Internet access is set to change in the Western Cape, with Wi-Fi access seeing exponential growth in the near future as the Western Cape Government will now offer affordable Wi-Fi access. On 16 March, we launched the first 50 of 384 planned public access Wi-Fi hotspots in partnership with Neotel.
Most people and communities in rural, remote areas rely heavily on mobile phones to stay in touch and conduct business, and since mobile broadband costs are still unaffordable to many of our citizens, having Wi-Fi networks in place present them with options they would normally not have.
Broadband is a Game Changer
We also know that the way in which young people interact, engage and learn is changing, and we understand the importance of connectivity in creating opportunity and opening up a world of knowledge for people of all ages.
With the Western Cape Government’s (WCG) Broadband Game Changer, we’re striving towards a Western Cape where every resident in every town and village has access to affordable high speed broadband infrastructure and services, has the necessary skills to effectively utilise this infrastructure, and is actively using this in their day-to-day lives.
What the Neotel Wi-Fi Internet Access Project means for users who connect:
- Stable, reliable and fast Wi-Fi hotspots in 384 wards.
- Easy access to limited free internet access (250 MB per user per month).
- Unlimited free access to .gov.za websites (any time, on any connected device).
- The development of ICT and other skills development and improved levels of digital literacy.
- Access to jobs, employment readiness information, tender opportunities and details about internships, learnerships and bursaries.
Who has access?
Anyone with a Wi-Fi enabled device can use the service. Mobile phones that are within the coverage area of a NeoHotspot located at any of the 384 sites in the Western Cape will be able to use the limited free Wi-Fi service.
Connected and empowered
As we continue to roll out the Wi-Fi network across the province, we look forward to closing the digital divide as access and usage of internet reaches all our citizens, and to help stimulate local economic development, by providing a connected, enabling environment for businesses to grow.
Connected and empowered
As we continue to roll out the Wi-Fi network across the province, we look forward to closing the digital divide as access and usage of internet reaches all our citizens, and to help stimulate local economic development, by providing a connected, enabling environment for businesses to grow.
Benefits related to hotspots
- Increased access to job opportunities, information and transactional opportunities.
- Increased usage of hotspots for educational purposes.
- Improved safety at premises.
- Opportunity for improved service delivery.
- Decrease the digital divide.
Connect to a ward near you
We plan to help you connect in 3 phases:
- Phase 1: 50 hotspots will be deployed during the 2015/16 financial year,
- Phase 2: 100 hotspots will be deployed during the 2016/17 financial year, and
- Phase 3: The remaining 234 hotspots will be deployed during the 2017/18 financial year.
How it will work
The Wi-Fi hotspots will be mounted on the external walls of the buildings, and will point out towards the nearby community. Depending on topography, the hotspots have a range of 200m.
Over and above the free access to 250MB per month of non-chargeable data, users will also enjoy free access to government websites. The hotspots will be operated and managed by Neotel.
If you need any help connecting, or have any questions about the service, contact:
Phone: 0860 636 835
Email: consumers@neotel.co.za
How to connect
- Go to device settings on your Wi-Fi enabled device.
- Turn on Wi-Fi.
- Search for Wi-Fi Networks.
- Select NeoHotspot.
- Click Connect.
- Start browsing!
Our Internet Champions will be the ears on the ground for 3 months after the sites have been deployed, and will form an important part of the post launch communication, awareness and support.
- Look out for Internet Champions wearing branded t-shirts at every hotspot. They’re there to guide and assist you in connecting to Wi-Fi and using the connection on your device.
- If you’d like to take your digital knowledge one step further, ask one of our Internet Champions about the free mini internet course available. Complete the training successfully and you’ll receive an Internet Champion certificate, signed by Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, Alan Winde.
- The Internet Champions play an important role in the delivery of the Western Cape Broadband Strategy, helping prepare users by providing them with digital skills, and increasing the general availability and use of the internet.
