Electronic Communications Act, 2005 (Act No. 36 of 2005)NoticesNational Broadband Policy4. Key Priority Areas |
| 4.1) | Access |
Ensuring access to Broadband services is the first of the three essential key priority areas considered in this policy. These areas are critical components for the realization of the potential benefits, as listed in section 3 of this policy, of increased Broadband penetration in South Africa. This key priority area is specifically concerned with the provision of infrastructure towards achieving the goal of universal access.
| 4.1.1) | Universal access to broadband |
| 4.1.1.1) | It is the intention of the policy to ensure that people in South Africa have universal access to Broadband services. Success will be measured based on the targets set in section 5.2.2 of this document, specifically referring to individuals. |
| 4.1.1.2) | To achieve universal access to Broadband networks there are three components that should be addressed: access to international networks, national backbone networks and local networks. All three these components are required to facilitate universal access. While the policy does not specifically distinguish between the three, they will be considered individually during the implementation phase. Depending on the challenges experienced with regards to achieving universal access to Broadband, government will through policies intervene in any of the three components mentioned above to address the universal access to Broadband. |
| 4.1.2) | Access for needy persons |
| 4.1.2.1) | Access to Broadband networks can create many opportunities for social development and access to job-opportunities for needy persons. Citizens using Broadband services can communicate and work from anywhere, providing means to needy persons to contribute their skills and time towards achieving their own goals and thereby benefiting from social upliftment and economic growth. Needy persons will be assisted to access Broadband services through appropriate means, such as the provision of subsidies from the Universal Service and Access Fund (USAF), as contemplated in section 88 the Electronic Communications Act, 36 of 2005. |
| 4.1.3) | Access for legal personae |
| 4.1.3.1) | All public and private institutions, as well as civil society, must have access to Broadband services. This will ensure demand stimulation and uptake of ICTs by Government departments especially in education and health. Content from departments will be used for both information purposes as well as e-government service delivery to citizens. This will ensure that education and health facilities have access to Broadband. |
| 4.1.4) | Spectrum for broadband |
| 4.1.4.1) | This Policy recognises that the radio frequency spectrum is a scarce national resource and that the allocation shall be guided by the developmental objectives in the public interest. |
| 4.2) | Affordability |
Increasing competition, in both electronic communications network services (ECNS) infrastructure and electronic communications services (ECS), will improve the affordability of Broadband to government, business and citizens.
| 4.2.1) | Creating an enabling environment for broadband growth |
| 4.2.1.1) | Government will continue to promote competition in the market as contemplated under the Electronic Communications Act, 36 of 2005. In areas that are not economically viable, government will intervene to increase the availability of infrastructure and services subject to section 5.1 of this document. The different categories of competition are listed below and will apply as relevant to the particular situation in the market. |
| 4.2.2) | Electronic communications network services (ECNS) - infrastructure based competition |
| 4.2.2.1) | ECNS infrastructure based competition exists between operators of ECNS licensees where each compete based on providing its own ECNS infrastructure. |
| 4.2.2.2) | An increase in infrastructure results in improved access and availability of networks, providing choice to the user and facilitating the reduction of the cost to communicate. |
| 4.2.3) | Electronic communications services (ECS) - services based competition |
| 4.2.3.1) | ECS based competition exists between operators of ECS licensees where each compete based on the electronic communications services provided. |
| 4.2.3.2) | More services results in more choice, reducing electronic communications costs for users. |
| 4.2.4) | Physical infrastructure sharing |
| 4.2.4.1) | World trends reveal that the sharing of infrastructure is a powerful mechanism for cost reduction, as this reduces the cost base of the infrastructure. The benefit of following such a model is that citizens gain access to Broadband at lower prices than would have been the case if operators each had to construct their own physical infrastructure. |
| 4.2.4.2) | Physical infrastructure, such as masts, buildings, roads and power supply, constitute a significant portion of the cost of establishing a network. |
| 4.2.4.3) | Physical infrastructure can be shared between different operators, reducing both cost and environmental impact. |
| 4.3) | Usage |
Awareness of the benefits of Broadband services and confidence in the security thereof, is essential to the uptake and usage of Broadband.
| 4.3.1) | Uptake and usage |
| 4.3.1.1) | The three spheres of government must seek to take the lead in increasing the uptake and usage of Broadband and promotion thereof in both urban and rural areas as a key priority. |
| 4.3.1.2) | Government needs to adopt ICTs in its everyday business practices and also develop interactive online capabilities. |
| 4.3.1.3) | This would enable citizens to transact with government electronically and thus enhance service delivery. Government also needs to promote awareness of ICTs and the benefits thereof as well as ensure departments are connected to ensure communication between them. |
| 4.3.1.4) | Relevant content development needs to be promoted in order to support and stimulate uptake and usage for both current and new broadband users. |
| 4.3.1.5) | Digital literacy amongst citizens is vital to the uptake and usage of broadband. |
| 4.3.2) | Security |
| 4.3.2.1) | Increased and continual commitment to improve the security of Broadband users must be made by all three spheres of Government and the private sector. |
| 4.3.2.2) | Government should ensure that the necessary regulatory framework for securing networks and users is developed. |
| 4.3.3) | Awareness |
| 4.3.3.1) | The three spheres of Government should actively and continuously increase public awareness of Broadband in partnership with other stakeholders. Focus should be on the content, applications, communications ability and opportunities that Broadband can offer to all citizens in both urban and rural areas. This will support the uptake and usage of Broadband. |