DOC talks broadband strategy

After SA's poor ranking on a global broadband survey, the Department of Communications (DOC) says deputy minister Dina Pule has held strategic discussions around fast-tracking local broadband initiatives.

The department says Pule was in discussions on broadband infrastructure and the need for leadership with the secretary-general of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), Hamadoun Tour`e.

There was also a focus on capacity-building in terms of cyber security and cyber crime where international cooperation is also necessary.

The world broadband quality survey, conducted by Oxford University and networking company Cisco, showed SA's minimal improvement from 60th out of 66 countries last year to 42nd out of 72 countries this year.

The department says Pule also held strategic discussions with other participating ministers and experts on the roll-out of broadband, especially in rural areas.

The DOC explains that SA's broadband penetration remains very low, at around 2%, and it is keen to learn strategies on how to fast-track its broadband initiatives to support schools, hospitals and government.

“Critical to these discussions is the sharing of best practices on the broadband roll-out in developing countries, which may be applied in other countries, particularly in Africa.”

Pule is taking views from several experts on the issue, including experiences from the government of Mexico, adds the department.

This follows the launch of the Broadband Commission by Tour`e earlier this year as a leadership imperative.

“Broadband infrastructure is expected to propel the use of ICTs, especially content platforms, to grow steadily in the next few years and support socio-economic development,” says the DOC.

It adds that the challenge faced by the developing countries relates to ensuring broadband connectivity is expanded to the rural areas and building confidence in the use of technologies to improve livelihood.

The purpose of this is not just for transmitting information and knowledge to the citizens, but also to ensure ICTs assist in the delivery of government services, health and education, according to the department.

Another issue that was discussed during the deputy minister's visit is ICTs and climate change.

“The primary objective is to develop a knowledge base and repository on the relation between ICTs and climate change in member countries. As expected, members of the union are encouraged to contribute to undertakings to reduce carbon emissions especially by information and communication technologies,” says the department.

It adds that this issue is also receiving attention in the DOC, where there is a development of policy on e-waste and e-waste disposal guidelines.

Pule also attended a round table discussion of women leaders in the ICT sector, where the resolution was made that the ITU must be persuaded to hold a special day for women in ICTs.

“Some of the suggested initiatives may include projects and programmes such as the creation of a women's network which can provide support for women as well as projects targeted at supporting young women broadly.”