Research group BMI-TechKnowledge has announced its digital communities handbook and Web portal, designed to drive digital inclusion in the local market.
"The purpose of the handbook is to provide detailed information about wireless and community broadband initiatives and how these contribute to bridging the digital divide. It will also showcase the variety of corporate social investment (CSI) projects across the country," says BMI-T MD Denis Smit.
The annual handbook and Web portal are aimed at users and potential candidates of wireless broadband networks, as well as communities installing digital villages, labs and centres. The handbook will offer case studies and self-help guides as a reference publication on community wireless network deployment, development and use, BMI-T says.
"The Web portal will follow the content and editorial direction undertaken by the handbook, the difference being the ability to harness the interactive nature of the Internet as an information-sharing medium," says Smit.
Wireless broadband, as a means of effectively connecting communities, is a reality as provincial governments and local communities begin to realise the benefits of delivering connectivity to citizens, he says.
"The Gauteng, Cape Town, Durban and Tshwane cities have already started rolling out wireless broadband networks."
The handbook will be unveiled at the Digital Cities Forum in October.
"We have yet to establish a launch date for the Web portal, but it will go live before the official launch of the handbook," says Smit.
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