12 September 2024

Tholo Lerotholi, co-founder and director, Merge X

In the age of digital transformation, the quest for connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity, especially in South Africa’s rural and deep rural areas. While the government’s efforts to bridge the digital divide are commendable, it’s time to rethink the strategy. But smaller Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have the power to drastically change the internet landscape.

Government initiatives: ambitious plans and collaborative efforts

In a recent announcement by the minister of communications and digital technologies, Mondli Gungubele, the South African government unveiled ambitious plans to connect 1.5 million rural and township households to the internet by the end of the year. This initiative aims to address the pressing issue of digital exclusion by providing WiFi hotspots as gateways to connectivity.

Gungubele emphasised the government’s dedication to bridging the digital divide by ensuring universal access to the internet. He highlighted the involvement of 76 ISPs, many of which are Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), in the deployment of over 4,250 WiFi hotspots, resulting in the connection of over 740,000 households.

The role of smaller ISPs: local expertise and tailored solutions

But why should the government pay attention to smaller ISPs? Well, for starters, these rural ISPs bring something invaluable to the table – local knowledge and community integration. Unlike their corporate counterparts, they understand the terrain, the people and the unique challenges that come with rural connectivity. This gives them a distinct advantage in delivering tailored solutions that truly make a difference.

Moreover, partnering with these ISPs opens up a world of possibilities for the government. Instead of relying solely on top-down approaches that often fall short, embracing grassroots initiatives can yield faster, more sustainable results. Imagine a network of interconnected rural ISPs, working in harmony to blanket the countryside with high-speed internet, one village at a time.

“In addition to addressing connectivity challenges, the government’s focus on digital skills development is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of internet access in rural areas.”

For South Africans living in rural communities, the internet is a vital link to educational and job opportunities, government services such as healthcare and communication tools. The lack of economic opportunities and resources in rural areas perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address systemic issues related to education, healthcare and economic development.

Empowerment through connectivity: job creation and economic development

In addition to addressing connectivity challenges, the government’s focus on digital skills development is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of internet access in rural areas. Initiatives such as the national Digital Skills Forum and the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) Cyber Labs are equipping learners with the skills they need to thrive in the digital economy. By empowering youth to become Digital Skills Ambassadors and training their communities in digital literacy, these programmes are laying the foundation for a more inclusive and digitally literate society.

Economic empowerment through internet connectivity can transform rural communities. Access to high-speed internet enables local businesses to reach broader markets, offers farmers access to crucial agricultural information, and provides a platform for entrepreneurs to innovate. These opportunities stimulate local economies, create jobs and reduce migration to urban areas by making rural living more sustainable and attractive.

Empowering rural ISPs for lasting impact

Merge X brings a fresh perspective on competition to intentionally reshape the industry, empowering smaller ISPs with renewed motivation to do what they do best: connecting countless individuals and communities for a more connected and inclusive future without compromising service and reliability. Investors keen on tapping into the pulse of innovation and social change are finding themselves drawn to explore this powerful movement and potential.

For instance, partnerships between local governments and rural ISPs have proven effective in some pilot projects where high-speed internet was deployed in remote areas, leading to noticeable improvements in educational outcomes and local business productivity. Such collaborations not only enhance the quality of life but also pave the way for scalable solutions that can be replicated across other underserved regions.

Rural ISPs can harness their deep understanding of local needs to develop tailored solutions that address specific challenges faced by these communities. For instance, they can create targeted packages that cater to the bandwidth requirements of local schools or healthcare centres, ensuring these critical institutions have reliable and adequate internet access. Such focused solutions are less likely to emerge from larger, more generalised providers who might not have the same level of engagement with the community.

Furthermore, the involvement of local ISPs in digital infrastructure projects fosters a sense of ownership and accountability within the community. These providers are not just businesses but part of the fabric of their communities. Their success directly impacts their neighbours, creating a vested interest in maintaining high service standards and driving continuous improvement. This community-centric approach can lead to higher user satisfaction and stronger, more resilient networks.

One of the significant advantages of rural ISPs is their ability to innovate and adapt quickly. Unencumbered by the bureaucratic layers that often bog down larger corporations, these smaller entities can experiment with new technologies and business models. This agility can be crucial in a rapidly changing technological landscape where the ability to pivot and adopt new solutions can determine success.

The economic implications of empowering rural ISPs extend beyond immediate connectivity. As these providers grow, they create local employment opportunities, not just in terms of technical and support staff but also through the ripple effects of improved internet access. Enhanced connectivity can attract new businesses to the area, stimulate local entrepreneurship, and enable remote work opportunities, thereby reducing the rural-urban migration trend and supporting more balanced regional development.

Moreover, rural ISPs can play a pivotal role in disaster resilience and response. In many rural areas, traditional communication networks are often the first to fail during natural disasters, leaving communities isolated. Local ISPs, with their intimate knowledge of the terrain and infrastructure, can develop more robust systems tailored to withstand such events. By integrating alternative energy sources like solar or wind power, these ISPs can ensure continuity of service, providing a critical communication lifeline during emergencies.

The role of government in this ecosystem remains crucial. Policy frameworks that encourage investment in rural broadband, offer financial incentives to smaller ISPs, and reduce regulatory burdens can create a more conducive environment for these players to thrive.

Additionally, public-private partnerships can leverage the strengths of both sectors, combining the scale and resources of the government with the local expertise and agility of rural ISPs.

It’s time to bet on the underdog – because when it comes to connecting the unconnected, sometimes the smallest players pack the biggest punch due to the sheer volume of the collective. With the right support and collaboration, rural ISPs can not only bridge the digital divide but also pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future for all South Africans.