{
  "id": 7529580,
  "title": "WOAN comeback in KZN with R7m UK funding",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/woan-comeback-in-kzn-with-r7m-uk-funding",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-15T10:17:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ITWeb",
    "slug": "itweb",
    "url": "https://www.itweb.co.za/article/woan-comeback-in-kzn-with-r7m-uk-funding/VgZeyvJlpkBMdjX9"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A R7 million UK-funded digital inclusion initiative in KwaZulu-Natal is focusing on the wireless open access network (WOAN) model to increase affordable connectivity in rural and township areas. Delivered through the UK-South Africa Digital Partnership, the program aims to strengthen community-owned connectivity infrastructure and create economic opportunities for local businesses. The project, led by Teen Entrepreneur through AdNotes in collaboration with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, will deploy WOAN infrastructure in underserved communities, potentially reducing network deployment costs. Despite past skepticism and failures in some countries, the initiative expects to establish 250 public WiFi hotspots, connect 150 public facilities, and provide connectivity to 1,500 homes. The British High Commission to South Africa emphasizes the role of community network operators in expanding digital inclusion and contributing to local economic development. The programme's WOAN component could serve as a practical test of shared network infrastructure at the community level, with potential lessons applicable to broader connectivity efforts across South Africa.",
  "summary": "A UK-backed project revives the WOAN model in KZN, to expand affordable connectivity through community-owned networks.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}