New broadband network to be established

Cell C, Internet Solutions and Convergence Partners are developing a new broadband network that will provide world-class broadband connectivity, FibreCo Telecommunications said on Wednesday.

The network would be an open-access long-haul terrestrial fibre-optic broadband network that would help with the national transmission infrastructure, spokesperson Suzanne Jefferies said in a statement.

“Construction of the network will follow a three-phase approach and ultimately will cover a total distance in excess of 12 000km.

“The initial phase will focus on rolling out a 4 500km redundant core ring, linking Gauteng, Cape Town and Durban to international cable landing stations within two years,” she said.

Cell C’s extensive national wireless network would provide the platform for the “co-location” of optical transmission equipment at its base stations, as well as wireless access solutions for FibreCo’s customers.

Internet Solutions provided access to the delivery of value-added networking solutions, including facilities for sthoing customers’ optical termination equipment in urban centres, Jefferies said.

Convergence Partners contributed expertise in the development and financial structuring of large-scale telecommunications infrastructure projects.

“FibreCo is building a state-of-the-art managed network to deliver the most efficient route combinations and services to its customers,” she said.—Sapa