Providing connectivity to impoverished rural communities is a key priority for the Department of Communications (DOC), because it says communications is a human right and facilitates development.
Speaking at a media briefing yesterday, minister Dina Pule said the department has identified 161 priority areas across the country, and its aim is to bridge the rural/urban divide by 2020.
“We intend to establish 400 access centres, including community post offices and outlets, for rural people to access communication services.”
The minister said this is in line with the department's vision: “SA as a global leader in the development and use of ICTs for socio-economic development and the betterment of people's lives.”
Broadband jobs
Pule reiterated the department's commitment, together with the ICT industry, to deliver 100% broadband penetration by 2020. “Taking note that the Broadband Policy was adopted by Cabinet in 2010, we are in the process of completing a broadband mapping study to identify the existing broadband infrastructure and services gaps.”
The minister said establishing the broadband infrastructure requires significant investment, but the creation of this infrastructure will increase economic activity and thus create jobs. “Broadband alone should deliver 160 000 jobs by 2020.”
The department is hopeful that the Independent Communications Authority of SA will finalise the processes for awarding high demand broadband spectrum, and is finalising the Broadband Strategy, which will be released for public comments.
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