The article discusses the misconceptions surrounding South Africa’s “digital divide,” attributing the issue primarily to high service pricing rather than inadequate infrastructure. While major telecommunications operators portray themselves as the solution, it is smaller service providers and government initiatives that are making significant progress in expanding connectivity in underserved communities. The narrative perpetuated by MNOs is debunked by real-world efforts to bridge the digital divide.
The concept of the “digital divide” in South Africa has generated considerable discussion. However, it is essential to understand that the major telecommunications companies (MNOs) have played a significant role in shaping this narrative. The real issue affecting connectivity is not the lack of infrastructure but the exorbitant pricing models employed by these operators, which disproportionately affects the underprivileged population.
According to data from Icasa, South Africa achieves 100% 2G coverage and nearly complete 3G and LTE/4G coverage. This demonstrates that physical infrastructure is not the problem; instead, it is the high costs of services that create barriers for those in need of affordable internet access.
After the Competition Tribunal blocked the Vodacom-Maziv merger, Vodacom’s CEO, Shameel Joosub, criticized the decision as detrimental to South Africa’s connectivity efforts. They claimed that this setback would primarily impact the poorer segments of the population by exacerbating the digital divide. However, developments on the ground indicate that many smaller providers continue to thrive in expanding network access nationwide.
There are numerous examples demonstrating that connectivity efforts are indeed being made. The government’s broadband access fund supports small providers in reaching underserved communities, aiming to connect over a million households at low data package prices. Meanwhile, established wireless Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have been actively working to extend their coverage to these areas.
Firms like Fibertime have been successful in connecting numerous homes in townships, while Ilitha aims to connect 500,000 homes with wireless and fibre services. Additionally, Frogfoot Networks is providing essential fibre backhaul services to smaller WISPs and entrepreneurs, enabling connections in less accessible regions.
Many small companies are also contributing significantly to bridging the digital divide by providing services in underserved areas. This demonstrates that Vodacom’s claims of being the primary solution provider are largely exaggerated, as these smaller entities are crucially supporting connectivity efforts and challenging the dinosaurs of the industry.
Communications Minister Solly Malatsi is advocating for digital inclusion through price reductions on smartphones, arguing that modern devices should be considered necessities rather than luxuries. Plans are underway to eliminate ad valorem taxes on mobile devices to further this objective. However, substantial changes in pricing strategies from major operators remain unlikely, indicating that smaller companies may continue to fill this gap.
Furthermore, recent endeavors like Starlink’s “Space to Device” may not provide practical solutions in urban areas where cellular service is available, which underlines the need to focus on real, actionable solutions rather than distractions from corporate giants. Larger operators’ association efforts, like the Association of Comms and Technology, risk deepening the divide further, detracting from the contributions of local companies.
It is imperative to recognize the efforts of smaller firms and government initiatives in helping connect the unconnected. As the narrative suggesting only major operators can resolve these issues is a facade, the time has come to support the determined individuals and organizations working to diminish the digital divide in South Africa.
In summary, the real challenge of the digital divide in South Africa stems not from a lack of infrastructure but rather from the prohibitive pricing of services imposed by major telecommunications operators. As smaller providers and government initiatives continue to make significant strides toward improving connectivity, it is essential to acknowledge their contributions and support their efforts. By doing so, we can shift the focus away from the misleading narratives presented by the MNOs and work towards true digital inclusion for all South Africans.
Original Source: techcentral.co.za
