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CSIR and FCDO host SMME network operators to track progress on deployment of internet services in underserved communities

Publication Date: 
Thursday, June 30, 2022 - 09:00 to 17:00

Media advisory

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), in collaboration with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), would like to invite members of the media to the Television White Space (TVWS) Ecosystem stakeholder workshop, which will be held at the CSIR International Convention Centre (ICC) on Thursday, 30 June 2022. Beneficiaries of the TVWS technology will also be attending the workshop to reflect on their experiences, successes and challenges of deploying broadband services to underserved communities.

Contact Person

David Mandaha

+27 (12) 841 3654/072 126 8910

dmandaha@csir.co.za

Media advisory

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), in collaboration with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), would like to invite members of the media to the Television White Space (TVWS) Ecosystem stakeholder workshop, which will be held at the CSIR International Convention Centre (ICC) on Thursday, 30 June 2022. Beneficiaries of the TVWS technology will also be attending the workshop to reflect on their experiences, successes and challenges of deploying broadband services to underserved communities.

The CSIR made the TVWS technology available to four selected youth- and women-owned Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) network operators. The beneficiaries deploy broadband network infrastructure to communities located in Kwa-Zulu Natal, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and the Free State.

The CSIR-developed smart spectrum sharing technology suite includes the TVWS “Spectrum Switch”, which makes use of ultra-high radio frequency spectrum to provide underserved rural and township communities with the opportunity to participate in the digital economy through access to affordable broadband services. Through the funding support of the FCDO, beneficiary SMME network operators will also be provided with capacity building, on-going technical support and monitoring and evaluation to sustain their businesses.

During this event, the invited TVWS ecosystem stakeholders will exhibit their work and participate in a panel discussion themed: The role of the government and private sector in supporting SMME  network operators.

 

Event details

Time: 09:00 - 17:00
Venue: CSIR ICC, Pretoria
Date: Thursday, 30 June 2022
To RSVP: CNdlazi@csir.co.za
 

Should you wish to attend the workshop virtually, please click here to join the meeting
 

-ENDS-

Issued by CSIR Strategic Communications

Contact Details :

David Mandaha: CSIR Media Relations Manager
Tel: 012 841 3654
Mobile: 072 126 8910
Email: dmandaha@csir.co.za

About the CSIR:

The CSIR, an entity of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, is one of the leading scientific and technology research, development and implementation organisations in Africa. Constituted by an Act of Parliament in 1945 as a science council, the CSIR undertakes directed and multidisciplinary research and technological innovation, as well as industrial and scientific development to improve the quality of life of all South Africans. For more information, visit www.csir.co.za

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