Internet Solutions (IS) is trialling fibre to the home in a bid to work out cost-effective solutions that may see the fast access technology implemented more broadly.
IS, a division of NTT-owned Dimension Data, is looking at how technology and roll-out models can be used to bring down the price of fibre to the home, says CEO Derek Wilcocks.
IS has an existing fibre network in major metropolitans, which was mostly rolled out in partnership with other companies, Wilcocks explains.
However, fibre to the home is costly, and access is currently limited to large corporations or office parks, says Wilcocks. He says the technology is vital to enable cloud computing, as companies will need speeds that compare to local area network connectivity.
The company is currently trialling fibre to residential parks, such as one in Midrand, says Wilcocks. He says the company is using these roll-outs as technical lessons in terms of price point.
Currently, based on international experience, fibre to the home can cost between $5 000 and $10 000 to connect a house, based on the cheapest available technology, says Wilcocks.
Another challenge is the regulatory environment, notes Wilcocks. He says sharing infrastructure can bring down the costs, but it is not always easy to get permission to dig up pavements and roads.
Wilcocks explains the recent local loop unbundling hearings could aid roll-out if the communications regulator chooses an open-access model that includes fibre, as this will bring the end cost down.
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