Western Cape Minister of Economic Opportunities Alan Winde last week officially launched free wireless Internet in Eden, George.
This initiative, which connected 20 000 residents to affordable Internet, is a pilot project forming a part of the Western Cape government’s R1.3-billion broadband plan.
“Residents will have access to 150 MB [of free data] per device, per day. I hope residents and business will be able to use this to further their education, digital literacy and to promote local tourism,” Winde said.
He stated that the high cost of data had prevented many residents from accessing the Internet, pointing out that it cost between R15 and R25 an hour to browse at an Internet café, while, on a cellphone, data costs between 60c/MB and R2/MB.
“The free WiFi project is assisting us in developing the most effective way of delivering Internet access to residents. The aim of this pilot is to pioneer a model we can replicate across the province. We are taking services to the areas that need them most. It’s these targeted interventions that make a real difference in people’s lives,” Winde said.
The second phase of the Eden pilot project, which is set to go live next month, will connect residents in areas such as the George central business district (CBD) taxi rank, the Sedgefield CBD, Wilderness Beach and the Rosemore Community Hall.
In addition to the 150 MB free data a day, residents will also have unlimited browsing of selected Western Cape government sites and online employment and education platforms such as Wikipedia, Career Junction and certain maths and science websites.
Similar pilot projects would be launched in Atlantis, Robertson and Delft later this week, the Western Cape government noted.