Various service providers have enlarged their zero-rated data offering to educational websites since the start of April.
Many of these service providers have done so in accordance with recommendations made by the Competition Commission in its Data Service Market Inquiry report released in December 2019.
The current national lockdown has however emphasised the need for a bigger zero-rating offering for many students.
Various educational websites are zero-rated by data service providers. PHOTO: Tran Mau Tri Tam on Unsplash
In an email sent to the Stellenbosch University (SU) community by prof Stan du Plessis, the chair of the Institutional Committee for Business Continuity (ICBC) at SU, on 8 April, it was acknowledged that a number of students at this university have indicated that they do not have the necessary technology or internet connection needed for online learning.
The university is in the process of assisting these students, Du Plessis said.
Work towards inclusive e-learning
Students find themselves in extraordinary times, so students need to be as creative and innovative as possible, said Lewis Mboko, chairperson of the Students Representative Council (SRC) at SU.
“We are in full support of e-learning, but our biggest task that we currently have been working on is making it inclusive for all our students,” said Mboko.
Rector and vice-chancellor of SU, prof Wim de Villiers, first announced plans to talk to service providers on 26 March, in an email sent to students and staff.
Currently, SUNLearn, Stellenbosch University’s (SU) online learning platform, as well as the SUNLearn app, is zero-rated for Vodacom, MTN, Cell C and Telkom. So are various other academic websites.
“I feel like the university is doing their part in this pandemic to ensure that the year will continue with everyone having the necessities needed to study,” said Kyle Mckinnon, a third-year BAcc student at SU who has limited access to data. “Personally that would be enough for me.”
However, postgraduate student Sandra Mbatha said that the SUNLearn app is not a good option for phone users.
“[The SUNLearn app is] massive, so most phones can’t carry an app that big and download things on it,” Mbatha said.
Save data by switching to zero-rated data when learning online. INFOGRAPHIC: Nicole Nasson
While at home, here are a few tips to help you save data. INFOGRAPHIC: Nicole Nasson