Talks are under way between an under-serviced area licence (USAL) holder and Broadband Communication Technologies (BCT Global) to provide wireless connectivity to rural schools in the Eastern Cape.
The USAL, which currently does not wish to be named, is to provide Internet connectivity to 50 rural schools in the province.
Rural schools are not fully aware of wireless IT, according to Sadiq Malik, BCT Global`s business operations director.
"Telkom is currently providing WAN connectivity. Digging fibre optic cables in rural areas is expensive and insecure when considering the terrain. It would make sense to use wireless technology in rural areas because point-to-point wireless links can provide speeds of up to 72Mb per second over a distance of 80km," he says.
The wireless solution offered to rural areas includes voice variety, high-speed data, radio blanket and end-user devices, such as PC and PDAs, as well as end-user training.
In the world of various wireless and cellular networks covering the country, learning using mobile devices such as smartphones, PDA`s and notebook computers will become the norm rather than the exception.
"Nothing is wrong with the conventional way of learning, but wireless technology enhances learning delivery and assimilation of education by allowing an interactive learning experience.
"Wireless helps to educate different types of student. For those with different learning styles, technology adds options and for those with learning disabilities, it helps enhance their abilities."
He says being accessible and having the ability to collaborate with others while on the move are today`s technological demands.
The company recently rolled-out its wireless solutions in the University of Cape Town Business School and will be targeting other business schools like Wits, Pretoria, Unisa and Damelin.
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