Liquid Intelligent Technologies and the Western Cape government have renewed their partnership to continue expanding the proliferation of connectivity in the province, which has, in turn, enabled the ‘Citizen-centric Digital Transformation’.

Over R2-billion will be invested over the next seven years as Liquid South Africa continues to increase access to high-speed connectivity by adding more free public WiFi hotspots.

“We have enjoyed a fruitful and productive partnership with Liquid Intelligent Technologies South Africa and the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) for the past 10 years. Broadband ‘1.0’ has delivered enhanced connectivity in Western Cape government, corporate buildings, schools, hospitals and clinics, while our e-Centres and rural libraries provide access to IT and employment opportunities for all our residents, especially disadvantaged youth,” said Western Cape government director-general Dr Harry Malila.

“These initiatives have made a huge difference in the lives of our residents and boosted the Western Cape government’s overall growth and jobs agenda. I look forward to continuing our partnership in Broadband ‘2.0’ over the next seven years.”

According to SITA MD Simphiwe Dzengwa, the partnership is a good example of a public-private partnership which has achieved its critical milestones in bringing connectivity to communities and government buildings.

“This is a great milestone for our country in its digitisation effort. As SITA, we are around to be the facilitator and driver of these achievements. We will seek to replicate the Western Cape example in other provinces.”

Through this partnership, Liquid South Africa and the Western Cape government are steadfast in their commitment to extend the advantages realised through access to high-speed connectivity, ensuring a brighter digital future for all.

Since the onset of the partnership, Liquid South Africa has established 1 600 free public WiFi hotspots and more than 2 000 sites, which include schools, hospitals, clinics and libraries which are used by almost four-million citizens in the province, said Liquid Intelligent Technologies South Africa CEO Deon Geyser.

“Access to high-speed connectivity is the necessary catalyst for driving digital transformation. We have increased data allocation and provided faster speeds, and through the deployment of SDWAN, we even improved the cybersecurity offering.”

These efforts will ensure that the province's individuals and businesses in rural and metropolitan areas alike can take advantage of every opportunity offered by digital transformation effectively and securely.

The public WiFi network, already available in over 26 municipalities at 1 600 locations, provides 6 GB of data a month for each device.

Government websites will also remain permanently free for users to access, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their location or resources, can benefit from this initiative.

Mobile phones are the lifeline for staying in touch and conducting business for most people and communities in rural, remote areas. However, the relatively high costs of mobile broadband can be a barrier.

Public access WiFi networks, like the ones Liquid is expanding, present an opportunity for citizens to connect not only to each other but also for mobile learning, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, offering a hopeful future.