South Africa and the companies operating in this country have unique opportunities in many business sectors by virtue of the strategic relationship with neighbouring countries and the rest of the continent. With these opportunities comes a responsibility which is clearly seen in the telecommunications sector.
South Africa and the companies operating in this country have unique opportunities in many business sectors by virtue of the strategic relationship with neighbouring countries and the rest of the continent. With these opportunities comes a responsibility which is clearly seen in the telecommunications sector.
Simon Blagden, sales & marketing director of Spescom, offers a commentary on the current situation, based on his company's experience in providing high-tech telecommunications systems both in South Africa and neighbouring countries.
"As a regional leader, South Africa has historically had the most advanced infrastructure in telecommunications, keeping pace with first world developments in technology and providing both a range and quality of services not equalled elsewhere.
"The situation in the rest of sub-Saharan Africa has been quite different. The former thinking was to offer 'appropriate' technology to address the under-developed communications infrastructure, rather than the latest systems. Although this seemed a good choice in fiscal and common-sense terms, it has resulted in the creation of a technological divide."
As many commentators have noted, addressing this issue is a prerequisite for regional economic development. It is now recognised that communications has an essential role in facilitating commercial activity in markets which trade globally, particularly in the context of Africa's commodity- and resource-based economies. More importantly, in the long-term view, communications supports education - especially in countries where populations are scattered and have limited access to centralised education facilities.
"With the availability of funds a paramount concern in all developing countries, the challenge is now to provide technology to enable development and reduce the gap between first-world and African economies," says Blagden. "This has been met with a new attitude, exemplified by the forward-looking policies of such countries as Tanzania and Nigeria, making it a national priority to use the latest technology in support of economic progress.
"The responsibility that South Africa has is to fulfil the role of a first-world bridgehead to bring such technology to many other countries in Africa. However, for locally based companies, this is not merely an opportunity to expand into other markets. It is also a necessary step to liberate the region from the international perception that both local economies and infrastructures are falling behind first-world development."
The consequent negative market effects of such perceptions were clearly demonstrated when the debt crisis in Argentina was a contributing factor in the decline of rand values on global markets.
"The need is for a change of mindset on the part of both government organisations and the companies that supply them," says Blagden. "Despite the difficult issue of funding, the acquisition of world-class technology must be given priority over the previous attitude that 'appropriate' - which often meant barely adequate - telecommunications infrastructure was sufficient.
"Those countries that successfully implement new technology will compete effectively in global markets, while simultaneously improving the education and development opportunities within their own borders," he concludes.
For further information contact Barbara Kruger, Spescom chief communications officer, 011 266 1701.
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