International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has announced that it will collaborate with South African Ministry of Telecommunications and Postal Services to test sustainable approaches to bring broadband connectivity to rural post offices in the region
ITU is a specialised agency of the United Nations that focuses on information and communications technology.
According to a statement issued by the ITU, the agency plans to support rural post offices in South Africa to deliver essential digital financial and other services to their communities.
Brahima Sanou, director of telecoms development bureau at ITU, said, “The project will be implemented in cooperation with the Universal Postal Union as well as partners from industry and civil society of South Africa.”
This collaboration will support the South Africa Connect, which is the country’s national broadband policy. The agreement will provide affordable, high-capacity and reliable Internet connectivity to support advanced applications and services for government, businesses and consumers, with a special emphasis on rural and underserved communities, Sanou added.
Hamadoun Touré, secretary general at ITU, said that this new collaboration will reinforce ITU's regional initiative to extend broadband infrastructure in Africa.
“Broadband is a truly transformational technology. It can generate jobs, drive growth and productivity, and underpin long-term economic competitiveness,” noted Touré.
