A collaboration between the Keetmanshoop municipality and Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) has set the ground for a smart city development.
The parties signed an agreement last week which aims to usher in a new era of digital service solutions, propelling Keetmanshoop towards its vision of becoming a smart city.
MTC acting chief commercial officer Elton Katangolo said the partnership transforms the way the town conducts business.
“MTC is pleased to have laid a cooperation framework with the leadership of the Keetmanshoop Town Council, through which we will be facilitating the transformation of how the municipality conducts business – from traditional to a more vibrant ecosystem of a connected digital web that enhances users’ experience,” said Katangolo.
According to the agreement, the collaboration extends beyond payments, aiming to develop the municipality’s Smart Metering and Smart Grid platform.
The focus is on remote data management and automation, ensuring efficient and modernised utilities management.
In addition, the partnership involves co-sharing infrastructure, including the municipality’s transmission and fibre infrastructure.
This multifaceted approach seeks to optimise resources and enhance the digital landscape for Keetmanshoop residents.
In addition, the parties will collaborate on developing smart home connectivity products for the municipality’s clients.
The initiative also aims to empower residents with cutting-edge technology for enhanced living. Moreover, the partnership extends to community Wi-Fi services for residential suburbs, ensuring widespread connectivity.
According to MTC, the move aligns with the broader vision of creating a digitally connected community.
Keetmanshoop mayor McDonald Hanse emphasised the significance of the agreement.
“The signing of this [agreement] with MTC is not just a symbolic gesture; it is a tangible commitment to align Keetmanshoop with the current trends of technology and innovation.”
Hanse also spoke on the long-term development goals of Keetmanshoop, highlighting that improving access to information for residents through such agreements would exponentially strengthen the communication sector of the town.
“With this partnership, Keetmanshoop is set to pursue smart metering, improved service delivery, systems efficiency, seamless data-driven business processes, enhanced citizen satisfaction and supporting local digital innovation and solutions,” said Hanse.
This collaborative effort with MTC signifies a significant step towards Keetmanshoop’s transformation into a smart city, providing high-speed internet, robust mobile connectivity and various digital services as accessible necessities, not as luxuries.
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