Open-use internet: The importance of internet in public spaces
June 4, 2025
CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, JUNE 2025
Internet access is no longer a luxury – in today’s hyper-connected world, it provides access to everything from healthcare to education.
However, for many across South Africa, it remains out of reach due to socio-economic barriers. This highlights the importance of offering free internet access in public spaces, in order to narrow the digital divide.
What is the digital divide?
The digital divide refers to the gap between individuals and communities who have access to reliable internet and those who don’t. This divide affects many aspects of daily life, not least of which being the ability to engage with educational content. As a result, those without connectivity are at a disadvantage when it comes to skills and access to online educational resources. Providing free or low-cost internet in public areas helps narrow this gap by giving everyone a chance to connect and learn.
In what other ways does free internet help communities?
In a 2021 report, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for universal internet access by 2030, describing it as a “basic human right.” Beyond educational opportunities, internet access enables individuals to seek employment online, find valuable information on a range of topics, and actively participate in shaping their communities by engaging with leadership. As more public services move online, connectivity also allows community members to report service delivery issues and receive timely responses.
"Universal internet access should be enshrined as a basic human right by 2030."
Across Africa, internet access in non-urban areas has been shown to increase economic activity, online banking uptake and citizen science projects.
Importantly, access to online materials can help improve literacy and numeracy in underserved groups such as young girls, older people and people who speak indigenous languages.
Is the South African government providing public spaces with free internet?
According to a 2025 Public Wi-Fi Stats & Trends report by Broadband Search, South Africa has 11 422 public Wi-Fi spots. The South African government has rolled out public Wi-Fi spots in the Western Cape, Tshwane and Gauteng in recent years. There are also private companies providing free internet access in these and other areas. The government’s SA Connect programme, which aims to make broadband connectivity a reality for all South Africans, plans to create 32 055 community Wi-Fi hotspots and connect 5 573 258 households by 2026.
While government support to free public Wi-Fi has been proactive and promising, effective rollout and infrastructure installations have been slow in non-urban areas. Theft, corruption, bureaucratic processes and even the topography of South Africa all remain challenges.
"In bridging the digital divide and connecting South Africans online we can position our society and economy for future development in the digital era."
Can more be done to increase free internet access?
As the need for internet access grows, so too does the digital divide. This presents a valuable opportunity for businesses, NGOs, and non-profit organisations to form partnerships aimed at bridging this gap – much like SABEN’s collaboration with various organisations to end bandwidth poverty.
The support of our funding partners and government stakeholders ensures that SABEN’s mission to close the digital divide continues well into the future.
Contact our development team to discover how your company can support a project in your community.
