[12 April 2025] The Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024 has been published. This is an important overarching framework for government activities over the next five years.

The table below sets out connectivity and device access targets:

Intervention indicators Intervention baseline Mid-term targets End-term targets Lead Department
Population coverage of 5G networks 38.4% 5G population coverage 50% 5G population coverage 90% 5G population coverage DCDT
Fibre coverage 27% fixed broadband penetration 55% fixed broadband penetration 65% fixed broadband penetration DCDT {assisted by Eskom, Transnet, BBI, Sentech)
55% fibre backhaul 70% fibre backhaul 90% fibre backhaul DCDT
% households with fixed connectivity 14.5% households with fixed connectivity 25% households with fixed connectivity >50% households with fixed connectivity DCDT
Affordability of devices and data 30% reduction in cost of data

ECA Amendment Bill

 Implementation of policy on data cost reduction 60% reduction in cost of data DCDT
Percentage of 4G/5G smart phone adoption 26.3% 35% >50% DCDT

Other strategic interventions target a competitive ICT regulatory environment:

Intervention Indicators Intervention Baseline Mid-Term Targets End-Term Targets Lead Department(s)
Equity equivalent programme in ICT sector

 

 New indicator Recognise EEIPs in ICT sector – DCDT supported by National Treasury
Improve SA ranking in ICT Development Index (IDI), WEF global competitiveness report, UN e-Gov Survey Current rankings 15% improvement in key rankings 30% improvement in key rankings DCDT