Q-KON, an established engineering group and provider of turnkey solutions and managed network services within the African telecommunications market, has provided a VSAT satellite technology solution and services in support of a cyber lab set-up at Mampoi Secondary School, in Qwaqwa, Free State Province.
A cyber lab is a computer laboratory that is fully equipped with information communication technology, including the Internet and multimedia services.
Q-KON partnered in this endeavour with MTN Business, Free State Department of Education, Department of Communication, and USAASA (the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa), providers of rural and underserved connectivity.
This is part of a bigger role out of a schools' connectivity programme between USAASA and the Free State Department of Education, which will see up to 25 schools fitted and connected in a bid to improve the educational outlook of numerous young people in the province.
Together with MTN, Q-KON has come to the party, ensuring that Mampoi's 45 PC labs provide online connectivity and a future platform for e-learning.
The lab at Mampoi Secondary School was officially launched on Youth Day, 16 June 2011. With this type of partnership between government, its agencies and business, it is hoped that more than the original 25 schools will be catered for in this financial year.
“In some instances connectivity will be based on MPLS VPN and broadband, depending on available infrastructure. Our intention is to demonstrate the value that can be derived from access to satellite where alternative infrastructure is unavailable and the advantages this platform holds for learners and educators,” explains Dirk Staal, COO of Q-KON Africa.
“Our company is involved with several partners to continue to establish and encourage wider access to computer laboratories via satellite. We believe that the more we can do to push connectivity and enable users from all parts of the country to access online resources to develop ICT literacy and skills, the better.”
The role of satellite technology in helping to bridge the digital divide and the quest to provide 'anytime, anywhere' connectivity remain priorities for Q-KON and its partners.
Louis Moahlodi, USAASA Chairperson, says: “We must ensure, at all costs, that children in these environments get the same, if not better, access to information using technology. It is imperative that we do this quickly and effectively. There is no time to lose anymore; we need partnerships such as these - partnerships that can move quickly, partnerships with a conscience.”
The project is ongoing and Q-KON remains involved as a key stakeholder and sponsor.
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MTN Business
As a leading telecommunications provider operating one of Africa's most technically innovative, reliable and secure virtual private networks (VPN), MTN Business is able to offer world-class mobile telecommunications, Internet solutions and next-generation communication services.
MTN is aware that businesses and government constantly require a 360-degree communications service, and therefore have ensured that it is perfectly positioned to meet its customers' needs to reduce costs, improve connectivity and security, and ultimately partner with a reliable and knowledgeable converged communications partner. For more information, please visit http://www.mtnbusiness.co.za.
Q-KON
Q-KON is a South African-based engineering group that provides turnkey solutions and managed network services to the emerging African telecommunications market. With more than 200Mbps from six teleports over seven satellites using five different VSAT technologies, combined with engineering expertise, Q-KON has repeatedly delivered innovative wireless and satellite solutions to meet the demanding business and user needs of the emerging African markets.
For the last 20 years, Q-KON has followed successful strategies to establish advanced technologies in challenging environments to unlock real business benefits for all. Effectively integrating its commanding capability in wireless and satellite technologies with an intuitive understanding, appreciation and respect of the African market, Q-KON management has conquered many business impossibilities.
Since its inception, Q-KON has distinguished itself in providing solutions and services supported by long-term relationships and continued value-add. Today Q-KON can proudly look back at 20 years of engineering achievements throughout Africa, underwritten by sound business practices and long-term ethical relationships.
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