Today, Robertson learners and local businesses are set to receive a massive boost through the launch of free Wi-Fi.

Around 20 000 people will have access to the network as part of the Western Cape Government’s Free Wi-Fi project.

Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, explained that four schools in the area would act as central connection points.

These are:

·        Langeberg Secondary School

·        Vergesig

·        Nqubela Secondary School

·        Masakheke Combined School



“Residents will have access to 250MB free data per device each day. If this same amount of data were to be accessed and paid for through a mobile device, it would cost over R350 a month. In addition, there will be unlimited free browsing on a specialised content portal, Tobetsa. This portal will offer access to government online services, as well as educational and job-searching resources such as Wikipedia and Gumtree,” said Minister Winde.

Minister Winde said that in addition to being a major economic catalyst, the roll out of free Wi-Fi would also encourage innovation.

On Wednesday, at the launch of the Atlantis Wi-Fi hotspot, Minister Winde announced a competition for the best innovation linked to the free Wi-Fi project. Prizes to the value of R14 000 will be awarded for the winning ideas.

“We want people to use the Wi-Fi we are providing to improve their lives,” said Minister Winde. Today’s event was the third Wi-Fi hotspot launch this week.

On Monday, the project went live in Eden and on Wednesday, in Atlantis. The Delft launch takes place in October. In total, 90 000 residents will be connected through this pilot project. Through the Western Cape Broadband Project, a total of 2000 sites will be brought online.