South Africa Secures $16.5 Million for National Internet Rollout

South Africa has set aside 250 million rand ($16.5 million) to start the first phase of broadband roll-out across Africa’s most industrialized economy and will approach the private sector, banks and development institutions about additional funding, the telecommunications minister said.

Construction will start in three months following various delays, Siyabonga Cwele said in a phone interview on Monday. The total cost of the project could rise to as much as 62 billion rand, according to market research commissioned by the ministry. Further detail will be included as part of the government’s telecommunications budget, scheduled to be announced on Tuesday.