The Universal Services and Access Agency of South Africa [USAASA] has constructed sites in Msinga and Malahleni in KwaZulu-Natal province allowing locals access to a 3G-enabled wireless network.
Under an initiative launched at the end of last year, USAASA is seeking to provide universal access of broadband services in South Africa, and is targeting 385 rural towns.
Msinga and Malahleni were two of the first chosen due to the “dire need for connectivity”, with 600 iPads and five base stations provided in Msinga and 400 laptops and two base stations in Malahleni.
“When we started these projects, we wanted to develop proof of concept so that we can learn valuable lessons on rural connectivity,” USAASA chairperson Pumla Radebe said.
She said rural development goals will never be met if there is no internet access to all South Africans.
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