South African National Parks (SANParks), the body that manages SA's network of national parks, is in talks with Telkom to upgrade telecommunications infrastructure around the Skukuza area, in the Kruger National Park.
SANParks says it intends to provide a broadband service for visitors via a wireless network, as this would enhance the experience for tourists.
Wanda Mkutshulwa, head of communications, says: "SANParks' core business is conservation and tourism. Providing wireless connection for our tourists is a 'nice to have' that the organisation is exploring. This is why we are in ongoing negotiations with Telkom in this regard."
Mkutshulwa adds that once the organisation has the required infrastructure, SANParks' tourism and marketing development division will make a business case for selling and managing airtime for tourists.
She says it is theoretically possible to provide broadband to tourists via SANParks' corporate wireless network, but this would pose a security risk.
"Hackers would be able to hack into our corporate information and systems, and an additional network load would be placed on the network and Internet line."
IT services and solutions provider Datacentrix recently installed a corporate wireless network at the Skukuza Camp. The network has enabled connectivity for external researchers and staff to access and upload data.
Mkutshulwa says there are challenges when installing telecoms infrastructure. However, these undertakings - such as the digging of trenches to fit fibre optic cables - would be done once environmental impact assessments and other environmental considerations have been examined.
She says if push comes to shove, satellite technology, as opposed to Telkom ADSL, could be a viable option for bandwidth, although at a significantly higher cost.
"A business case will assist us in determining if it is worthwhile exploring this option."
Following the initial roll-out at Skukuza, SANParks will look at expanding the wireless network to other parts of the park.
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