libraries, clinics, etc.

Personally I would like to see a rollout that makes use of local service providers to do the last mile delivery, instead of a fully government owned and managed project.
 
akescpt said:
maybe they should aim for tarred roads for everyone first. idiots..
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:erm:

Do you read much???


The Western Cape will see improved road and broadband networks in the next three years, Economic development MEC Alan Winde said on Thursday.

In his Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS), he said there had been a “phenomenal” growth in the number of roads needing rehabilitation across the 32,212km network.

About R1.5 billion would be spent between 2013 and 2016 to reduce the road maintenance backlog.
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http://mybroadband.co.za/news/broadband/65360-r240-million-for-broadband-in-western-cape.html
 
akescpt said:
Maintenance is for the tarred roads. Those people don't even have tarred roads what the hell are they going to do with effing broadband access? The ANC spending priorities has concerned me in the last while.
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And how does the edit above sound?
 
MickeyD said:
And how does the edit above sound?
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I meant DA. certain communities have yet to see change in their areas. most roads except for main roads are that horrible concrete and stone mix. always floods during winter. but the DA wants to give them broadband? priorities are skewed.
 
akescpt said:
I meant DA. certain communities have yet to see change in their areas. most roads except for main roads are that horrible concrete and stone mix. always floods during winter. but the DA wants to give them broadband? priorities are skewed.
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While I admit that funding can be utilised elsewhere, it is also true that providing communities with internet access has its benefits, especially from an educational and entrepreneurial perspective. It's a delicate balance and the investment (which it is) must be seen in perspective to the total budget.

If they were ignoring important infrastructure projects to fund this project then I would agree with you.

But, from what I'm reading, they are not hence I disagree with you.
 
MickeyD said:
While I admit that funding can be utilised elsewhere, it is also true that providing communities with internet access has its benefits, especially from an educational and entrepreneurial perspective. It's a delicate balance and the investment (which it is) must be seen in perspective to the total budget.

If they were ignoring important infrastructure projects to fund this project then I would agree with you.

But, from what I'm reading, they are not hence I disagree with you.
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Important for whom? The townships are largely ignored. Are they rolling out pc's as well? Or will the kiddies have to dodge bullets to get to them 2km point? Melodramatic I know. Forgive me.

Great work is being done in mfuleni. One of the 'new' areas. Spending in the townships is a concern that broadband won't address.
 
“We intend to ensure public ICT access within a 2 km radius of every person living in our province by 2019, and universal broadband access by 2020.”
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While it sets a standard I don't see how a that can be called universal access. To me universal means convenient, not a 2km walk away, 24/7 access with no time restrictions or queues.
 
markings said:
While it sets a standard I don't see how a that can be called universal access. To me universal means convenient, not a 2km walk away, 24/7 access with no time restrictions or queues.
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It's in line with the DoC's national broadband plan i.t.o. universal access.
 
What about them giving priority to areas where people pay their rates and taxes on time!
 
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