Frogfoot Networks, a licensed open-access fibre network provider, is launching Frogfoot RISE, a prepaid, uncapped internet service aimed at expanding fibre connectivity across South Africa’s townships.
The pilot programme will connect 40,000 to 45,000 homes within the next 3 to 6 months, starting with Vrygrond and Phillipi in the Western Cape.
These areas, situated beyond Frogfoot’s existing network, are densely populated and currently underserved.
“Frogfoot Networks’ ambition is to bring access to uncapped connectivity to as many South Africans as possible. Of course, this will have to be accomplished through a mix of technologies, but it makes more sense to provide the communities that border our footprint with fibre-based wireless connectivity. Frogfoot RISE will provide them with a more stable and cost-effective internet experience with uncapped access for less than R10 per day,” says David Coleman, Frogfoot Networks’ Chief Product Officer.
Retail packages will start from a 10/5 Mbps voucher for 7 days at R69, to a 50/25 Mbps voucher valid for 30 days.
Unlike traditional fibre installations, Frogfoot RISE simplifies access for residents by installing an optical network terminal (ONT) that includes built-in WiFi capabilities. This means that there is no extra fibre installation required by the ISP, while residents don’t need an additional router in order to access the internet.
Community engagement is key
“Local partners play a pivotal role in building the fibre network, installing ONTs, conducting activations and recharge campaigns, as well as network maintenance – bringing longer-term benefits to the communities that they live in. Engagement has been going on for some time now in the pilot areas, and working closely with the community enables us to build these virtual highways in a way that local communities feel part of it,” says Coleman.
Coleman points out that Frogfoot Networks’ has for long had a schools programme where registered schools falling within their fibre footprint were given a 1 Gbps line with the ISP of their choice, and this will continue with schools in the Frogfoot RISE coverage area, bringing further benefits to these communities.
“Frogfoot Networks has been focusing on maximising our investments to date, including evaluating various options for geographic expansion of our network paired with the right offering aimed at improving fibre penetration across more communities. More areas located within close proximity to our fibre backbone with similar characteristics to the pilot areas will be considered beyond the pilot phase,” says Coleman.
