Neotel outlines fibre-to-the-home strategy
Neotel says that, while it has conducted proof of concept trials related to bringing fibre-to-the-home, its focus remains on the enterprise space.
Fixed-line business, Neotel is currently in discussions with mobile operator, Vodacom, over a merger deal.
The two groups entered into exclusive discussions regarding a potential acquisition of 100% of the shares of Neotel, by Vodacom, in September last year.
Bloomberg reported that Vodacom’s proposed takeover of Tata Communications’ South Africa unit would include up to $500 million (R5.3 billion) of debt, with the deal valued as high as 10 billion
Neotel said it would not comment on how those discussions are progressing.
FTTH versus enterprise
“We have conducted some Proof of Concepts in the gated communities. The most recent was the Maboneng Precinct, which was very successful,” Neotel said.
“Neotel has a strongly focused fibre strategy and have chosen to first focus on the enterprise, office park and CBD areas of the Gauteng, Durban and Cape Town regions,” it said.
The company said it has deployed in excess of 800kms of FTTx fibre in these areas, and has proactively deployed fibre in over 2,000 buildings to date.
“That is over and above the 7,500kms of metro fibre we deployed in the same areas,” Neotel said.
The group noted, however, that the residential POC’s were “very promising and Neotel is investigating to bring a product to the market in the residential wholesale space in future”.
“This will, however, require a collaborative approach in the ecosystem that consists of community developers, service providers and end users,” it said.
More on Neotel and FTTH
Vodacom readying fibre-to-the-home
Vodacom Neotel deal valued at $460 million
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