Access and usage of broadband in fast-tracking service delivery to under-serviced communities
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Date
2014-06-12
Authors
Mshiywa, Mcoseleli Nicholas
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Abstract
The current broadband and information society policy and regulatory
environment is not effective in promoting broadband utilisation to improve
social and economic conditions in under-serviced areas, because underserviced
communities are unable to utilise technology effectively to access
government and other services.
The purpose of this exploration was to investigate how broadband has been
implemented in under-serviced areas to provide services like e-education, ehealth
and for local economic development. The case study method - a
qualitative research approach - was used to understand the current problem
which is real and practical.
Broadband can enhance service delivery in education and health in underserviced
communities, improve quality of service, reduce costs, ensure
flexibility, improve standards in education and health, and improve the local
economy. It is possible to replicate broadband projects across underserviced
areas in South Africa cost-effectively. Although this is the case,
broadband and information society policies are not fully implemented, are
still in formulation stage and have gaps, despite acknowledgement of their
importance by government, and this affects the delivery of e-services.
The broadband and information society policies and strategies must focus
on under-serviced area and must be clear on how broadband will be
implemented for development. A broadband Implementation structure -
supported by an oversight committee composed of senior stakeholders from
CSIR, Department of Science, ICASA, tertiary institutions, and business
community in the telecommunications space - must be established or
strengthened within the DOC to oversee the implementation of the
information society.