Riyaz Patel
CEO’s from the telecommunications industry have committed to partner with government to roll out fibre in rural communities and connect marginalised communities to the internet grid.
Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams and sector CEOs signed the Industry Stakeholder Principles of Excellence in Sandton Tuesday.
“We envisage that sector collaboration will significantly reduce the time to deploy broadband infrastructure and services while minimising duplication of infrastructure,” said the minister.
Fibre forms one of the key pillars which will establish the next generation of connectivity and is a critical enabler for the 4IR.
“This industry has the potential to aid in the economic growth, dynamism and ingenuity Africa needs. A key part of the solution is staring us right in the face—unleashing the economic power of the digital world.”
Andile Ngcaba, President of the FTTX Council Africa, said they were looking forward to working with government in rolling out fibre to rural communities
“Today we know that fibre is potentially the most critical component of all telecommunications infrastructure. We have come to realise that without fibre we will not enter the 5G race,” said Ndabeni-Abrahams.
Technology is fast reshaping the world and it has the potential to change everything, people, business, community and the nation, she added.
“This is an important task and as industry we must find ways of making this happen and this includes our capacity to work together to identify opportunities in the transition we must make.”
She said government’s role is that of an enabler from a policy, legislative and regulatory perspective. “With these instruments we seek to coordinate and facilitate an inclusive growth that benefits all the masses of our people.”
The 4IR heralds significant social, political, cultural, and economic upheavals that are occurring at an unprecedented pace, she said.
“As leaders in the industry, we have the unique opportunity and responsibility to give it structure and purpose.”
Ndabeni-Abrahams said connecting municipalities to the internet remains a priority for government.
Earlier this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa established the Presidential Commission on the 4IR, which is mandated to advise government on 4IR policies, and to develop a framework for implementation of a multi-sectoral 4IR strategy.
