Company Announcement - World Telecommunications and Information Society Day was celebrated on 17 May 2015. The purpose of WTISD day is to highlight the importance of communication in society and to create awareness around the benefits of communication and information technologies to the people who use them.

In South Africa, the day is aimed at commemorating service providers on the improvements in communication and information technologies to enhance the quality that comes from this sector. This year, the The Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services, Dr. Siyabonga Cwele, celebrated the day by hosting an Imbizo in Mtatha in the Eastern Cape. Minister Cwele announced that the department is working with the telecommunications industry to develop information technologies in rural areas. Derek Wilson, Head of Hippo.co.za, says, “As we are a service provider that relies on technological improvements within the information and telecommunications sector to improve our own offering to our clients and partners, we support WTISD and the planned developments within the sector.”

Hippo.co.za is an online comparison website that allows South Africans to compare insurance and other financial quotes online. “Improvements in the information and telecommunications sector have enabled Hippo.co.za to extend its online comparison offering and services of a wide range of products: insurance (short-term, life and business), medical aid, personal loans, travel, and more,” says Wilson.

“Consumers can therefore experience the benefits of communication and information technologies as they are able to empower themselves by comparing and selecting the best value for their money when they compare online. 8 out of 10 people could save an average of R427* per month on their car insuranceand the the website is free to use, with no obligations or hassles.