The news of better access to the Internet via Wi-Fi hotspots will be music to the ears of learners and teachers alike who struggle with the high cost of data in the country.

The cost of data in the country has been a topic of discussion for some time. There can be no doubt that broader access to affordable internet access can only benefit the educational, social and employment outcomes for many of the most marginalised in the country.

The increasing affordability and performance of smartphones has managed to improve access to devices capable of accessing the Internet.

However, until access to the Internet is as widespread and affordable as access to electricity, there will remain a roadblock in the path of students who do not have internet access.

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Ongoing project to provide Internet access

According to the General Households Survey, only 1 in 10 of South African homes have access to the internet.

For this reason initiatives like these that give learners access to Internet access are crucial in trying to address the challenges faced by educators and students alike.

The Premier’s office is set to deliver 321 public WiFi hotspots in the coming financial year in addition to the 103 hotspots that were installed during the 2017/18 financial year.

Premier Winde has confirmed that the project has been in operation since 2016 with the ultimate aim of providing universal internet access.

Schools to benefit from Wi-Fi hotspot roll-out

The roll-out of WiFi hotspots will see 244 City of Cape Town Metro schools and a further 77 schools in outlying areas receive public WiFi hotspots during the next financial year.

According to departmental surveys schools who have already received public WiFi hotspots have reported that the initiative has benefitted the schools and surrounding communities by improving access to information and job opportunities.

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