R1m ICT access pilot announced

By Candice Jones for USAASA
Johannesburg, 03 Dec 2007

The Universal Service and Access Agency of SA (USAASA) has issued R1 million tender for the establishment of a pilot kiosk system, to bring ICT and universal access to under-serviced areas.

According to Leon Lourens, electronic communications network services manager at USAASA, the kiosks should be standalone access devices that will be placed in under-serviced areas. The tender has called for full access PCs with touch-screens. However, definite parameters and technology requirements have yet to be established for the project.

USAASA currently provides access through two models, one through the school system and the other through telecentres. The kiosk pilot is intended to be the third model for access. "What we are about is access for SA in an integrated fashion. We will hand over the access models to government to provide access to government and Internet services.

"The idea is to test whether the kiosk model is a viable option in the South African environment. We want to see what sort of technology is available."

Lourens says the pilot will comprise 15 units and will be trialled for six months. Thereafter, once an adequate model has been identified, a tender will be issued to expand the project.

"The pilot units will be housed in existing telecentres and schools to assess the possibility of the kiosk model for universal access."

He says kiosks will need to be fully integrated solutions. "They will also need to be robust and withstand the elements, because some of them may be erected outside."

Lourens says that, while the pilot phase will cost around R1 million rand, the value of a full roll-out will be calculated during point of concept.

Connectivity inclusion

Lourens says the agency is also working towards including the connectivity that is expected from under-serviced area licensees (USALs). "We have not specifically invited them, but if they are interested, they should definitely try and get involved."

However, USALs will not be given preferential treatment if there are competitive connectivity providers in a given service area, he says.

"The agency would like to include the USALs as much as possible, but we will have to use the best provider available to promote access in these areas."

Criteria for the technical evaluation include the provision of a full Windows XP or Vista desktop, and a touch-screen panel. Applicants will also be expected to provide service and training to the systems once they are in place.

Lourens says: "We have chosen Microsoft as our primary software requirement source because of the commitment they have shown in our various technology areas. However, if someone comes with an open source alternative that is viable, we will not disregard the application."

Tender document submissions for the pilot phase close on 14 December.