The information and communications technology, ICT, sector plays a vital role in the development of our country and our people. Not only must it eventually provide all South Africans with access to various communications technologies, like television, radio, telephone and the internet, but it also has the potential to become a major economic driver by creating jobs and thereby reducing poverty.
However, there are a number of things we still need to do to achieve this. For example, the ID believes that the independent regulation of the ICT and broadcaster sectors is an essential component in ensuring access for all. Therefore, government should not be both referee and player in this sector. It is essential for competition to be introduced by promoting small and new operators. Such operators drive prices down.
South Africa also continues to lag behind with regard to connecting people to broadband. This has also been the case at educational level. In fact, Sentech's wireless broadband roll-out at 250 Dinaledi schools and surrounding sites remains an empty promise.
The Department of Communications' annual report says, and I quote:
While some capital funding was made available for this project, the operational costs of the services were to be carried by the clients on the network. Unfortunately, money was not available from the various departments for the service cost.
Another area of concern for the ID was the continued disregard shown by MTN, Cell C and Vodacom towards their 3G licensing conditions, which compel them to roll out internet connectivity and terminal equipment to institutions of people with disabilities. None of them had rolled out internet connectivity to a single IPWD by 6 November last year, according to a written response from the Minister.
In addition, MTN and Cell C have failed to roll out connectivity to 510 schools. The question is: Has the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, Icasa, referred them to the Complaints Compliance Committee in accordance with section 17(d) of the Icasa Amendment Act? And if so, has Icasa taken action against the licensees in accordance with the prescripts of section 17(e) of the same Act? By lying to the Portfolio Committee on Communications and saying that they were complying with this agreement, those companies show how little social responsibility they have.
Finally, I want to convey my thanks to all the members of the portfolio committee for supporting the ID's campaign to reduce the interconnection rate. [Laughter.] [Applause.] The continued reduction of the interconnection rate over the next three years will bring some relief for ordinary South Africans and the economy as a whole. For me, the success of this campaign shows how effective Parliament can be in improving the lives of our people. We must remind our people time and again that the power lies with the ordinary consumer. All we have to do is use it. Thank you.
Dankie vir jou doos. [Gelag.] [Tyd verstreke.] [Thank you for your box. [Laughter.] [Time expired.]]