Full Breakdown
Expanding Fiber Broadband Access in South Africa's Underserved Communities
10/10/2025, 1:18:02 PM
Nokia and Fibertime's Initiative
Nokia and Fibertime have announced a significant expansion of fiber broadband access to an additional 400,000 homes in South Africa's underserved townships. This initiative aims to provide affordable high-speed internet to low-income customers, many of whom are connecting for the first time. The partnership is part of Fibertime's broader goal to connect 2 million homes by 2028, utilizing Nokia's advanced technologies, including Lightspan access nodes and Wi-Fi 6 enabled fiber access points.
Technological Innovations and Deployment Strategy
Fibertime's deployment strategy includes the use of Nokia's ONT Easy Start platform, which automates the activation of fiber modems, thereby simplifying the installation process. Customers can access unlimited, uncapped internet for just 5 Rand per day, purchasing vouchers from local shops or banking apps. The service offers speeds of up to 950 Mbps in certain areas, with a standard offering of uncapped 100 Mbps. This rollout is expected to connect approximately 1,200 households daily, significantly enhancing internet accessibility in these communities.
Broader Context of Digital Connectivity in Africa
Despite the rapid growth of fiber optic infrastructure in Africa, the continent still faces challenges in achieving widespread connectivity. As of early 2025, Africa had 77 active or under-construction submarine cable systems, yet many inland areas remain underserved due to insufficient terrestrial networks. The African Telecommunications Union reported that only 2,130,506 km of operational terrestrial fiber optic networks exist across the continent, with less than 1% of Africans having fixed-line internet subscriptions. This highlights a significant digital divide, particularly in rural and underserved regions.
Criticism and Challenges
Critics argue that while initiatives like those of Nokia and Fibertime are commendable, they do not address the underlying issues of infrastructure governance and investment needed to support broader connectivity. The reliance on foreign private actors for infrastructure development raises concerns about digital sovereignty and equitable access. Additionally, the lack of national and cross-border fiber networks hampers the distribution of capacity to operators and communities inland.
Official Statements
Danvig De Bruyn, CEO of Fibertime, emphasized the importance of reliable broadband for community development, stating, “Reliable broadband is critical for thriving communities—powering education, healthcare, and local economies.” Sandy Motley, President of Fixed Networks at Nokia, echoed this sentiment, noting that their collaboration is aimed at overcoming the unique challenges faced by underserved populations.
What's Next
The expansion of fiber broadband access is part of a larger trend across Africa, with various projects aimed at improving internet access and reducing data costs. As Fibertime continues its rollout, the success of this initiative may serve as a model for similar efforts in other regions, potentially bridging the digital divide and fostering economic growth.
