Telecoms provider Broadlink has launched a big last mile fibre access network which will ultimately have national coverage across South Africa. By Staff Writer
Broadlink, which is a subsidiary of WBS Holdings, who were recently acquired by Multisource, says that adding fibre solutions was a natural extension of its services, and in response to a growing demand in the business market for fibre-based Internet access.
The current shareholders of MultiSource include consortiums led by Phumlani Moholi, former CTO of MTN, and the family interests of Paul Harris and Michael Jordaan, together with management.
Broadlink have extended its radio network to include: Potchefstroom; Bloemfontein; Kimberly; Middelburg; Witbank; Nelspruit; Polokwane; Richards Bay; East London; Port Elizabeth; Paarl; Stellenbosch; Somerset West and Strand. It will also offer its traditional radio services along with a selection of IP based solutions throughout these areas with fibre following it in due course.
Mike Brown, CEO of Broadlink, said in a statement that this new approach will enable Broadlink to increase its client base on either radio or fibre solutions, using what is already a proven telecoms network.
The firm anticipate great demand for their fibre solutions, not only from existing customers, but the greater business market as well.
“Our fibre strategy will help strengthen the company’s overall connectivity portfolio as we strive to offer clients increased connectivity speeds and capacities,” said Brown.
Brown added that it makes sense to diversify into fibre as the group already makes use of 8000km of fibre, which is used exclusively for Broadlink’s microwave high sites and backhaul requirements.
“With this footprint, and the fact that Broadlink reaches over 3000 businesses, it made sense to offer customers access to both fibre and microwave.”
The company, which is best known for its provision of wireless and satellite connectivity solutions, aims to initially connect customers in Gauteng, Durban, Bloemfontein and Cape Town.
“We are responding to requests from businesses for connectivity solutions that complement our radio network for clients with requirements for very high data transfer rate requirements. We have partnered with numerous well-established fibre providers of metro and long-haul telecommunications traffic in South Africa. This collaboration will bring a very competitive offering to the market as it continues to grow at unprecedented rates,” said Brown.
