Independent Online reports that the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has reduced its commitment to Cape Town’s planned fibre optic network, from R51.6m to R30m.

In December the city council fast-tracked the city-wide broadband network in preparation for South Africa’s hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. An expenditure of R400m was committed to the first phase of the project.

However, with the new CSIR’s reduced commitment, the city council will have to re-plan the project.