In order to enhance internet penetration and technology adoption in South Africa, the government is offering every household, 10GB of free data every month. Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, announced this plan. On the 15th of February, during her state of the nation debate, the Minister ascertained that technology advancements such as 5G and the scheduled auction of the new data spectrum would result in the provision of the ‘prescribed minimum data’ to the home by the government.
This further demonstrates the government’s position, as stated by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his state of the nation address. Previously, the government considered low-income users for free basic data. The country has one of the highest costs per gigabyte of data in Africa and about 57 percent internet penetration. There is a general feeling for making internet access highly accessible.
Techpression has previously reported harmonising the broadband connection rules nationally and the continuation of spectrum auction. This announcement further provides the required input for technology advancement in the country. South Africa needs a rapid uptake of the 5G technology considering the dismal 0.7 per cent penetration despite having about 91 per cent of smartphone usage as of 2020. The increased penetration will stimulate the realization that internet access should be a human right.
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Furthermore, the year 2023.24 has been set by the plan to make high-speed broadband accessible and available in every community. This move will further enhance the penetration of fixed wireless broadband, which remains abysmal in the country. According to ITU, the country is struggling with fixed broadband penetration at 2.2 per 100 inhabitants in 2020. Countries like Mauritius, Tunisia, and Egypt outperform South Africa in broadband for homes. With the 10GB allocation to households, internet availability will penetrate the entire country and stimulate technological growth in the country.
Despite this announcement, the modalities and implementation manner have yet to be released. Some industry watchers have suggested the implementation to be like the stipends given on electricity and water as part of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure’s (DPWI) national infrastructural plan.
Despite the vagueness of the implementation, this move is impressive and will further strengthen the technology investment and adoption in South Africa compared to other African countries. Countries like Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana, Egypt, Nigeria, and Cameroon can emulate this move to enhance their internet penetration.