President Cyril Ramaphosa, has announced the auction of the high-demand Mobile telecommunications spectrum in his weekly letter to the people of South Africa.
The president explained that the spectrum auction is one of the priority reforms included in Operation Vulindlela, which entails working with government departments to accelerate the implementation of important reforms to support economic growth. He assured the people that in the next three years, public schools, health facilities, and police stations will be connected.
The Benefits of The Spectrum Auction
One of the Benefits of The Spectrum Auction To South Africa is Economic Transformation
Promising that the spectrum auction will lift the face of the country’s economy, President Ramaphosa said, “Equally, the availability of this spectrum will contribute to economic transformation. It will allow many more people, especially those from remote areas and poor communities, to access digital resources and will improve their ability to participate in economic activity.”
5G Rollout
President Ramaphosa said “The use of this spectrum will also enable the rollout of 5G networks. These 5G networks will accelerate the process towards universal connectivity – where all South Africans are connected – and the deployment of the digital technologies and services that are driving the fourth industrial revolution.
“This is a crucial step to bring South Africa back to the cutting edge of digital technology and ensure that our economy remains competitive.”
Affordable Data
He explained that results from the data services market inquiry carried out by his administration in December 2019 show that, the cost of data in South Africa is significantly higher than in many other African countries hence, the need for intervention projects to make cheap data available to South Africans. He said cheaper data means that young people will have greater access to digital platforms to seek job opportunities online. Students will be able to access information and educational materials, while entrepreneurs will be able to start businesses and reach new markets.
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“Like the mineral of data in South Africa was considerably higher than in many other countries, the president said. “The spectrum release is expected to reduce the cost of mobile data, expand network reach to rural and outlying areas, and improve network quality.
Economic Reforms
He assured the people that the auction of the spectrum will provide a great push for the country’s reform programme.
“It was delayed for many years due to the policy drift, state incapacity, and vested interests that were a feature of the era of state capture. The fact that we have now completed this process reflects the determination of this administration to undertake – and accelerate – the far-reaching reforms that our economy needs to grow and create jobs.”
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He added that “Every South African who uses a mobile device will feel the benefits of this reform, especially the poor and those who currently don’t access the internet due to high costs or a lack of coverage. We are determined that South Africa must not be left behind by the digital economy, just as we are determined that no community and no person should be left behind in experiencing the vast benefits of being digitally connected to the world.”
“This is a crucial step to bring South Africa back to the cutting edge of digital technology and ensure that our economy remains competitive.”