departmental projects
20 February 2007
The Minister of Communications, Dr Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri, today briefed the
Portfolio Committee on communications issues the committee had requested to be
briefed on, such as progress towards the achievements of the Department's
strategic objectives and commitments made last year during her Budget Vote
Speech.
On the issue of the New Partnership on Africa's Development (NEPAD)
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) broadband network, which has
two aspects, the terrestrial and submarine cable, the Minister said African
countries are on course to build the network based on NEPAD principles of
African ownership and leadership supporting the continent's economic
integration. Currently 12 out of 23 African countries, including South Africa,
have signed the NEPAD ICT broadband infrastructure protocol. It is expected
that by the middle of this year, the South African parliament should have
ratified the protocol.
She highlighted the significance of Sentech as government's strategic asset
in the provision of access to wireless broadband connectivity essential for
government service delivery, prioritising education and health services. "It is
clear from our perspective as government that Sentech is indeed a strategic
national asset as indicated by the decisions of the last two Cabinet
Makgotla."
She also expressed confidence in the ability of Sentech to deliver on its
mandate particularly on its guarantees to deliver a successful 2010 Soccer
World Cup. The Minister also expressed confidence in the ability of
telecommunications, broadcasting and signal distributor's ability to
successfully deliver on their respective 2010 Soccer World Cup mandates.
The Minister informed the portfolio committee that she was awaiting an
interim report from the Local Loop Unbundling Committee (LLUC) whose task is to
look at the various models with timeframes for the implementation of the local
loop unbundling process and make appropriate recommendations. An interim report
will be given to the Minister by the end of February. The establishment of the
committee constitutes one of the initiatives aimed at lowering the cost to
communicate in the country.
Tackling the issue of the Under Serviced Area Licenses (USALs), the Minister
informed the committee of a need to review and re-think the role of the USALs
especially in light of convergence of services and the role of the Universal
Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA). The Portfolio Committee
announced that it would engage USAASA, Independent Communications Authority of
South Africa (ICASA) and the Department of Communications on the USALs issue in
finding solutions to the challenges.
Highlighting the significance of the postal sector in rolling out services
throughout the country, Minister Matsepe-Casaburri is looking at the role the
Post Office can play in rolling out citizen-centric government services to
"dynamise economically marginalised areas of the country and reduce poverty in
these areas."
For enquiries please contact:
Albi Modise
083 490 2871
Issued by: Ministry of Communications
20 February 2007
