Deputy mayor Peter Myers launched the project during a ceremony at the Knysna fire station on April 7.
KnysnaOn Wi-Fi hotspot was officially switched on at Masifunde Library in Concordia on November 11, 2016, which was followed by the ceremony at the fire station on April 7.
The project is by an internet service provider (ISP) company LaserNet and its infrastructure installation and management partner Sizwe Connect. They aim to bring economic development to Knysna, Sedgefield, and the surrounding districts, by providing world-class connectivity that will enable information and communications technology businesses to establish themselves in the area. KnysnaOn is a subsidiary of LaserNet.
During the ceremony at the fire station Myers said, “Today marks exactly one year since the launch of the KnysnaON initiative, an initiative which aims to deliver economic development to Greater Knysna through the implementation of this high-speed fibre optic network. The past year has seen KnysnaON deliver high-speed internet access to a number of businesses and homes alike, as well as the installation of Wi-Fi hotspots at two of our public libraries and one at the Quays Waterfront."
Myers said the three hot spots have serviced over 15 000 users to date. "Internet access is no longer considered a luxury, but rather a utility and access to quality internet is a necessity to any business," continued the deputy mayor. "Large or small, towns around the world have realised that this is only possible through joint public-private initiatives, and Knysna is no different."
Adding to this, he said LaserNet and their partners have worked tirelessly in ensuring that this network is deployed efficiently. In closing he said, "Today, we break ground to begin the installation of this network."
Lasernet's general manager, Alan Otto, said, “Friday's ceremony marked the end of a long period of planning, and the start of five years of phased installation of the infrastructure." He said that in the period since the launch a year ago, LaserNet has procured access to, and implemented services on, a national fibre backbone and that it has installed both a high-speed microwave link to Sedgefield, and a number of free, public Wi-Fi hot spots.
This year will see the installation of fibre to Knysna’s CBD, Costa Sarda, Old Place, the industrial area, Hunters Home, Leisure Isle, Rexford, and Brenton-on-Lake, which will deliver access to cloud computing, security services, video-on-demand platforms, and social media to all residents and businesses in the district.
According to Otto, the project will create local employment opportunities during the construction phase, and in the longer term it will enhance property values and make it easier for bigger business to set up shop in Knysna because they’ll no longer be constrained by nonconnectivity.
“Connectivity can do amazing things for the economies of small towns, and we're looking forward to seeing that happen here,” concluded Otto.
Ilse Van Schalkwyk (Knysna Municipality), Canton Pillay (LaserNet), Suren Govender (LaserNet), Elizna Prinsloo (LaserNet), Leon Naidoo (LaserNet), Malcolm Kirby (LaserNet), Peter Myers (deputy mayor of Knysna), Marlene Boyce (Knysna Municipality).
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