ICT infrastructure set for major boost in South Africa

9 March 2011

South Africa's ICT infrastructure is set for a boost as six cities in the nation are to get access to a 1Gbps capable fibre optic broadband network.

The plan by i3Africa to radically improve the country's internet landscape has the backing of the National Empowerment Fund.

It is hoping to connect 2.5 million homes in the next four-to-five years, with the cost of the project estimated to be up to six billion South African Rand (£537 million).

According to Tech Central, i3Africa will only supply the infrastructure, with third-party service providers being entrusted with selling products to people.

Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein and Pretoria are the locations that are set to benefit.

The organisation added that Durban will be used as the test city, with homes and businesses in the suburb of Somerset Park the area that will receive the technology first.

A number of energy projects were recently unveiled by South Africa during African Utility Week.
 

Category: ICT