Bridge the Gap: Free WiFi in Ekurhuleni
Ekurhuleni has been at the forefront of developments around implementation of the Digital City for many years.
The Digital City concept is centered on taking government and specifically local government into the digital age.
Gone are the days of queuing for municipal services – we are online. Ekurhuleni has created a smart community that can tap into the information resources of our metro thus making Ekurhuleni an e-city.
Most of the services and products of the so-called “now” generation is sourced online. Ekurhuleni is fast becoming a connected community that uses the broadband communications infrastructure of the metro to establish new and innovative services to meet the needs of all stakeholders including ratepayers, businesses, local government and the citizens of Ekurhuleni.
The digital divide has been one of the biggest challenges in rolling out e-government to all communities in Ekurhuleni.
Data is expensive and very few people have access to digital and internet based services without data. As a caring local government Ekurhuleni has rolled out the first phase of free Wi-Fi to all citizens of Ekurhuleni.
Residents can now enjoy up to 250 megabytes of data per device per day absolutely free of charge. This will hopefully assist residents to bridge the digital gap and empower the citizens of Ekurhuleni to become part of the e-government and join the digital age.
The free Wi-Fi programme was launched at the Katlehong Library last week by the Executive Mayor and free Wi-Fi will soon be available at all libraries, clinics and customer care centers across Ekurhuleni.
The further roll out of the programme will include most public buildings and facilities including license departments. In Alberton residents will have more than 20 access points for free Wi-Fi, including the Civic Centre, Stores Complex and all clinics.
The Digital City of Ekurhuleni will provide internet-based government services that can connect and transform certain key government processes, both internally across the service departments and externally to residents and businesses with free Wi-Fi access.
Giving residents free Wi-Fi, and in pursuance of the Digital City initiative, Ekurhuleni has expanded e-government services through the e-Siyakhokha platform. With free Wi-Fi access residents can use e-Siyakhokha to ensure a seamless, quick and easy method of paying municipal accounts and access other municipal services. With 250 megabytes free Wi-Fi daily and the e-Siyakhokha service, we have created a better life for all in Ekurhuleni.
Let’s bridge the gap and go digital.
