Fixed wireless broadband provider WIRUlink will be increasing its wireless internet coverage to include various outlying regions across South Africa, with its latest deployments including Heidelberg and Nigel.
This move will see the wireless broadband provider expanding its highly reliable and leading wireless internet offering to consumers in Heidelberg and Nigel, as of 1 February 2018 – through the development of various wireless towers and core network infrastructure.
“There is no denying that the digital divide remains a reality in South Africa. In fact, reports* indicate that it is more noticeable between major metros and non-metro areas, and between different cities and provinces. Such findings indicate the need for service providers to help improve access to affordable connectivity, even in semi-remote or remote areas,” says Riaan Maree, chief technical officer at WIRUlink.
Up until recently, WIRUlink’s wireless internet offering has largely serviced the needs of consumers in and around urban areas. However, this move will provide consumers in Heidelberg, Nigel and additional surrounding areas, with access to high speed, affordable internet, thereby contributing to government’s objectives to provide internet access to all households by 2030.
Maree adds: “Internet access and connectivity has, for a long time, been a contentious topic in South Africa, largely driven by discussions around affordability. As such, the onus is on us, as service providers, to lead the way and use our expertise to make access to high quality connectivity a priority, even in smaller and underdeveloped regions — a key reason behind our decision to include outlying regions into our expansion strategy.”
In addition to the expansion into Heidelberg and Nigel, WIRUlink has also earmarked other smaller towns as part of this strategy, which will be rolled out during the first half of 2018.
“We are excited about our move into these regions, as they present an opportunity to bridge the connectivity gap by ensuring that households, irrespective of location, can benefit from fast, reliable and affordable internet access,” concludes Maree.