A presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Communication on the Convergence Bill, 23 August 2005 Ron Beyers – Ulwazi Project Manager 'Cost of education is high- the price of ignorance is even higher"

Brief Background - Ron Beyers 25 Years of teaching experience Managed a Multi Million Rand Computer Centre Chairperson of Gauteng Schools Network Masters Degree in Education Director of Technology, St Alban's College Project Manager, Ulwazi project Taught over 1000 teachers – Outreach projects

Origins of the Ulwazi project DoC meeting St Alban's Outreach Project Partners include:  Department of Communications (Mr Richard Gerber)  Motorola (Mr Ronnie Seeber)  Omega Digital Technologies  SchoolNet South Africa  Sangari  EduAdmin  Others

Lynnwood Ridge Shopping complex used as a relay site to provide line-of-sight links between St. Alban’s and Mamelodi St. Alban’s College 2 km Computer Centre Design and Technology Centre LYNNWOOD GLEN Mamelodi High Modiri High Tshwane Northern College Gatang Comprehensive 8 km km 1.2 km 1.3 km MAMELODI TOWNSHIP All broadband connectivity is via Canopy broadband technology The Ulwazi Network

What is the Ulwazi project? Virtual interactive and collaborative e-learning SMART Boards, web cams, microphones, speakers, etc. Access to shared resources Closed broadband network Going beyond the confines of constricted dial-up education

What is the Ulwazi project? Broadband connectivity removing barriers of access to learning International exposure (CNN) Top 4 finalists Wireless Broadband Innovators Award 2005

The real Problem Existing Telecommunications Act  Section 41(2) a single piece of land or contiguous pieces Must get capacity from Telkom

Issue #1 ICASA only be prepared to grant a temporary licence for experimental purposes, only for three months and that renewal of the licence is not guaranteed Eight months Ulwazi Application

Issue #2 Many schools would like to have a similar network but are not be able to get a licence for such a network

Issue #3 Broadband wireless connectivity has the potential to be a major aid in solving South Africa's educational crisis The act is a stumbling block in the way of leveraging this potential

Issue #4 There is no justification for withholding from schools the tremendous benefits that broadband networks can provide, as has been demonstrated with the Ulwazi network.

Issue #5 It is urgent that the limitations of section 41(2) are reviewed, so that all schools, urban and rural, could get the benefits of broadband connectivity.

Issue #6 The regulator should be empowered and obligated, by the Convergence Bill, to grant licences for this type of project. Such projects must be Zero Rated for educational purposes.

Issue #7 Vision for the development of interactive e- learning by means of broadband connectivity in schools Additional services such as health can also be included

Future Vision

Project goes beyond Gauteng on-line More emphasis on interactivity not just connectivity Creates Learning Communities that are connected Project is replicable and sustainable Micro to National Grid of learning Sharing common resources Education material on demand District Offices scenario Substitute teachers ONLY POSSIBLE WITH A LICENCE

Convergence Bill Removal of serious impediments in the existing Telecommunications Act. Zero Rated Educational Licence Leverage true potential of digital revolution

Thank You Ron Beyers Director of Technology, St Alban’s College Project Manager, Ulwazi Project