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Cape Town - The department of economic development and tourism (Dedat) will this weekend open the call for proposals for the Free Wi-Fi project.
This forms part of the Western Cape Broadband Initiative.
Western Cape Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Alan Winde said three communities would be selected in the pilot phase of the Free Wi-Fi project.
This initiative will be run by Dedat, through grant funding to non-profit organisations (NPOs).
Dedat will install the infrastructure, while the project will be managed by the organisations.
Three Wi-Fi zones will be selected in the pilot phase, with each zone receiving R1m.
Winde explained that the project marked the start of rolling out affordable internet access across the province.
“The free Wi-Fi project will assist us in developing the most effective way of delivering interest access to residents. The aim of this pilot is to pioneer a model we can replicate across the province," said Winde.
"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 added that there was a direct connection between economic growth and internet connections.
“The World Bank estimates that every 10% increase in high-speed internet connections in developing countries results in a 1.3% increase in economic growth. Access to internet is a key tool in job creation,” he said.
The department of economic development and tourism will advertise the call for proposals, which will detail the application process, in several weekend newspapers.
“We will announce the successful NPO’s in January next year and will start implementation immediately,” said Winde.
Applications must be submitted by 12:00 on December 6 on the prescribed form, accompanied by the required supporting documentation.
More information is available from Audrey.Groepies@westerncape.gov.za.
This forms part of the Western Cape Broadband Initiative.
Western Cape Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Alan Winde said three communities would be selected in the pilot phase of the Free Wi-Fi project.
This initiative will be run by Dedat, through grant funding to non-profit organisations (NPOs).
Dedat will install the infrastructure, while the project will be managed by the organisations.
Three Wi-Fi zones will be selected in the pilot phase, with each zone receiving R1m.
Winde explained that the project marked the start of rolling out affordable internet access across the province.
“The free Wi-Fi project will assist us in developing the most effective way of delivering interest access to residents. The aim of this pilot is to pioneer a model we can replicate across the province," said Winde.
"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 added that there was a direct connection between economic growth and internet connections.
“The World Bank estimates that every 10% increase in high-speed internet connections in developing countries results in a 1.3% increase in economic growth. Access to internet is a key tool in job creation,” he said.
The department of economic development and tourism will advertise the call for proposals, which will detail the application process, in several weekend newspapers.
“We will announce the successful NPO’s in January next year and will start implementation immediately,” said Winde.
Applications must be submitted by 12:00 on December 6 on the prescribed form, accompanied by the required supporting documentation.
More information is available from Audrey.Groepies@westerncape.gov.za.
