BitCo's resolution to have representation in every province of South Africa by 2015 has catapulted into fruition with the recent acquisition of a local wireless Internet service provider (WISP) servicing Rustenburg and surrounding areas.
From late 2012, BitCo had begun expanding infrastructure and coverage from Roodepoort through to Rustenburg in line with providing communication services to areas historically starved for an alternate telephony and Internet service provider. Over the same time, BitCo saw an influx of enquiries from the North West province only affirming this premise. Co-incidentally, local WISP Vectieba Networks, had also been working tirelessly to keep up with the growing demand and was among the dozens of businesses contacting BitCo seeking a reliable Internet resource.
Brandon Williams, owner and founder of Vectieba, first engaged with BitCo when looking to increase capacity for his existing client base. After meeting with Michael Colin, Sales Director of BitCo, Williams opted for a premium package via peering with one of BitCo's high sites. Williams recalls: "We needed a better solution. We were at that time using multiple ADSL lines. I started shopping around for something else. After discussing our needs with Michael Colin, he provided me with the best option, and that is where it all started. It was a big decision, but I can say that I have never looked back. This was a relationship on the right track."
Finding a remarkable improvement in latency and uptime as a result of BitCo's service, he continuously upgraded and eventually eliminated his ADSL altogether by rendering 20Mbps Premium Internet Access from BitCo.
It was only a matter of time before the relationship between Vectieba and BitCo would naturally progress to the symbiotic partnership we see today. Vectieba's local presence, with expanding customer demands, relies heavily on that of its service provider, which BitCo, as a nationally licensed tier one ISP seeking to increase reach and territory, could provide. Williams also notes that most of his clients are based in the rural areas around Rustenburg where telephony and Internet service providers are scarce.
When asked about the vision for this union, both parties agree the aim is to improve Internet services and support for North West consumers. "We plan to run a 1Gb dark fibre circuit into Rustenburg," reports Garth van Sittert, Technical Director of BitCo. He continues: "Together, coverage within the North West province is both attainable and sustainable and will, ultimately, offer customers more affordable services."
Share