The Broadband Project aims to capitalise on the recent live launch of Seacom undersea fibre optic cable on the north coast.
   
Ilembe District Municipality (IDM) currently holds a private telecommunications network licence, which can be used to provide more affordable telephony and internet access to government institutions and community facilities in the district.

A feasibility study was completed and highlighted the benefits to rural communities in terms of access to telecommunications, access to markets and increased digital capacity.

The objective of the pre-feasibility was based on the objectives as set out in IDM’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP), which aimed at promoting local economic development and expanding broadband to rural communities. This would ultimately reduce the socio-economic gap between the rich and poor in the region. Broadband would also bring big businesses closer to markets, connect them to rural communities and make telecommunications more affordable for Ilembe’s residents.

The Broadband Project was advertised and there were 22 companies who responded to the expression of interest.

Five companies tendered for the Request for Proposal issued by Enterprise Ilembe. Based on recommendations of the bid evaluation committee and the bid adjudication committee the Broadband Project was awarded to Dimension Data who scored the highest points. 

The company now is in the first phase of their implementation plan, in which a network connectivity is required. The timeframe for the first phase of the implementation plan comprises a pilot project and is expected to be completed shortly.

This phase would focus on network connectivity in the form of a pilot project in the following areas:

• Maphumulo
• Nwedwe
• Ballito Sangweni Tourism centre

A study of Ilembe’s feasibility study, IDP, MSP and LED have been completed by Dimension Data. Numerous opportunities will now emerge as a result of the Broadband Project, which include: 

• Employment/job creation
• Skills development
• Opportunities for businesses
• Entrepreneurial opportunities
• Tourism
• Productivity for farmers
• Investment opportunities for the District

For more information about this project or others in the Ilembe District Municipality, contact:

Enterprise Ilembe
Cheryl Peters
cheryl@enterpriseilembe.co.za