Nokia has announced a partnership with Fibertime to deploy advanced fiber solutions. The collaboration aims to connect 1.5 million new customers using Nokia’s Lightspan FX Optical Line Terminals (OLTs) and Wi-Fi 6-enabled Optical Network Terminals (ONTs), making a significant step toward enhancing internet access in underserved South African regions
The expansion project, set to roll out in major cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, Gqeberha, Mangaung, and Stellenbosch, will begin with an initial deployment of 500,000 Wi-Fi 6-enabled ONTs over the next three years, focusing on underserved homes. Plans include extending connectivity to additional communities and neighboring countries.
With less than 85% of South Africans having access to high-speed broadband, many rely on costly mobile data plans, which can be up to 70 times more expensive per gigabyte than fiber options. The new infrastructure promises to provide affordable, reliable, pay-as-you-go broadband, creating vital educational opportunities, employment, and business opportunities for local communities.
Nokia’s President of Fixed Networks, Sandy Motley, emphasized the impact of the partnership: “Nokia’s fiber solution is uniquely positioned to help Fibertime reach millions of underserved customers needing high-speed broadband for essential services like online education and telehealth.
Our scalable OLT portfolio provides flexible coverage for both densely populated and rural areas. Paired with our Wi-Fi 6-enabled ONTs, we enable fast, automated onboarding. Together, these solutions allow Fibertime to speed up deployments and bring thousands of customers online at once.”
Alan Knott-Craig, founder of Fibertime, underscored the long-term market potential and social benefits of the initiative. “With Nokia’s support, we’re confident in our ability to reach 1.5 million homes within the next five years. We’re unlocking a massive, untapped market of 13 million homes in South Africa that are ready for affordable, quality internet. That market will need approximately R60 billion of investment over the coming decade and will generate reliable returns for investors,” he stated.
As the project advances, the Nokia-Fibertime partnership is poised to bridge the digital divide and foster social and economic growth in South Africa, making broadband access a reality for millions.
