Africa’s digital divide remains one of the continent’s most pressing challenges, with millions still lacking reliable internet access. However, Sthembiso Dlamini, the visionary CEO and founder of Quadrupleplay, is determined to change that. His company, an innovative internet managed service provider, is bridging the connectivity gap through a mix of fibre, wireless and community-driven solutions.
In an exclusive interview with TechFinancials, Dlamini shares how Quadrupleplay is expanding access, overcoming rural deployment hurdles and promoting partnerships to ensure seamless connectivity across Africa.
Quadrupleplay’s Footprint
Currently operating in 11 towns across South Africa, including Northam, Thabazimbi, Rustenburg, Johannesburg, Bethlehem, Kroonstad, Mbombela, Siyabuswa, Kwa Mhlanga, Cape Town,and Qwaqwa, Quadrupleplay is making steady progress in bringing the internet to households that need it most.
“We’ve connected over 2,000 homesteads so far,” says Dlamini. “Our focus is on WiFi-based solutions, ensuring affordability and accessibility for low-income communities.”
Beyond South Africa, Quadrupleplay has expanded into Eswatini and Zambia, where it supports government networks and deploys 4G fixed wireless solutions for critical services like healthcare facilities.
Flagship Services & Revenue Drivers
While Quadrupleplay offers a range of services – including Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), hosting, business solutions, and multimedia – its core revenue comes from network development for Internet Service Providers (ISP) customers.
“We build and manage networks for other internet service providers,” explains Dlamini. “This allows us to scale rapidly while empowering smaller ISPs to extend their reach.”
Strategic Partnerships: The Openserve Collaboration
A key enabler of Quadrupleplay’s growth is its partnership with Openserve, South Africa’s leading wholesale fibre provider.
Openserve is a subsidiary of the Telkom Group, and South Africa’s largest telecommunications infrastructure provider with the biggest fixed broadband network in the country. As South Africa’s national connectivity leader, Openserve connect South Africa to each of its neighbouring countries with robust dual terrestrial Fibre routes, geared to meet the demands of South Africa, SADC, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Openserve has more than 170, 000 km of fibre across South Africa.
“Openserve supplies our backhaul and internet provision, making our operations seamless,” says Dlamini. “In return, they gain additional revenue, just like any wholesale infrastructure provider.”
The partnership is set to deepen, with Quadrupleplay exploring opportunities to provide last-mile connectivity in areas beyond Openserve’s existing fibre footprint.
Overcoming Rural Deployment Challenges
Deploying infrastructure in rural Africa comes with unique obstacles, from poor road access to unreliable electricity.
Quadrupleplay’s innovative approach tackles these issues head-on.
1. Solar-Powered WiFi Networks
“Commercial power delays can take years,” Dlamini notes. “So, we use solar panels and batteries to keep our networks running independently.”
2. Community Ownership to Combat Theft
Vandalism and theft are major concerns, but Quadrupleplay’s co-ownership model has proven effective.
“When communities fund and own their networks, theft drops dramatically,” says Dlamini. “We transfer both ownership and investment responsibility to the villages, ensuring sustainability.”
3. Flexible Payment Solutions
Recognising that rural incomes are irregular, Quadrupleplay allows payments until the 25th of each month, with most users depositing funds via ATM transfers.
Job Creation & Economic Impact
Since its founding in July 2021, Quadrupleplay has:
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Directly employed 18 people in South Africa.
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Created over 200 indirect jobs through partnerships with small businesses handling installations.
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Supported equipment suppliers like Scoop, Miro, Uniterm, Fttx Energy, and CFS Africa.
Funding & Future Expansion
Currently, Quadrupleplay funds its operations through project revenues, but Dlamini envisions a shift toward community-funded networks, where locals fully finance their own connectivity.
“We’re moving into a phase where our role is primarily providing expertise,” he says.
Bridging the Digital Divide: Key Achievements
Dlamini highlights several milestones in Quadrupleplay’s mission:
1. Co-Investment Model Success
“Our community co-ownership approach respects traditional rural structures, ensuring long-term adoption.”
2. Advocacy for Dynamic Spectrum Allocation
Quadrupleplay is engaging regulators (ICASA, ZICTA, ESCCOM) to secure licence-exempt spectrum for rural deployments.
“We’re pushing for dynamic spectrum allocation, particularly in the C-band, to enhance connectivity,” Dlamini explains.
3. SADC-Wide Collaboration
At the recent SATA conference, Quadrupleplay identified critical gaps in regional connectivity.
“We aim to partner with all SADC operators to strengthen last-mile solutions,” says Dlamini. “A neutral data centre for member states could revolutionize digital access for 360 million people.”
The Road Ahead: A Connected Africa
Dlamini’s vision extends beyond just internet access – it’s about enabling digital transformation across Africa.
“By combining last-mile solutions, existing infrastructure, and regional data centres, we can close the digital divide,” he asserts. “This isn’t just about connectivity—it’s about empowering economies, education, and healthcare.”
With Quadrupleplay leading the charge, Africa’s digital future looks brighter than ever.
