Electronic Communications Act, 2005 (Act No. 36 of 2005)

Notices

National Broadband Policy

2. Broadband Policy Objective
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The objective of this policy is:

 

To facilitate the provisioning of affordable, accessible, universal access to Broadband infrastructure to citizens, business, communities and the three spheres of Government, and to stimulate the usage of Broadband services in order to promote economic development and growth and act as an enabler for further social benefits.

 

As part of the objective to facilitate the provisioning of affordable, accessible, universal access to Broadband infrastructure, focus is also placed on the building of the information society, increasing affordability and the increase of uptake and usage of Broadband services.

 

2.1Building the information society

 

2.1.1In 2007 Government undertook a policy decision to take the lead in the formation of a "people-centred, inclusive and development-oriented information society, where everyone can create, access, utilise and share information and knowledge, enabling individuals, communities and people to realise their full potential in promoting sustainable development and improving the quality of their life". This has informed the country's vision 'To establish South Africa as an advanced information society in which information and ICT tools are key drivers of economic and societal development."

 

2.1.2This vision can only be attained if the country has reliable. robust and secure infrastructure that is available. accessible and affordable to all. Experience across the world has shown that well-developed information and communication network infrastructure as well as applications. adapted to national and local conditions, that is easily accessible and affordable. can accelerate the social and economic progress of a country, as well as the well-being of individuals and communities.

 

2.2Increasing affordability

 

2.2.1It is evident in the South African market that the provision of Broadband services in certain areas is prohibitively costly. The Government will intervene to expand networks into these marginal areas as contemplated under Chapter 14 of the Electronic Communications Act, 36 of 2005. Various options for the construction, operation and maintenance of networks in under-serviced areas will be developed by SAASA (Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa) and implemented in co-operation with other stakeholders in their locations. This will ensure that access to Broadband services becomes affordable and available for citizens, businesses, civil society and government.

 

2.3Increasing uptake and usage

 

2.3.1The development of content to increase the uptake and usage of Broadband is especially important in the areas of education, health and e-government.

 

2.3.2ICTs have to be incorporated as a developmental tool in order to effectively increase uptake and usage, especially at household level. To achieve a knowledge based economy households and businesses should continuously be exposed to the use and benefits of ICTs and particularly Broadband services.

 

2.3.3To increase uptake and usage government needs to develop its own local content across all South African languages to ensure that government services are available to citizens electronically. This content will be used by citizens to access and interact with Government and will further stimulate the demand for Broadband services.

 

2.3.4Digital literacy is critical for the increase of uptake and usage of Broadband services. It is acknowledged that there are other initiatives that focus on improving digital literacy.