ANALYSIS / RECOMMENDATIONS

Networked Access
With such a large growing and developing country they may not reach the global plateau that is desired because of the lack of penetration. The sectors of the country that are the most heavily populated, the rural sectors are the sectors in which are holding back South Africa’s global growth. This is why they have not been able to move on to stage three because of the lack of penetration. With initiates of the private sectors making attempts to get involvement from locals there will have to be a continued planning for these issues to be resolved and access directed into other regions. With the mobile development in the country, this may be a catalyst for advancements because the rural regions may gain access to the wireless network but still be lacking the hardwired infrastructure they must have. Overall, this countries infrastructure in the major cities still needs to develop but the real focus is in the outer regions that desperately need to get connected. The new use of satellite will be help rural areas but that seems to be more of a down the road process over the next several years rather than an upcoming solution.

Networked Learning
It is a mistake to believe that by simply introducing ICTs into an area, it will instantly be transformed into a global partner. South Africa is slowly improving their chances of success by implementing ICTs into the primary and secondary levels of education. The universities are continuing to improve on the technology presently being used. The demise of apartheid opened up the universities and technikons to a larger pool of students that can improve the economic and social climate of the workforce and eventually the nation.

Networked Society
The Internet user wants a fast, reliable connection, rather than a technically brilliant way for it to reach the computer. It’s very clear in the case of South Africa that broadband has a significant impact on growing the number of Internet users in the country and it has certainly helped bridge the digital divide in the past few years.
The government should become actively involved in reducing the cost of bandwidth which is imperative in order to stimulate the growth of Internet usage. The true cost of bandwidth is clear from the dramatic slow-down in growth of Internet users in SA. Therefore, the industry has to be technically brilliant in such a way that the user doesn't even know about it.

Network Economy
The development of enabling policies and regulatory infrastructures in support of the emerging Information Society are arguably the most important initiatives that can be embarked on by governments, both in the developed and developing worlds. For this reason, it has to be ensured that processes are followed to produce quality products while using scarce resources. Local markets have to adjust their infrastructure while tweaking foreign-developed concepts for implementation in environments with starkly distinct uses and customs. Emphasis is needed with the following:
? Expand and improve telecommunication links between neighboring countries
? Improve online payment systems and acceptability within the region and Africa wide
? Investment in IT education to develop human capital
? Transparency and good governance
? Improve and enforce cyber laws for effective informational security

Network Policy
With the strong telecommunications infrastructure already established, South Africa is well on the way to accomplishing the goals of broadening their networked area. Venturing out from the major metropolitan areas and moving into essential untouched sector will move this country into the global playing field they plan for. However, the goals of the policies will face a number of challenges. In their efforts to reach the under privileged sectors of the country it will be difficult because for several reasons: Rural areas that have outdated computers and software, areas where internet access is not a major necessity, training and education for such areas, areas that have little to no infrastructure will all create some difficulties in the efforts in creating a networked society outside of the already structured area. The goals of the policies are not unattainable, but the scope of the initiative may be broader than what the country needs due to the geographical make up. Getting access into parts of the safari and jungles regions of the country where some of the more popular dialects are not widely used is going to be an obstacle that may not need to be over come. Overall, the goal to broaden the networking access to sectors that have been historically underprivileged will elevate there placement in the global market.

Offshore Opportunities
Although South Africa’s economy is in many areas highly developed, there are some weaknesses. In recent years, the new leadership is receptive to foreign investment, and South Africa has made good progress in dismantling its old economic system and is on the right track to make the country attractive for offshore opportunities by taking measures like reducing high tariffs and subsidies, evaluating anti-competition measures, and imposing widespread government intervention.