Today the remote communities of Mafefe and Ga-Mampa in Limpopo are celebrating the arrival of broadband connectivity to their region - something the 11 000-strong populace has never had before.
This is thanks to a network initiative between Cell C, government and the Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA).
Cell C is the first mobile operator to erect a base station in the previously detached region of Ga-Mampa, which historically never featured on the country's mobile communications grid. The base station, now operational, was erected about two weeks ago.
Connected communities
Now, says Cell C, under the traditional leadership of Kgosi Setlamorago Thobejane, the community will have access to voice and broadband services through the operator's HSPA+ network. “The people of Ga-Mampa and Mafefe will no longer have to walk long distances to make calls or buy airtime.”
radio and television.
“This is part of Cell C's infrastructure expansion and job creation programme, [which is] not only targeted in Limpopo but also other provinces. Through partnership with government and other stakeholders, we are determined that together we can do more.”
He says the company is committed to helping SA attain government's bid of bringing 100% broadband coverage to the country by 2020. “We are already two-thirds there with our own network and plan to have completed the 100% coverage mark well in advance of government's deadline.”
In March, ICASA hosted International Consumer Rights Day Roadshows across SA, which included a campaign at the Mafefe village. At the time, the region was deemed a priority due to the lack of mobile network connectivity, television broadcasting services and limited radio services in the area.
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