Yesterday, the City of Cape Town gave more details about its proposed broadband layout plan that will see high-speed Internet delivered to the masses. Unfortunately, the plan will take place over seven to 10 years, and no clear dates were announced about just when broadband will be available to the masses.

Following in the footsteps of the likes of smaller places like Stellenbosch, the City of Cape Town has a visionary plan that will deliver high-speed Internet to schools, clinics and the lives of thousands of citizens living in and around the Mother City.

According to the Business Day, “the city has so far invested R150 million in broadband infrastructure and it is expected the project, over seven to 10 years and backed by the provincial government, will cost R1,3 billion.”

But, while some areas may get free broadband, Telkom has expressed an interest in the City’s network – a 70km core ring and 200km of local optic-fibre cable that has been installed so far – meaning this could also present an obvious revenue stream for the City.

Continued the Business Day:

This project will connect all households in Khayelitsha, Mitchell’s Plain and Saldanha Bay, including the proposed industrial development zone.

A feasibility study is also underway in Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain “to look at options for wireless internet in those areas.”

Western Cape Premier Helen Zille said earlier this year that the province wanted to create the largest mesh network in the world within the next two years.

Said mayoral committee member for corporate services Demetri Qually, at a media briefing yesterday:

We can go in there and set up transmitters throughout the area and it’s a quick way people can stay connected.

This study would also include how they would charge for the service, although we hope that some free broadband will be included.

The Argus reported that since the City “started installing broadband on its own lines, it has saved R25 million on its communication costs. At one point the City had an annual bill of more than R100 million.”

The project is also partly funded by the City.

[Sources: BDLive, IOL]