As access to broadband is a huge economic growth inhibitor, government is taking steps to ready SA`s broadband infrastructure in time for 2010.
This is according to Rosey Sekese, deputy director general of ICT infrastructure development at the Department of Communications, speaking at ITWeb`s Broadband and Wireless conference, in Johannesburg, this week.
"We are anticipating a document from the Broadband Advisory Council that will define broadband in South African terms," she noted.
"We are also busy drawing up an integrated infrastructure plan to assess the needs and gaps of each focus sector - such as health, education, government services and SMEs - and defining strategic intervention mechanisms where applicable," Sekese said.
Some of the identified intervention mechanisms include Nepad`s Broadband Infrastructure Network and Infraco`s backbone cable.
"We are working toward 2010 as a milestone. We are handing over stadiums to the Local Organising Committee by November 2009, so we need to ensure all broadband needs are catered to, to the core."
Skills boost
Distributing mass broadband to the country is not without challenges, explained Sekese, listing the major obstacles as affordability, access, lack of content and skills.
Although putting broadband infrastructure in place will take a few years, it is critical that government begins honing skills as soon as possible, she said.
To overcome this challenge, an e-skills programme is being established. "We aim to have our ICT institute up and running by February 2008.
"We need to look at ICT as a tool to change destiny. If ICT can empower one underprivileged child to achieve, that same child will come back to where they came from and empower others in the community."
Related stories:
Matsepe-Casaburri assumes presidency
Cable policy slammed
Share