SA’s mobile services amongst the most expensive in the world

While most users are familiar with these common domains, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers has been adding hundreds of new domains to increase choice.

While most users are familiar with these common domains, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers has been adding hundreds of new domains to increase choice.

Published Feb 5, 2016

Share

Dominic Adriaanse

Results of research into the internet use of Western Cape residents were presented by Economic Opportunities MEC Alan Winde last night.

His department had commissioned the research conducted by Research Information Communication Technologies Africa (Ricta), in partnership with UWC and UCT.

The provincial government is investing more than R2 billion to connect residents to broadband internet and the research was a critical in gathering information for the success of the project, he said.

“The research, surveying thousands of households, shed light on the levels of digital adoption, how much residents spend on internet and mobile services, how they’re accessing the internet and for what they are using the Web.”

Winde said 2 271 households and 3 955 individuals took part in the survey, and 200 formal businesses and 150 informal ones did too.

Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha and Saldanha Bay were focus areas during the research.

“We placed special attention on getting to grips with three of our most vibrant, yet previously underserved areas, so that we are able to see how access to broadband is changing lives and business opportunities for those residents.” Winde said.

The development of broadband infrastructure was key, but success of the programme depended on factors such as the readiness of citizens and business to optimise the social and economic benefits of using the internet.

“With 6 million people, the importance of broadband to the economic growth and job creation in the Cape Metropolitan area is key.”

The research indicated mobile services in South Africa were among the most expensive in the world. Local users spend about 24.7 percent of their income on mobile services, including data and voice, he said.

“In the Western Cape, the average is 20.1 percent. According to the International Telecommunication Union, anything above 5 percent is not affordable. This is why we have selected bringing broadband to residents as one of our game-changers,” said Winde.

He added that significant steps had been taken to have internet connections at schools, municipalities and government facilities.

[email protected]

Related Topics: