Q-KON, an engineering group and provider of turn-key solutions and managed network services within the African telecommunications market, has provided a VSAT satellite technology solution in support of a cyberlab setup at Mampoi Secondary School in Qwaqwa, South Africa.
A cyberlab is a computer laboratory that is fully equipped with information communication technology, including the Internet, and multimedia services.
Q-KON partnered in this endeavor with MTN Business, Free State Department of Education, Department of Communication and USAASA (the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa), providers of rural and under-served connectivity.
This is part of a bigger roll-out of a schools connectivity programme between USAASA and the Free State Department of Education that will see up to twenty-five schools fitted and connected in a bid to improve the educational outlook of numerous young people in the province.
Together with MTN, Q-KON has ensured that Mampoi’s forty-five PC labs provide online connectivity and a future platform for e-learning.
With this type of partnership between government, its agencies and business, it is hoped that more than the original twenty-five schools will be catered for in this financial year.
“In some instances connectivity will be based on MPLS VPN and broadband, depending on available infrastructure. Our intention is to demonstrate the value that can be derived from access to satellite where alternative infrastructure is unavailable and the advantages this platform holds for learners and educators,” explains Dirk Staal, COO for Q-KON Africa.
“Our company is involved with several partners to continue to establish and encourage wider access to computer laboratories via satellite. We believe that the more we can do to push connectivity and enable users from all parts of the country to access online resources to develop ICT literacy and skills, the better.”
The role of satellite technology in helping to bridge the digital divide and the quest to provide ‘anytime, anywhere’ connectivity remains priorities for Q-KON and its partners.
Louis Moahlodi, USAASA Chairperson says, “We must ensure, at all costs, that children in these environments get the same, if not better, access to information using technology. It is imperative that we do this quickly and effectively. There is no time to loose anymore; we need partnerships such as these – partnerships that can move quickly, partnerships with a conscience.”
The project is ongoing and Q-KON remains involved as a key stakeholder and sponsor.
By: Staff Writer
