Telkom says its retail and consumer division will leverage open access fibre from network provider Vumatel to complement its fibre network footprint and reach even more consumers in more areas across SA.
Telkom says through its wholesale network provider, Openserve, the company already has "the most extensive fibre network footprint in the country", with access to over 81 000 homes covered. Openserve also remains committed to its goal of bringing fibre to one million South African homes by 2018.
"The fibre industry is highly competitive and we have seen an accelerated roll-out of fibre networks across the country. While Openserve holds the lion's share of the national fibre footprint, there are currently areas not covered by their fibre network," says Telkom retail CEO Attila Vitai.
He says it makes commercial sense to leverage the networks of other open access fibre network providers to ensure customers are served immediately.
Vitai says with Vumatel's fibre network, Telkom can now offer products and services to customers in over 21 additional suburbs across Gauteng.
In future, Telkom plans to consider the commercial viability of dealing with other network infrastructure providers to reach even more areas across SA with fibre-to-the-home offerings.
"Leveraging infrastructure from various open access network providers is a step change in how we previously procured our network requirements, and is consistent with the ideals of functional separation between Telkom's wholesale and retail business units," Vitai says.
Vumatel CEO, Niel Schoeman, welcomed the partnership, saying Telkom's depth of experience in this industry will benefit consumers.
"Vumatel's robust fibre network will add desirability to Telkom's new fibre product and service range, and we look forward to providing even more choice to South Africans for high-speed fibre connectivity," he adds.
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