Find a hotspot near you
| Site Name | Physical Address |
| 1. 148 Long Street | 148 Long Street, Cape Town |
| 2. Aristea Primary | Brighton Road, Kraaifontein |
| 3. Bellville High Technical School | 20 College Road, Bellville |
| 4. Bonteheuwel Secondary | 54 Dissel Road, Cape Town |
| 5. Bosmansdam High School | Adam Tas Avenue, Bothasig |
| 6. Brackenfell High School | Rogland Street, Brackenfell |
| 7. Bridgetown Secondary | 15 Denne Street, Cape Town |
| 8. Dr. Van Der Ross Primary | 26 Koeberg Avenue, Belhar |
| 9. Durbanville High School | Langenhoven Street, Durbanville |
| 10. Education District Office East (Kuilsriver) | Nooiensfontein Road, Kuils River |
| 11. Education District Office North (Parow) | Timmerman Street, Parow |
| 12. Elswood Secondary | Epping Avenue, Leonsdale |
| 13. Gene Louw Traffic College | Brackenfell Boulevard, Brackenfell |
| 14. Goulburn Centre | 18 Goulburn Street, Goodwood |
| 15. Grassdale High School | Fourth Avenue, Grassy Park |
| 16. Grassy Park Secondary | c/o Sixth Avenue and Victoria Rd, Grassy Park |
| 17. No. 2 Portswood Road | Block B, Old City Hospital Complex, Portswood Road |
| 18. Groote Schuur High School | 76 Palmyra Road, Newlands |
| 19. Heideveld Secondary | Waterberg Road, Heideveld |
| 20. Ikamvalethu Secondary | Zone 27 Off Washington Street, Temba Nqose Street, Langa |
| 21. Isilimela Secondary | Washington Road, Langa |
| 22. Kenridge Primary | Van Riebeeck Avenue, Kenridge, Durbanville |
| 23. Kuils River Technical Secondary School | 22-40 Driebergen Road, Highbury, Kuils River |
| 24. Langa Social Development | 2 Rubusana Avenue, Langa |
| 25. Rosendaal Secondary | 101 Main Road, Delft |
| 26. Livingstone High School | 100 Imam Haron Road, Claremont |
| 27. Maitland Secondary | Station Road, Maitland |
| 28. Manenberg Secondary | Tugela Road, Mannenberg |
| 29. Masibambisane Secondary | 669 Main Road, Delft South |
| 30. Modderdam Secondary | 281 Bonteheuwel Road, Bonteheuwel |
| 31. Phoenix Secondary | Silverstream Road, Manenberg |
| 32. Plumstead High School | Basil Road, Plumstead |
| 33. Range Secondary | Lower Balvenie Avenue, The Range |
| 34. Rentzburghof (DSD) | 42 Courtenay Street, George |
| 35. Salt River Secondary | Rochester Road, Salt River |
| 36. Scottsville Secondary | Petunia Street, Scottsville |
| 37. Southfield Primary | 37 Dirkie Uys Street, Wynberg |
| 38. St. Agnes Primary | 13 Dublin Street, Woodstock |
| 39. Stellenbosch Library | Plein Street, Stellenbosch |
| 40. Soeteweide Road (outside the Provincial Hospital) | Soeteweide Road, Stellenbosch |
| 41. Sunbell Building | 245 Voortrekker Road, Bellville |
| 42. Symphony Secondary | Symphony Way, Belhar |
| 43. Tygerberg Hospital (field outside) | Fransie Van Zyl Avenue, Parow |
| 44. Voorbrug Secondary | Voorbrug Road, Delft |
| 45. Westcott Primary | Myburgh Road, Diep River |
| 46. Windsor High School | 1 Smuts Road, Rondebosch East |
| 47. York Park Building | 93 York Street, George |
| 48. Zwaanswyk High School | 370 Main Road, Tokai |
| 49. Uitsig Primary | Uitsig Avenue, Uitsig |
| 50. Thembalethu Secondary | Qhawa Street, George |
