Kathy Gibson reports from SATNAC 2014 – Telkom envisages its role in the provision of universal broadband as a “carrier of carriers”, to provide and manage an efficient telecommunications infrastructure throughout South Africa to the benefit of all citizens.
“Transformation can’t just be a glib PR message, says Sipho Maseko, group CEO of Telkom SA. “It is a very powerful concept that brings the promise of much good.
“The world of broadband is changing the way we interact with the world. There is no point in arguing if ubiquitous broadband is necessary or not. Whether it’s about accessing content faster or improving service deliver, faster connectivity brings about a level of transformation that is unsurpassed in history.”
Talk about improving the quality of life of all citizens cannot be divorced from the realities of broadband, Maseko says. “Given the role it can play in the transformation of society it must be central to what we think.”
The National Development Plan (NDP) aims to achieve an inclusive knowledge society, Maseko says, but so far the South African ICT industry has failed to bring universal access to all citizens.
“SA Connect attempts to give expression to the NDP, and speaks to the critical need to reach the critical mass of South Africans.”
In South Africa, Maseko points out that 2% of the geographic area concentrates 50% of the population and as much as 70% of the national income. People outside of these narrow areas are in danger of being left even further behind as the developed economy continues to leap ahead.
SA Connect, the policy that will drive access, is built on four pillars: digital readiness, digital development, building a digital future; and reaching the digital opportunity.
From Telkom’s side, Maseko points out that the company is currently undergoing its own transformation, geared to enabling it to fulfil a broader role in providing universal broadband access.
“Telkom believes in South Africa, in its people and in its potential to achieve great things,” Maseko says. “We want to move South Africa forward, to create a digital nation. We believe Telkom is well placed to achieve demand for broadband, and to provide solutions within urban areas.”
While Telkom and other telecommunications suppliers are developing solutions for urban areas, Maskeo says this is not the only area where efforts should be concentrated.
“All of our efforts are focusing on the 2% of South Africa. The burning question is what about the other 98% – must it be left behind and forgotten?
“We believe there needs to be a solution for the 98%.”
While competition is important, infrastructure-based competition is not affordable. “Currently all industry competes in infrastructure investment in the built-up areas, often with much overlap,” Maseko says. “As a developing country this translates into inefficient use of capital. If we are to achieve wider access to broadband, we need new models of investing in infrastructure.”
He says: “Many in South Africa warn that we are still an unequal society. When one considers the promise of ubiquitous broadband we have to add this to the list of inequalities. Broadband provision is as important as any other transformation.
“The question is not whether we need to deploy broadband, but how.”