Broadband for all by 2019

The main goal of the Department of Communications (DOC) is to ensure that ICTs are used for accelerated service delivery and empowerment, according to communications minister Siphiwe Nyanda, in his budget vote speech today.

“ICT is a potentially transformative developmental tool, provided it is well located within the overall policy framework and is not seen as an end in itself, but a necessary means.”

In light of this, the minister's budget speech highlighted ICT projects and areas of technological need.

One of the first points Nyanda brought up is that social access to ICTs is one of the department's main objectives, since access to power and knowledge will bring about social transformation. He says this in turn supports sustainable economic growth.

“In the previous financial year we committed to develop and pass policies and legislation aimed at further growing the ICT sector,” said Nyanda.

He said Cabinet has approved the Radio Frequency Spectrum Policy which provides for spectrum management, allocating frequency according to the country's developmental needs, and international standards.

Also, the broadband policy has been finalised. The vision of this policy was to ensure that “South Africans have universal access and services to broadband by 2019. The benefits accruing from the policy will include the provision of multimedia and e-government throughout the country”.

Nyanda mentioned the cyber security policy is being discussed with relevant stakeholders.

“We intend in this parliamentary session to introduce legislation aimed at further strengthening our ICT policy framework,” said Nyanda. Therefore, the ICASA Amendment Bill, the Public Service Broadcasting Bill, and the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill will be tabled.

“In addition, a policy directive will be issued to ICASA to conclude the unbundling of the local loop,” stated Nyanda.

He added that the department has started the development of the Local Content Strategy. This will be finalised once the SA Local Content Advisory Council is appointed. The purpose of the strategy is to promote the development of local content, as well as identification of niche economic opportunities in the sector.

Departmental interventions have stabilised the public broadcaster, according to the minister. A task team investigated both the SABC and signal distributor Sentech, and Nyanda said their recommendations have shown positive effects. New board members and a chairperson have been appointed for Sentech and the process to fill the position of CEO is still under way.

Nyanda also said the cost to communicate is being lowered. “In November 2009, I issued a policy directive for ICASA to initiate a process to reduce the mobile termination rate (MTR) down to cost. Simultaneously, I engaged in process of consultation and discussion with the mobile operators for them to voluntarily begin to reduce the MTR. This then culminated in an agreement for an initial cut of the MTR from R1.25 to 89 cents with effect from 1 March 2010. In line with this, ICASA approved a revised amended interconnection agreement.”

He said ICASA has now released draft regulations aimed at ensuring cost-based MTR rates in July 2010 on a gliding scale.

The department successfully hosted the national summit on set-top box manufacturing, which involved industry players, according to Nyanda. “We will conclude the conformance scheme in the first quarter of this financial year. A draft roll-out plan for the Scheme for Ownership of set-top boxes for poor television owning households has been developed. The scheme provides poor people with subsidies that allow them to procure the set-top box.”

The department has created an ICT industry forum to make ICT relevant to the people of SA. The forum has since met twice.

“I am also of the opinion that government can use ICT to improve its efficiency and streamline its operations. Therefore, the development of a coherent framework for the deployment and utilisation of ICT in government is critical. It is urgent that government adopts and uses ICT in order to modernise services, improve administration and efficiency,” said Nyanda.

He added that the DOC is in discussions with the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform to ensure it participates in the agrarian reform and food security programme through technology intervention in the communications sector.

“In May 2010, SA will participate in the World Telecommunications Development Conference (WTDC). Our focus with regards to this conference will be to enhance the deployment of technologies, advise on financing of the telecommunications and low cost technology options, as well as promoting universal access to rural communities,” Nyanda noted.

In October 2010, SA will participate in the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary in Mexico, according to Nyanda.

“It is important that we realise that the challenges we face require us to adopt policies that pursue African advancement and enhance international cooperation.”

The minister confirmed that the national youth deployment strategy was developed in the first quarter of 2009. “It is focused on developing ICT infrastructure and building access centres. The key highlights for the previous financial year included the establishment of eight new community centres. Some 68 schools have been provided with 2 720 computers. Subsidies for Internet connectivity were granted to 18 FET colleges.”

He said the plan for the next financial year is to establish a baseline project to identify the number and geographical location of underserviced areas. The agency will also build new digital hubs targeting rural provinces.

“Another strategic goal of our government is to strengthen the skill and human resource base in the ICT sector. Our human development is characterised by a lack of employment - ready graduates required by our modern economy especially in the field of ICT.”

Following the reconstitution of the e-Skills Council by the department last year, Nyanda said the work of the council is on track with the National e-Skills Study conducted and a report adopted by the Working Group. The final report is ready for presentation to Cabinet.

He added the department is in the process of operationalising the Meraka e-Skills Institute as a measure to bridge the digital gap. In the previous financial year, Meraka formed partnerships with six international institutions and 12 local universities, and developed a curriculum which will assist universities to produce an ICT skilled cadre ready for the job market.

“The National Electronic Media Institute of SA (Nemisa) was established to provide education and training in production and technical skills relevant to TV and radio broadcast industries. Over the next financial year, Nemisa will develop capacity to deliver high-quality educational services and train 870 learners.”

“For our part in the ICT sector, the ICT infrastructure for the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup and the International Broadcasting Centre will be fully operational before the official kick-off date of 11 June,” stated Nyanda.

Nyanda also said an agreement has been reached with the mobile operators to supply 80 000 mobile units by May, which will be distributed to the police, safety and security agencies, and emergency officers who will be deployed at the various Fifa 2010 stadia.

“Additional beneficiaries of the other obligations will be identified in the course of the year. This is line with the departments' contribution to government priority on ensuring safety for the public.”