Sentech outlines new broadband plan

State-owned broadcasting signal distributor Sentech on March 25 provided the first insights into its plans to have another go at building a national broadband network.

Sentech outlined its plans to parliament’s portfolio committee on communications as part of its strategic plan for 2011 to 2014. CEO Setumo Mohapi says the new plan is not meant to compete with private-sector players but rather to provide coverage to areas the private sector has missed. Sentech wants to provide Internet access to schools, clinics and underserviced rural and municipal areas, and Mohapi has set a deadline of five years to get the network built. “It is certainly doable in three years,” he says. The company is hoping the department of communications and national treasury will come to the party with additional funding for the plan, with Mohapi saying it needs more money to finance the project.