Siyavuyisa Township Networks (STN) is setting a new trend for high quality, high speed and readily available connectivity in the townships of South Africa. As a 100% women owned company, STN is focused on the empowerment of women and the youth in ICT.
By teaching the women, previously not exposed to computers and connectivity to the Web, they will create employment and stimulate entrepreneurship. The women will become teachers, who will teach other residents on how to use the services thus creating and expanding the customer base. The women will also sell the value added services, and airtime as well as other office admin services, earning an income. The revenue share model allows for the set-up of ICT-Scholarships for the youth who aspire to follow a career in ICT.
Through the deployment of Wi-Fi mesh networks in the townships, they will bring fast, reliable cost effective broadband connectivity to the residents. A wireless mesh network creates a cloud for connectivity, which enables clients to connect with any Wi-Fi enabled device, such as PDA, cellphones and laptops to connect to the World Wide Web.
Providing access is not enough, as most residents do not have computers. Due to the current situation of a lack of end user devices in the townships, and the lack of familiarity on how to use the Internet, the company provides IT hubs with computers, photo copiers, scanners, fax machines, courier services, and a typist as well as a projector for adult education training programmes, and video training courses. Wi-Fi hot spots will allow residents to connect to the network with their own devices. Eventually STN would like to have every township in South Africa covered with its SIYA CLOUD. STN offers basic computer literacy courses for women from the townships and support for those women entrepreneurs who want to duplicate their business model to start their own similar business.
This will be the first fully wireless integrated system implemented in townships throughout South Africa. On the wireless network STN delivers simultaneous video, voice and data connectivity to private and business customers in the townships, as they are able to serve large areas and last mile users with a 24/7/365 broadband access. A mobile (bus) unit will deliver the services to more remote areas where services are lacking. The company's unique Solar Wi-Fi LED Streetlight will be used to spread the network to more remote areas or where rooftop space is lacking.
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