Allied Technologies (Altron) is to deploy a broadband network in Limpopo in a deal initially worth ZAR 585 million. The Limpopo Provincial Government, through Limpopo Connexion SOC, has appointed Altron's Altech Radio Holdings (ARH) to establish an open access broadband network in the province, in line with the National Broadband Policy, SA Connect.
Under the first phase, connectivity will be provided to government departments, municipalities, businesses and households throughout the province over a three-year period. Other services to be provided include a network operation, control centre and data centre.
ARH's appointment follows similar broadband provision in Gauteng, where the Gauteng Broadband Network incorporates 1,600 km of fibre-optics. That network links more than 400 buildings, 45 community service centres (Thusong Centres), 20identified priority townships, nine Economic Development Zones, six urban renewal nodes and several hundred schools, under a build and transfer deal. ARH is currently in a partnership to design, deploy, maintain and operate a backbone broadband network for the City of Tshwane, too.
The acting CEO of Limpopo Connexion, Baldwin Ramasobane, says the Limpopo government aims to empower community members to participate in an inclusive information society and mainstream economy. The Limpopo broadband network would reduce the cost of doing business for government, industry and civil society and is a prerequisite for effective e-service implementation in the province, says Ramasobane.
Source: https://www.telecompaper.com/news/altron-wins-deal-to-roll-out-broadband-for-limpopo--1232452