SA broadband still lags behind
Broadband internet penetration growth rates in SA continue to be far lower than countries such as Brazil, China and the Republic of Korea.
Speaking at the launch of the South Africa e-readiness report – also known as the e-Barometer, deputy Communications minister, Obed Bapela, noted that government had failed to reach desired ICT penetration goals in rural and remote areas.
The report gives an indication of where the country is in terms of ICT penetration. As an instrument it was developed domestically for measuring at least nine sectors, including health and agriculture, in the future
Millions for set-top-box subsidies
As the deadline for digital migration looms and with the country’s next broadcasting standard already chosen – the Department of Communications (DOC) will put aside R690 million for subsidising the Set-Top-Boxes (STB) for poor households.
Last year, Communications minister, Roy Padayachie announced that SA will adopt the European DVB-T2 broadcasting standard as it migrates from analogue to digital broadcasting, along with 12 more members of the SADC region.
The DOC expects to create over 2000 jobs through the manufacturing of set-top boxes, as the country completes the digital migration process. A review of USAASA’s strategic direction in the provision of universal access and service will also be undertaken. The main role of the agency is to promote universal service and access to communications technologies and services for all South Africans.
Full statement: DOC roundtable with ICT leaders
It is my pleasure to welcome you to this august event to establish the foundation for a future partnership between the Department of Communications and the ICT industry as a whole. I wish to express our sincere appreciation of your kind response in honouring my invitation to this Round-Table discussion. Our decision to convene the [...]
Budget 2011: R220m for STB subsidies
The Department of Communications (DOC) will spend another R220 million on subsidies for Set-Top-Boxes (STBs) as it part of its plans to ensure digital broadcasting is accessed by all households. The DOC revealed in its Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) that an additional R220 million has been allocated to subsidise poor households to purchase set [...]
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