Minister of communications Dina Pule has invited all South Africans to contribute to the development of the National Broadband Policy (NBP) as the country targets 100 per cent broadband coverage by 2020.
HumanIPO reported earlier this week the Department of Communications (DoC) was asking stakeholders to submit comments on the proposed policy, having published the “Consultation on the proposed National Broadband Policy for South Africa” in the Government Gazette.
The aims of the policy, according to the department, include to “ensure universal service and access to reliable, affordable and secure broadband services to all citizens”, “building an informed society” and reducing the cost of broadband services.
Pule has urged the public to engage in the process, with comments from the public to be considered as part of finalising the policy document.
“The government has realised that fighting the social challenges the country faces can be most effectively addressed through progressive partnerships with society, labour and business, especially the Small and Medium-size Enterprises,” she said.
“As a Department, we have a positive track record of engaging all stakeholders while we do not abdicate our responsibility of leading the sector.”
Pule said government would be a “key user” of broadband as it sought to improve service delivery through e-government.
“In the end, this policy must help the country to increase its productivity and place South Africa at the cutting edge of technological advancement, as forecast by the NDP,” she said.
