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.<\/p>\n
Fixed-line business, Neotel is currently in discussions with mobile operator, Vodacom, over a merger deal.<\/p>\n
The two groups entered into exclusive discussions regarding a potential acquisition of 100% of the shares of Neotel, by Vodacom, in September last year.<\/p>\n
Bloomberg reported that\u00a0Vodacom\u2019s proposed\u00a0takeover of Tata Communications\u2019 South Africa unit would\u00a0include up to $500 million (R5.3 billion) of debt, with the deal valued\u00a0as\u00a0high\u00a0as\u00a010\u00a0billion\u00a0
Neotel said it would not comment on how those discussions are progressing.<\/p>\n
FTTH versus enterprise<\/strong><\/p>\n “We have conducted some Proof of Concepts in the gated communities. The most recent was the Maboneng Precinct, which was very successful,” Neotel said.<\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “That is over and above the 7,500kms of metro fibre we deployed in the same areas,” Neotel said.<\/p>\n The group noted, however, that the residential POC\u2019s were “very promising and Neotel is investigating to bring a product to the market in the residential wholesale space in future”.<\/p>\n “This will, however, require a collaborative approach in the ecosystem that consists of\u00a0 community developers, service providers and end users,” it said.<\/p>\n Vodacom readying fibre-to-the-home<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Vodacom Neotel deal valued at $460 million<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Vodacom-Neotel details \u201cweeks away\u201d<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nMore on Neotel and FTTH<\/h3>\n