SA Web Info: Cheap internet offer for SA

Cheap internet offer for SA
================================================================================
Admin on 11 July, 2006 04:00:00
 
Cape Town - Microsoft, the world's biggest software company, and South African
cellular operator MTN on Tuesday unveiled a project to offer cheap internet
connections in Africa's biggest economy.
Microsoft chairperson Bill Gates told a leaders forum in Cape Town that the US
company and MTN would work together to provide affordable options for consumers
who purchase internet connectivity and a personal computer running Microsoft's
Windows starter edition software.
The programme allows flexible terms through either the purchase of the PC and
internet access on a fixed-term contract for a low monthly fee or through
purchasing the PC and a month-to-month internet contract.
"Mobile connectivity has become a key driver of telecommunications growth
across the continent and has paved the way for increased mobile access through
convergence and mobile data and wireless applications," Gates said.
Gates said high connectivity costs remained a huge problem for Africa and other
countries in the developing world but that he saw wireless broadband technology
as the key to fixing the problem.
"For urban populations in Africa, the connectivity is very prohibitive, while
in rural areas it is even more so because of the use of satellite equipment
where it exists or it simply is not there.
"Developing wireless solutions is critical in easing this problem," he said.
The Cape Town forum, convened by Microsoft, discussed how Africa can use
technology to improve its competitiveness and spark faster growth.
MTN is Africa's largest cellular operator.
Article from www.fin24.co.za