Why is low costs access to broadband important? Many reasons companies give are misplaced!
At conferences and in company media releases some of the reasons given why low cost access to broadband is important are often misplaced and designed to play in the hands of politicians. Whether the proponents are successful is doubtful, given that broadband access cost in South Africa is still high.
“Bridging the digital divide” is one of the most common arguments put forward. “We need low cost broadband to give the previously disadvantaged community access to the super information highway!”
Most people don’t seem to understand what bridging the digital divide really means. Indeed, inexpensive access to the Internet is part of it, but the most important two elements are
• Computer literacy
• Access to computers
Those shouting how they are going to bring down the cost of broadband as their contribution to bridging of the digital divide should think again and put more effort into facilitating the teaching of computer literacy and providing access to PC’s.
So what are the real reasons why low cost access to broadband is important?
Undoubtedly accelerated financial growth in all sectors of business is at the top of the list. It is an undisputed fact that efficient use of the Internet is a major business driver.
Businesses in South Africa have not taken to the Internet as a major part of their marketing initiative. If one looks at the USA, even the smallest company has its own website and many with online ordering facilities.
In our country many have not arrived at that point. Cost is undoubtedly factor number one closely followed by restrictive practices by ISP’s. Have you ever tried to send a PowerPoint presentation larger than 5 Meg? Most ISP’s still restrict message and mailbox size and charge very high cost for web hosting over 10 Meg.
It is true that not every American has access to broadband, but the way business is conducted certainly makes more people see the light on how the Internet can enhance their lifestyle.
Telkom recently launched an innovative campaign, which they labelled “Do Broadband”, creating the excitement of what the Internet can bring to one’s daily life. It wasn’t long before one of its competitors lodged a complaint with the Advertising Standards Authority.
It is true that Telkom had taken a bit of an artistic licence but why complain and not come up with a better TV ad and join the broadband revolution. We are too quick to criticise and too reluctant to take positive action that will grow markets.
The Telkom campaign certainly makes one consider taking the plunge and entering the broadband world even if it is not that cheap. Whether you like the bundling of various services or not, it offers cost advantages. We see similar actions in the USA, the UK and Australia.
The moral of the story is, don’t cloud the issue. We need inexpensive access to broadband, both locally and internationally if we want to become a globally competitive nation and as far as bridging the digital divide is concerned we all have a moral responsibility to expand the internet horison to all. Do your bit. Donate your last year’s model notebook or PC and offer some time to teach computer literacy at a local school.
Bridging the digital divide is not just about affordable broadband access. It is about bringing a larger section of the community into the main economic stream. It will grow the market and improve the standard of living of many more.
EngineerIT