Telkom views itself as a key conduit which could realise SA's broadband plan initiatives outlined by the communications department, should it be called upon to do so. This is according to Telkom executives Sipho Maseko (CEO), Brian Armstrong (COO) and Alphonzo Samuels (CTO) who were speaking at a media dinner yesterday.
Maseko said the company is one of the strongest candidates to support government's aims aims of ensuring it enables digital readiness and takes advantages of digital opportunities.
He noted how it demonstrated its capabilities in connecting 1 650 schools in a partnership with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) that was launched in March.
The 2010 Fifa World Cup legacy project was initiated using a surplus amount of R374 million from the soccer tournament - a sum allocated towards connecting schools.
Maseko noted that Telkom would recommend government focuses on connecting its own entities, before pushing for citizens to follow suit. "After schools, we would look to connect hospitals, police stations and before you know you will have citizens following on and getting connected in order to have efficient e-governance," he said.
"Government must be online first and then citizens can do so as well. SARS is a good example of this model," he added in reference to how citizens opt for the e-filing tax return service.
Armstrong noted that the company will look to play a further role as more public schools are connected as part of government's push towards e-learning.
Since the adoption of SA Connect in December, the DOC had connected 788 schools to fast Internet through cyberlabs. In total, 8 491 of the country's 25 826 government schools have been connected through various initiatives by government and the private sector.
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