2009-02-26: Ericsson appointed as Joburg's broadband partner
JOHANNESBURG will be transformed into a "digital city" over the next three years resulting in a reduction in the cost of telecommunications, improved service delivery and increased access to information technology to every corner of the City
Councillor Parks Tau, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Finance and Economic Development, today announced the appointment of Ericsson as the successful service provider to partner the City in its broadband network project.
The first phase of the Johannesburg Broadband Network Project (JBNP) will begin on 1 April 2009. This marks Johannesburg's commitment to the development of a citywide broadband network in line with international trends in municipal broadband deployment.
"We regard access to broadband as a key driver of economic growth and wealth generation. Through this initiative we will ensure that all the citizens of Joburg gain access to universally available, reliable and affordable broadband", says Councillor Tau.
Continuing he says: "This is as essential as the provision of water and electricity and will also help improve response times to crime and emergencies because the City's closed circuit television network will be linked".
At no additional cost to ratepayers, the JBNP is a self-funding model with a tender value of R1billion. This project aims to build a strong ICT infrastructure for the City and to bring ICT closer to citizens at a cost effective price, by selling off spare capacity to operators.
After a thorough review of 11 respondents, Ericsson was chosen for its ability to supply an end-to-end solution, extensive experience in delivering similar networks around the world, a strong local presence and commitment to empowerment and skills transfer.
Ericsson's core network architecture was designed to integrate with current infrastructure, allowing the deployment of a full wireless network supported by power line communications and container kiosks to ensure that transmission can be directed to points that would otherwise be difficult and expensive to serve.
Ericsson has partnered with several very capable local BEE companies to operate and manage the multi-play communications infrastructure network for the next five years.
"From the outset, the City has focused its efforts in finding a partner who not only has the technical and commercial credentials to deliver on an initiative of this magnitude but also supports the balanced and shared rollout the City of Joburg requires to increase and accelerate universal affordable broadband access", says Jason Ngobeni Executive Director for Economic Development in the City.
Ngobeni adds: "The benefits and possibilities of a digital city are numerous for not only the City and its entities but for residents, business, hospitals, educational institutions, tourism and entertainment."
He said teleworking, video conferencing and WiFi hotspots will alleviate traffic congestion and save costs. Video streaming, Internet access and online applications will facilitate information sharing, stimulate socio economic development and improve health services and security.
Jan Embro Managing Director of Ericsson South Africa and Head of Market, unit sub-Saharan Africa says, "The prospect of transforming Johannesburg into a truly 'digital city' is an exciting challenge. The awarding of this tender is confirmation of Ericsson's proven ability to provide comprehensive end-to-end solutions that meets the needs of both Telco and non Telco customers".
Issued on behalf of:
Councillor Parks Tau
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Finance and Economic Development
Issued by:
Virgil James
Communications Specialist
City of Joburg
011 407 7226
082 467 9415
virgilj@joburg.org.za
