Chairperson, broadband infrastructure that creates seamless connectivity and especially affordable and speedy Internet access is a much- needed resource in a modern South African society and the FD commends the Minister on the introduction of this Bill.
One of the aims of this Bill is to make broadband services available to underdeveloped areas and to do so, the state intends to acquire broadband Infraco and its electronic communications network to provide this service. South Africa's fixed-line and cellular costs are among the highest in the world and Telkom and the cellular network companies do not offer competitive pricing infrastructure that increases meaningful public access to a wide range of communication services. Although millions may own a cell phone, they interact with one another mainly through the short message service which can hardly pass as an affordable communication service.
The government identified a gap for affordable broadband services and will, through Infraco, attain a huge stake in the electronic communications network services. Private enterprises should be more robust when it comes to competing in their market of choice. They should create an environment that makes it nonviable for the state to interfere in market processes but as this Bill proves, the role of government has necessitated a speedier response to an increased demand for cost-saving communication services.
We will support this Bill as a transitional strategy of the state towards achieving access and affordability for the benefit of all the citizens of this country and in light of the fact that we are still a developing nation with specific challenges.
Finally, the FD would like to wish the outgoing chairperson, Mr Carrim, well in his future endeavours and we want to commend him on his hard work while he was the chairperson of this committee. I thank you. [Applause.]