A forum, focusing on the growing global phenomenon of cities self-providing broadband networks for municipal and residential use, is being hosted by BMI-TechKnowledge on 10 and 11 November.
The South African Digital Cities Forum will be held at Gallagher Estate in Johannesburg and was motivated by the proposed implementation of broadband in 600 major cities in SA, says Dennis Smit, BMI-T MD.
"Cities are deploying broadband for e-government, security, healthcare services and CCTV systems. The foremost drivers behind municipal networks are economic growth, lowering the cost of government, enhancing service delivery and closing the digital divide," says Smit.
Under the theme of "wiring up cities for a better future" discussions have been scheduled on funding and how metropolitan areas go about self-providing their broadband networks, he says.
"Municipal networks can bridge the digital divide by providing either free or subsidised broadband access to needy communities," says Smit. "Cities feel that too little is being done, thus elect to do it themselves."
Major stakeholders, including local governments and private enterprise, will assemble to grapple with the many issues associated with metropolitan broadband, he says.
The City of Tswhane is the founding city sponsor of the forum and will provide a practical on-site tour of a digital city in the making.
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