DOC to review ICT policies
The Department of Communications (DOC) is set to host a national ICT policy colloquium later this month to review all government ICT policies that have been in existence since 1994.
According to the department, the colloquium will also be a platform for all role players to collectively develop policies and will focus on broadcasting, telecommunications, postal services, local digital content, ICT investment and
convergence based ICT solutions and services.
“This forum will enable us to converse about how we can develop ICT policies that will benefit South Africa for the next 20 years. The recommendations and decisions that will come out of this colloquium will form a key component into the policy and development process for an integrated national ICT policy,” explained Communications minister, Dina Pule.
Private partnerships key for SKA success
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) says it is gearing up for strategic partnerships with private sector companies on developing scientific human capacity.
With a decision on the location for the billion rand Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project expected soon, the department noted that ICT infrastructure would be prioritised through the project.
“In this regard, engagements with ICT multinationals are expected to continue to grow in line with the implementation of the ICT roadmap. There is also keen interest in the development of next-generation technologies for the SKA and other radio astronomy initiatives,” said Science and Technology minister, Naledi Pandor.
She added that several agreements had been concluded with multinational companies such as Microsoft, Nokia and SAP.
10111 flooded by prank calls
Western Cape police have launched a campaign to warn the public against making prank calls to the 10 111 call centre. According to the Western Cape police, two thirds of the calls to the call centre are nuisance calls which clog the emergency hotline. Riaan Pool, call centre chief, said that 10 operators are on duty [...]
Telkom upgrades broadband network
Telkom has revealed plans to roll-out 3700 Multi-Service Access Nodes (MSANs), as it works towards creating an all-IP network designed to enable fixed-mobile convergence and high-speed broadband.
The plans to revamp its network were announced in Pretoria this morning, as the operators’ engineers installed the first MSAN in Waterkloof Ridge.
To date, Telkom has deployed 2700 fibre access nodes. These will be replaced with MSANs as it aims to increase its Fibre To The Curb (FTTC) rollout to 3700 points of presence across the country.
ISPA members compliance grows
The Internet Service Providers` Association (ISPA) says it recently reported to the Department of Communications (DOC) that most of its members achieved full compliance with the ISPA Code of Conduct in 2011. Marc Furman, co-chair of ISPA says the organisation has made great progress in complying with the department. “As an industry representative body recognised [...]
Set-top-box subsidies for 5 million homes
Cabinet has approved plans to provide poor households with access to set-top-boxes, as the country migrates from analogue to digital broadcasting.
About five million households that are deemed to be poor, will benefit from the subsidies. In addition, the full subsidisation for households with television sets in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project area of the Northern Cape was also approved.
“Cabinet has approved the Ownership Support Rollout Framework for Set-Top-Boxes (STB’s) to poor households that own television sets and the full subsidisation of outdoor and indoor antennae and the installation costs associated with rolling out digital signals,” said Cabinet spokesperson, Jimmy Manyi.
Joburg prioritises billing issues
The City of Johannesburg says billing problems and customer services would be prioritised, as it tried to regain the trust and confidence of its residents. Speaking at his first state of the city address, mayor, Parks Tau, addressed the city’s troublesome billing system. “We acknowledge the billing and customer services remain source of frustration for [...]
Home Affairs steps up security
In an effort to combat fraud and corruption, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has installed integrated electronic security systems in 47 of its offices to monitor staff. Responding to questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Home Affairs deputy minister, Fatima Chohan emphasised the department’s commitment to dealing with fraud and corruption. “Having [...]
R15m for Gauteng smart city
The Gauteng government will spend R15 million on its smart city initiative over the financial year.
Speaking during his budget speech this morning, Finance MEC, Mandla Nkomfe, noted the ICT project would help boost growth in the province and drive entrepreneurship.
“The knowledge based economy is vital for driving the competitiveness and growth in the province. In support of these developments, R15 million will be invested in infrastructure which supports Smart City innovations during the 2012/13 financial year,” Nkomfe said.
Set-top boxes to create over 23 000 jobs
The Set-Top Box industry is expected to create 23 500 direct and indirect jobs, says government.
Speaking during a briefing by the Infrastructure Development cluster, Transport minister, Sibusiso Ndebele, noted the jobs would be created through manufacturing of the STBs and antennae, installation and through repair and maintenance.
Government recently finalised the Set-Top-Box Manufacturing Sector Development strategy – which sets out how interventions aimed at supporting the manufacturing industry.
