By Karabo Ntanzi
Abantu Wi-Fi Hotspots in collaboration with the Sol Plaatje Municipality vowed to stick to their commitment of providing free Wi-Fi connection to 35 sites within the Sol Plaatje Municipality, this initiative is expected to bring relief to internet users in various communities. The ten-year project is funded by Afrovital and Google.
The company launched the Free Public Wi-Fi project at the Hulana Park in January 2020 and the occasion was graced by the presence of the Executive Mayor of Sol Plaatje, Patrick Mabilo and members of the community. Wi-Fi connection at Hulana Park went live on 6 January, this hotspot was identified as one of the three pilot sites alongside the Skatepark and Galeshewe Library. The founder of the company, Jerome Pienaar explained that “the Wi-Fi is available within 200m radius from the connecting point. Each registered user will be allocated 500MB per day and usage will be monitored. Any sign of abused will lead to disconnection.”
The commitment was interrupted by the national lockdown and some community members raised concerns about the previous deactivation that took place during the past two levels of the lockdown period.
It was envisaged that all sites would be active by the end of April 2020. Abantu Wi-Fi Hotspots cannot provide a new deadline due to the Coronavirus pandemic, since their technicians are unable to work over the lockdown period.
The company is in the process of readjusting its initial project implementation plan. Abantu Wi-Fi Hotspots Spokesperson Eward Matiwane said they are yet to communicate their plan to the relevant stakeholders for approval, thereafter an announcement of the sites and dates for more rollouts will be released.
According to Matiwane, user analytical data that was gathered on the first three pilot projects will inform the complete roll-out plan of the other approved sites. “Thus we are busy readjusting our project implementation taking into consideration the current environment and ensuring our Free Public Wi-Fi Hotspots are safe and adhere to strict COVID-19 protocols. We care about our community and want to ensure their safety,” he said.
Matiwane indicated that the availability of the free Wi-Fi will be a solution to the municipality bill payers as it will reduce the endless queue at the municipality. “This way members of the community can just access the different points, log on, and pay their bills online”.
“This initiative is in line with reclaiming all public spaces and makes them community institutions. Lives will be improved, especially to leaners and students as they will be able have access to social media and information for completing homework, assignments and school projects. The unemployed will also be able to search for jobs and economic opportunities.” said Mayor, Patrick Mabilo.
A group of learners who attended the launch out of curiosity were ecstatic as they say free Wi-Fi is an assistance towards helping out with their school projects. Tumisho Itemogeng, a grade 9 learner from Thabane High School expressed that he stays nearby Hulana Park and passes there on his way to and from school. “I am so relieved that I will just stop here to do my research, and then print at the library,” he said.
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