Abstract:

On a world scale SADC countries rank among some of those with lowest broadband growth and penetration. This phenomenon has its roots in the frameworks being used to promote broadband growth and adoption among other things in these member states. The research argues that traditional broadband frameworks used across the world are economic in nature quite similar in their design though they may be implemented differently. As a point of departure, this research submits that broadband frameworks may share similar structures but these structures need to be permeated and influenced by the uniqueness of the people group among which they intend be implemented. As a result, each framework needs to reflect a certain degree of this uniqueness both in structure and implementation. Using Socio-Technical Theory (STT) as a lens, this constructive research task aims to propose a framework for enhancing broadband growth and penetration in SADC. The research seeks to present an evolutionary and adaptive framework for broadband growth and penetration by analysing and integrating the major determinants in our reality space which are Society, Technology and their Environment. This Socio-technical environment is going to be studied in bid to establish the relationships that exist and should exist between the mentioned determinants.  The resulting framework will articulate principles that should underpin and guide efforts of task teams and/or governments as they thrive to achieve broadband growth and penetration within the region. The outcome of this research which is a socially constructed artefact; a framework for broadband growth and penetration in SADC will have to be tested using focus groups (targeted telecommunications expert organisations, civic groups and government departments).