INTERNET PROVISION
Releasing more spectrum to mobile networks part of broadband solution
Affordability a primary barrier to access with about half the population excluded from global information society
SA is at a crossroads on how to make the broadband market more competitive and ultimately affordable for all South Africans. Broadband affordability rather than availability is a primary barrier to such access. After all, companies such as Vodacom lay claim to 99% 3G population coverage and 75% LTE population coverage, yet about half the population are still not part of the global information society. If affordability is the problem, and campaigns such as #SocialMediaBlackout are not the solution, what can be done to reduce data cost? Four steps will make a large and immediate difference: releasing more spectrum to mobile networks, regulating aspects of wholesale mobile network access and pricing, actively promoting Wi-Fi services in public spaces, and lowering the device-entry barrier. Regarding the release of more spectrum, the only alternative to spectrum for increasing data capacity is to build more sites, which is costly. Lowering costs creates conditions for lowering prices. T...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.