Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has announced a partnership with SA`s Universal Services Agency (USA) to help take ICT to rural areas.
Announcing the partnership at a briefing at Gallagher Estate this morning, Ballmer said the memorandum of understanding signed with key USA representatives should dramatically increase the number of citizens around the country that have access to technology.
USA was established under the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and is mandated with promoting universal services and access to telecommunication services in underserviced areas of SA.
In terms of the new partnership, Microsoft SA will expand its current Digital Inclusion Programme to take the current 48 Microsoft Digital Villages into all multi-purpose community centres in all 284 municipalities around the country over the next three years.
Microsoft and the USA will partner to train telecentre managers and Microsoft will provide free software and share its Unlimited Potential curriculum and management and IT training.
[VIDEO]"We are hoping to reach in excess of half a million people in an effort to bring the benefits of technology to their doorstep," said Ballmer.
"By working with NGOs and community leaders, we also anticipate assisting small businesses in the urban and rural renewal nodes, to take advantage of ICT in their quest to succeed."
"We remain convinced of the power of technology as the greatest social and economic enabler and believe it is key to the promotion of sustainable growth and development for SA," he said.
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