By ADSL South Africa (Broadband South Africa), 24 September 2007

Government research indicates that a ‘…third of all local municipalities in SA have plans in place to implement their own wireless broadband networks within the next year’ (Municipal broadband uptake grows, Staff Writer, ITWEB).

‘This emerged from recent government research conducted by ForgeAhead, which found local municipalities are showing a stronger uptake of broadband services than ever before’ (Municipal broadband uptake grows, Staff Writer, ITWEB).

In other words, an increasing number of municipalities are grasping the importance of broadband services.

According to Adrian Schofield, Head of Consulting at ForgeAhead, ‘…the research indicated two-thirds of municipalities rely on ADSL or ISDN for connectivity, but 32% of all local councils are looking to move to wireless technologies, with 33% already doing so’ (Municipal broadband uptake grows, Staff Writer, ITWEB).

In other words, while many municipalities are relying on ADSL broadband and ISDN, it’s clear that local councils are starting to consider moving to wireless broadband alternatives.

What about broadband uptake in metropolitan areas?

Broadband uptake in these areas is at more advance stages.

‘…metropolitan areas are further along with their broadband uptake. Schofield says all of the major metros have plans in place, and in some cases have already begun implementing plans, to build their own private broadband networks utilising fibre optic and wireless technologies’ (Municipal broadband uptake grows, Staff Writer, ITWEB).

In other words, all metros have broadband plans in place.

Why are metros keen to become connected?

Economic growth.

According to Schofield ‘…there are two objectives for metros to become connected, the first being better connectivity between its own sites. The second is to achieve greater connectivity for businesses and residents, “thereby increasing the level of economic activity”’ (Municipal broadband uptake grows, Staff Writer, ITWEB).

In other words, they are keen to become connected because it increases the level of economic activity.

Schofield concluded: “It’s clear that local governments have a strong interest in utilising the mechanisms that exist in South African legislation, that allow them to self provision broadband networks. If those networks in turn end up benefiting that local government’s citizens, all the better” (Municipal broadband uptake grows, Staff Writer, ITWEB).

ADSL South Africa (Broadband South Africa) welcomes the increasing uptake of broadband services by municipalities. It will certainly help to increase the level of economic activity while opening up a new world to many citizens.