South Africa’s Department of Science and Innovation’s entity The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) has announced that it is funding the distribution of antenna-based high-speed fixed internet solutions for low-income communities. The innovative and affordable internet solution have been developed by fibrePOYNT, a Johannesburg-based internet company and is being backed by the local Government.
As Part Of The Advancement Of The Initial TIA Deal, FibrePoynt Has Also Launched Homepoynt – A Derivative Innovation Spun Out Of The Core FibrePoynt Wireless Technology. “HomePoynt Is An Innovative Last-Mile Connectivity Solution That Has The Potential To Bring Down Internet Costs To As Low As R89.00 A Month For Uncapped Wi-Fi,” Said The TIA. “The technology has been developed with a key focus on townships, peri-urban and small towns thus closing digital divide in under-served areas.”
In an official press statement, The Technology Innovation Agency expresses that the innovation solution aims to increase access to the internet for low-income communities.
“The technology not only puts South Africa on the map but responds to the socio-economic challenges and the country’s strategic broadband imperatives; to make internet accessible to everyone irrespective of their socio-economic status and geographic location. Low to middle-income peri-urban and township households can now connect to the internet which was not possible with current technologies.”
“A solution like FibrePoynt could make sure that the neglected obtain real internet in their homes and surrounding neighbourhoods on their smart devices.” It added that FibrePoynt enables the rollout of fixed wireless broadband network without trenching underground fibre in the last-mile connection to homes thus reducing infrastructure costs by more than 50%. The technology promises a cost-effective, faster-rollout, and high-speed alternative deployment of broadband infrastructure in areas that were previously deemed unfeasible.”
“The technology is not only backed by an innovative and sustainable business model but an inclusive model which gives local entrepreneurs skills and the opportunity to operate and roll out network to their respective communities. “Local empowerment is the critical antidote to socio-economic ills. We call upon follow on funders and Network Operators to support the full-scale commercialisation of this exciting and impactful technology,” says Sipho Dikweni, portfolio commercialisation Manager at the TIA.
FibrePOYNT is currently developing an internet and wireless communication system as an alternative or supplementary to fibre at home or underground or overhead cable technology. This solution will be implemented in local townships to provide cost-effective and easy access to the internet for residents.
