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Chapter 3Box 4: South Africa’s NewNational Broadband Policy:South Africa ConnectIn recognition of broadband’s potential to drive economic growthand development, the Government of South Africa has developed aBroadband Policy, South Africa Connect, to create opportunities, whileensuring social and economic inclusion. This Policy was approvedby the Government and gazetted by H.E. the former Minister ofCommunications, Mr Yunus Carrim, in December 2013. This Policy takesforward the National Development Plan of the country. It reflects thecommitment of the Government of South Africa to creating an enablingenvironment for investment in the roll-out of broadband infrastructure andfor the production of content, applications and services to drive demand.The Policy identifies a range of demand- and supply-side policyinterventions necessary to achieve ambitious, but achievable, targets.A universal average download speed of 100 Mbps by 2030 hasbeen set. Progressive targets have been set for an average userexperience speed of 5 Mbps to be available to 50% of the populationby 2016, and to 90% by 2020, with quality of service and prices tobe monitored by the regulator. Specific targets have also been set forschools and clinics and for public sector connectivity. These targetswill be reviewed regularly, if necessary. The plan focuses on theneed for effective partnerships between the public/private sectors.These policy interventions are reflected in a four-pronged strategy:1. The Digital Readiness pillar addresses institutional andadministrative impediments.2. The Digital Development pillar aims to digitally enable governmentby identifying key activities.3. The Digital Future pillar focuses on creating suitable conditions forto the development of next-generation infrastructure and services.4. The Digital Opportunity pillar is based on stimulating demand,including through general awareness and e-literacy campaigns, toformal skills development.Through this policy, South Africa aims to mobilize the capabilities,resources and energy of its public and private sectors,together with civil society, to connect South Africans.Source: Former Minister of Communications,Yunus Carrim, Dept. of Communications of South Africa.38