Why is connectivity so important today?

High speed internet and connectivity services are transforming all industries - from education and banking to healthcare and governance. Connectivity is vital for all of these sectors as it enables digital transformation. In turn, this is helping businesses tackle some of South Africa’s most pressing socio-economic challenges.

Fibre internet is starting to be considered an essential public utility needed for economies and societies to function properly. Connectivity is so important today because it enables businesses to harness digital tools, such as cloud computing and automation. It helps to address socio-economic inequality by improving access to resources, knowledge and opportunities.

Urban connectivity is essential for growth

A study undertaken by SA’s Department of Higher Education and Training suggests that smart cities contribute to the socio-economic development of Africa. By making the most out of information and communications technology (ICT) and a knowledge-driven economy, smart cities will help improve Africa's competitiveness in the global economy.

With improved internet access in South Africa, we see a growth in smart city initiatives. Cape Town is a leading example of a smart city in Africa and is an emerging digital hub. With smart sensors and real-time data, local municipalities are able to monitor key metrics related to essential public infrastructure. This includes the monitoring of electricity metres, water metres, waste bins, street and traffic lights. It is revolutionising traffic, waste and crime management.

Technology-driven infrastructure not only supports local residents but also attracts attention from foreign investors and tech-focused countries, such as China. South African cities can lead the way in terms of smart city initiatives. Compared to European and North American cities, it's relatively easy for these African metropoli to implement new technologies because they do not need to replace or maintain legacy infrastructure.

Cape Town powered by internet connectivity

President Ramaphosa has repeatedly stressed the importance of creating a digital South Africa, including plans for smart cities that are underpinned by technological advancements. There are four main pillars to Cape Town’s smart city initiative: digital infrastructure, digital inclusion, e-government and the digital economy.

The city has launched emergency response initiatives based on real-time data. These include fire and rescue, as well as disaster risk management. With 560 cameras placed in and around the city, Cape Town has managed to improve safety with the use of this CCTV network.

In terms of governance, the city is providing better access to essential public services. The city is working towards improving traffic challenges using vehicle detection solutions. There has also been investment in digital literacy and improving ICT skills. Digital inclusion has started to make inroads as local residents have access to free WiFi on city buses. All these interventions are enabled by internet connectivity, highlighting the significance of digitisation in the modern age.

Seamless connectivity supports the private sector

It is not only in the public sector where connectivity is so essential. Whether it is a small private office that uses hot desking and remote teams or large-scale nationwide retailers, companies need a reliable internet connection in order to function effectively. Cloud technologies create cohesion and improve collaboration among teams, wherever they are based in the world. Cloud computing allows staff to easily access information from home, the office, or any device.

Reliable and secure internet connections improve productivity. A lot of time is consumed waiting for documents to load or for servers or databases to update. Once we have experienced it, it's easy to take high-speed connectivity for granted. We expect links to work as soon as we click on them, or documents to be instantly downloaded.

Bringing customers and businesses together

Reliable internet connectivity is essential for keeping customers happy. We have grown accustomed to fast communication and replies from businesses. Organisations need to be able to share information quickly. A high speed fibre internet connection means that you can offer better customer service and improve your business reputation.

If your consumer facing apps and websites are cloud-based then fibre optic internet provides a seamless connection. With SEACOM Business, enterprises can scale up their networks to cater for fluctuations in demand. For example, ticketing websites need to be able to handle surges in demand on particular days or times when high profile events go on sale.

New digital technologies require a strong connection

The next generation of connectivity is transforming our lives both at work and at home. Augmented reality (AR) is being used by businesses and their consumers. Computer generated images and immersive technologies are being used to bring people and digital platforms closer together.

AR provides a hands-on way to train and evaluate staff members. It is particularly useful in jobs that are high risk or which require highly specialised skills, such as medicine. Doctors can train each other on procedures without needing real patients. Emergency response personnel can practise in simulated environments.

AR-enabled devices make it possible to visualise information. It offers an immersive experience for employees to interact, collaborate or solve problems together. With augmented reality, business professionals and machines can work together. For example an engineer can use a virtual assistant to pull up information on their VR screen. These technologies are built on the cloud and require a high speed internet connection.

Connectivity with SEACOM Business

SEACOM Business has a comprehensive suite of enterprise connectivity products and services. ICT trends in South Africa indicate that fibre connectivity is set for exponential growth. With fibre internet, South Africa becomes more globally competitive and businesses can capitalise on a growing digital economy..

SEACOM Business has a range of connectivity solutions designed for South African enterprises and SMEs. For more information or to get a quote for our connectivity solutions, email us at marketing@seacom.com or leave us a message.

SEACOM owns Africa’s most extensive network of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, including subsea cables and secure internet connections. We offer a diverse range of flexible, scalable and high-quality solutions for businesses that meet world-class standards for connectivity.

SEACOM is privately owned and operated, making it agile and adaptable to the needs of the customer. This makes us the preferred ICT and internet connectivity partner for African businesses and peripheral service providers. We can guarantee high-speed, low-latency and secure internet connections to corporates and small enterprises.

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