Smartcity scenario to be unveiled in Durban.(News)

DURBAN is one step closer to becoming a "smart city" with access to cheap internet services including e-mail accounts for residents.

The first SmartCity Information Communication Technology (ICT) Conference will be held at the Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre this week and the Smartcity concept, like affordable broadband, will be explained to business, government officials and the public.

Speakers will include internationally renowned information technology specialists as well as the Deputy Minister of Communications, Roy Padayachie.

Padayachie has been vocal in his support for cheaper access to broadband and said if South Africa wanted to be globally competitive it needed some major changes - referring to an alternative to Telkom.

There will also be an exhibition showcasing the use of broadband technologies including the "intelligent home", remote conferencing (e-learning) and and e-Government.

Jacquie Subban, Head of Geographic Information and Policy at eThekwini Municipality, said an "active" layer would be added to the city's current fibre-optic infrastructure.

"This will allow it to have carrier class status, meaning that there will be two separate networks - one for the city's use and the other for the private sector, making internet usage and local phone calls highly affordable for all the citizens of Durban." - jani.meyer@inl.co.za