Newly appointed minister of public enterprises, Malusi Gigaba tonight unveiled SA's first long distance open access carrier, Broadband Infraco, noting the significance of the new network's role in driving broadband penetration in SA and Africa.
Gigaba was speaking tonight at the official market launch event of Broadband Infraco at Summer Place in Hyde Park, Johannesburg.
Infraco was formed three years ago when government combined Eskom and Transnet's ICT infrastructure, with the aim of providing a backbone that would aid in reducing the costs of communication.
The long-distance open-access carrier will sell high-capacity long-distance transmission services to licensed fixed and mobile network operators, Internet service providers and other value-added network service providers on a cost-plus basis.
This is expected to expand the reach of broadband in the country as well as to the greater African continent, explained Gigaba.
Rural reach
"There are currently many South Africans without access to information and communications technology infrastructure and services, particularly in the poorest and most often rural areas of our country.
By deploying ICT infrastructure and services to these marginalised communities, government can improve its machinery to deliver services cost effectively and efficiently, he stated.
"We can break the backward perception that the advancements of technology are in a monopolised niche market, only to be enjoyed by the rich," suggested Gigaba.
The launch of Broadband Infraco is a commitment to reduce the cost of ICT and telecommunications in this country, he noted.
Gigaba explained that while Infraco was a significant step to the development ICT and telecommunications in SA the state owned entity would extend its services to Africa as well.
African focus
"As government, our investment in Broadband Infraco will not only benefit the people of South Africa, but we have ensured that the ICT infrastructure deployed by this new state owned enterprise benefits our neighbours and partners in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) as we gradually become interconnected African states who share the ultimate goal of continental development," offered Gigaba.
"Broadband Infraco will extend its National Long Distance services to international cables that land in South Africa, as well as providing regional connections in the SADC region," he stated.
Social responsibility
Gigaba argued that while Infraco's partnership with Africa is vital the entity's first priority is to empower and provide universal access to previously disadvantaged areas.
"Infraco will be specifically required to provide wholesale backhaul connectivity to licensees operating in under-serviced areas," he stated.
The launch of Broadband Infraco is evidence of government's commitment to delivering cheaper telecommunications and broadband services to the majority of South Africans, concluded Gigaba.
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