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Vodacom, Agri SA connect farmers

Staff Writer
By Staff Writer, ITWeb
Johannesburg, 01 Aug 2012

Vodacom Business has partnered with agricultural trade association Agri SA, in a bid to provide satellite-based communication solutions to Agri SA's members and the broader local rural community.

The agreement, announced yesterday, follows a resolution adopted by Agri SA's congress last year, whereby the organisation was instructed to look into alternative telecommunication systems for rural users.

Agri SA, which represents over 70 000 small and large-scale commercial farmers, says it has gone through a lengthy process to accurately evaluate possible alternatives to fixed-line telecommunication in relation to the congress's resolution.

Chris Lazarus, managing executive of Vodacom Business Services, says the partnership with Agri SA gives the operator an opportunity to bring Vodacom's satellite-based voice and data solutions to the rural community.

Telecoms deficit

The deterioration of rural fixed-line telephone infrastructure, says Agri SA president Johannes M"oller, means effective telecommunication in various regions has become virtually impossible. “[This is especially so] with regards to gaining access to the Internet, e-mail facilities and, recently, also voice. Needless to say, for farmers and the rural community at large, telecommunication is important for transactional purposes, as well as for security reasons.”

In turn, Lazarus says Vodacom is “well aware” of the fact that SA's rural areas are under-serviced. “This has presented real challenges to not only the farming community, but to their customers, service suppliers and rural communities in general.

“Agriculture is a critical sector for development, employment and the economy of the country. To realise the full potential of this sector, agricultural players need access to cutting-edge technology to market and grow their businesses. This partnership with Agri SA will serve as a catalyst to bring a truly mobile, accessible and affordable solution to these areas.”

M"oller says, as part of the agreement, farm leaders will be given an opportunity to acquaint themselves with the communication system at forthcoming congresses in the various provinces. “Vodacom will also shortly launch 10 pilot projects around the country for farmers to evaluate and to provide us with the necessary feedback.”

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