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SA lacks a clear plan on how broadband affordability will be achieved, as the country's broadband policy and regulatory framework does not mention the single most important factor in lowering the cost of broadband.
This is according to Kathleen Rice, an attorney from Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, speaking during the ITWeb Broadband Conference, at The Forum, in Bryanston.
She said the overarching objective of SA's broadband policy, as promulgated on 13 July 2010, is to “facilitate the provisioning of affordable, accessible universal access to broadband infrastructure to citizens, business and the three spheres of government, as well as to stimulate the usage of broadband services in order to promote economic development and growth”.
Rice noted that in order for SA to be able to roll out broadband for all, the regulatory framework should not take the lowering of cost for granted, as it is one of the reasons keeping broadband penetration as low as 3%.
She said besides creating universal access and affordability for broadband, the policy framework also stipulates that government should intervene in creating an environment for broadband growth in areas that are not economically viable.
“Broadband affordability and accessibility has the advantages of economic development and growth, especially for SMEs and cooperatives; increased employment; reduced costs of communications; improving marketability; while also encouraging investment,” said Rice.
