eThekwini to spend R30 million on Wi-Fi
eThekwini Municipality says it has set aside R30 million in the next financial year for the roll-out of free Wi-Fi in public access hotspots, townships and rural areas close to universities.
Outgoing mayor, James Nxumalo says the project will be rolled-out in different phases, starting with the laying of fibre optic cables.
While tabling the 2016/2017 budget recently of just over R40-billion (R41,6-billion), Nxumalo said the city plans to set-up 750 Wi-Fi access points within the next three years.
Meanwhile, Tim Genders, chair of the Wireless Access Providers Association says KZN would benefit educationally and economically from the move.
''It's uplifting the economy, it's uplifting the people, allowing them to get jobs, get access to further education and to further advance themselves,'' he said.
Today marks World Wi-Fi Day and it's also 10-years since the introduction of Wi-Fi in South Africa.