Communications minister Dina Pule this morning implored new leaders in the ICT sector to address the high cost of communications in SA.
Speaking at the SA Communications Forum (SACF) meeting Pule congratulated new CEOs Shameel Joosub of Vodacom, Alan Knott-Craig of Cell C, Puleng Sejanamane of Broadband Infraco and Lulama Mokhobo of the SABC.
"Together I am certain that we can take South Africa to the pinnacle of achievement in the ICT sector. It is vital that we position South Africa as a leading light in ICT on the continent."
Slipping ranks
The minister highlighted the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) report, "Measuring the Information Society 2012", that was released last week.
Two of the rankings are relevant for SA. The first is the ICT Development Index (IDI) which ranks 155 countries' performance with regard to ICT infrastructure and uptake.
SA slipped one position here from 90 to 91.
The ICT Price Basket (IPB) tracks and compares the cost and affordability of ICT services in more than 160 countries globally.
SA ranks 98 on this index.
"Advances in technology have brought new challenges and new opportunities. SA has been slow to respond to these opportunities," said Pule.
Neglecting citizens
She asked the new CEOs to intensify their efforts in expanding the sector since the high costs to communicate exclude those in rural areas.
"It is not right that we are over 18 years since the 1994 elections and the people of SA made long queues then to elect for a better life and they continue to do so and we continue to neglect them. It cannot be right.
"It is our responsibility as government but it is also a responsibility that lies on your [industry] shoulders. We must begin to eliminate these lines separating us."
The minister also said SA is the fourth cheapest country in Africa for the provision of ICT services. "Why are we fourth? It's a challenge I'm putting forward to the industry."
2020 goal
"While the markets and conditions are different it is unfortunate that in Africa, Internet connectivity prices were almost seven times higher than in the Americas, and 20 times higher than Europe in 2011," said Pule.
She conceded that there is still a long way to go towards making affordable Internet access a reality for all South Africans.
Pule added that government's Broadband Strategy and Implementation Plan has been finalised.
"We would like to set aside a day to discuss this with the industry and would like this to happen before the end of the year. We remain steadfast in achieving our target of 100% broadband penetration by 2020."
The minister emphasised the words of the National Development Plan, which say that by 2030, ICTs will underpin the development of a dynamic information society and knowledge economy that is more inclusive and prosperous.
"A seamless information infrastructure will meet the needs of citizens, business and the public sector, providing access to the wide range of services required for effective economic and social participation - at a cost and quality at least equal to SA's competitors."
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