Ensuring there is vast availability to connectivity for Africa`s communities is one of the keys to fostering the continent`s economic development, says Telkom CTO Reuben September.
He was speaking at ITWeb`s Futurex conference hosted in Johannesburg this week.
September noted that with the plethora of enabling technologies being thrown at the market, the solution seems to be an investment in integrated multi-service networks.
"Every technology is part of the construct that will be used to build the bridge across the digital divide," September said.
However, he warned that even amid the hype around broadband, companies and governments alike should not overlook the potential that still exists in narrowband technologies and what they could do for the continent.
He noted that there is a need for fibre to be brought closer to the end-user customer.
September also commented that companies should be careful when implementing wireless communication solutions, because they do not always bring about cost savings, although in many cases they do have advantages in terms of portability and mobility.
He also noted that a fixed/mobile approach seems to be the best solution, especially for companies playing in the small and medium enterprise space.
However, he commented that before all this could bear fruit, there are certain considerations to be taken into account. These include addressing affordability issues through countries co-sharing resources, developing countries` own capabilities for long-term growth, and the development of viable pockets of innovation.
To do all this, he advised that countries commit to building and nurturing smart partnerships to enable them to develop applications for Africa by Africans.
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