Greater connectivity welcomed
2008-02-11 14:02
Johannesburg - The Universal Service and Access Agency (USAASA) sees President Thabo Mbeki's announcement on information communication technologies (ICT) as a commitment to accelerate access to ICTs for all South Africans.
"We firmly believe that the licencing of Infraco by Icasa (Independent Communications Authority of SA) this year will indeed make business unusual in the ICT sector and will ensure that as the country we move closer to attain affordable broadband costs, digital inclusion and information society we are striving for," said James Theledi, chief executive officer of USAASA, in a statement on Monday.
The agency would be submitting its recommendations to Icasa on what universal service and access obligations should be attached to the Infraco licence to ensure universal service and access in rural areas.
It was hoped that Sentech would play a critical role in the provision of wireless connectivity.
"We are looking forward to working with Sentech in making sure that access centres in the rural areas have access to high-speed internet, at affordable prices."
According to a study published by technology researchers World Wide Worx in July 2007, only eight percent of the population would have access to the internet by the end of 2007.
- SAPA