As South Africa’s digital economy continues to grow, the need for intelligent, future-focused telecommunications infrastructure is more essential than ever. At the heart of this transformation lies network planning, a foundational discipline that shapes not only how connectivity is delivered, but how it enables progress and further digital transformation. For companies like Openserve, South Africa’s largest infrastructure provider, network planning isn’t just a technical process, but a strategic enabler. It is a way of designing tomorrow’s possibilities today.
The evolving role of network planning
Network planning has traditionally been defined by demand forecasting, infrastructure rollout and performance optimisation. But in today’s shifting environment, where hybrid work, IoT and digital inclusion agendas converge, this definition is evolving with the environment.
Network planning is no longer static or reactive. It’s become a dynamic, data-informed discipline that demands foresight, flexibility and a deep understanding of our ever-evolving digital landscape.
Nowhere is this more relevant, where uneven access and infrastructure gaps persist and prevent citizens from participating in the greater, digital economy. In this context, effective network planning has a greater mission: to enable economic participation, close the digital divide and build networks that support an inclusive digital society.
Planning for the long game
At Openserve, network planning is approached with a long-term lens, with planning horizons extending 10, 15, and even up to 25 years into the future. That means building infrastructure that can support future services, user behaviours and technologies, many of which haven’t even emerged yet.
This far-sighted thinking influences every layer of the network, from the location of internet exchange points (IXPs) and fibre corridors to the transition away from centralised architectures in favour of distributed, edge-ready infrastructure.
These strategic shifts are intentional design choices that unlock faster response times, lower latency, improved resilience and greater scalability. In doing so, companies can lay the groundwork for next-generation connectivity – from 5G backhaul to cloud services, as well as real-time / AI empowered applications.
Openserve: Leading with intent and insight
Openserve’s role in the sector goes beyond infrastructure deployment. It’s shaping the national connectivity strategy. With a strong legacy of engineering expertise and innovation, the company is increasingly seen as a leader in the field of network planning, offering a blueprint for how telcos and network operators can think differently about infrastructure.
This leadership is established on a clear understanding: that great networks aren’t just built for demand, they’re built for impact. That requires combining engineering excellence with broader national goals, like digital transformation, customer empowerment and social inclusion.
Purpose-led planning in practice
At Openserve, network planning is inseparable from purpose. The focus isn’t solely on where the biggest commercial returns lie, but on where the greatest difference and impact can be made. This belief is reflected in the rollout strategy, which balances urban densification projects with targeted rural expansion, making sure that fibre reaches underserved and remote communities. It also illustrates how the company engages with changing community needs, municipal plans and national infrastructure goals.
By incorporating purpose into planning, Openserve isn’t just expanding its footprint. It’s enabling access, opportunity and equity – one fibre line at a time.
Improving experience by design
Network planning also plays an important role in shaping the customer experience. Openserve’s data-driven approach makes sure that networks are designed to be responsive to real-world usage, not just today, but tomorrow and the future ahead.
As customer behaviours shift – with more content streaming, remote work and cloud reliance – networks must adapt. Planning allows for anticipation of those shifts and the expansion of capacity before congestion becomes an issue.
This proactive approach ensures a smoother, more reliable experience for the end user, whether they’re a small business in a township, a remote student, or a large corporate client.
Infrastructure that powers transformation
Ultimately, network planning is about more than connectivity. It’s about laying the foundations for South Africa’s digital future. That includes enabling smart cities, e-governance, digital learning, remote healthcare, AI-powered services, and the full potential of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Telecommunications infrastructure is the nervous system of a modern economy. If we want to digitise the industry, we need infrastructure that’s resilient and scalable. That starts with an optimal and forward-thinking planning process.
Looking ahead
As South Africa navigates an evolving digital landscape, Openserve is leading the way with purpose-driven, future-ready network planning. The company’s approach doesn’t just respond to the moment but also anticipates what’s next and what our customers need.
With a clear strategy, deep engineering insight and a commitment to equitable access, Openserve is building more than networks. It’s building the future of connectivity. One that’s faster, fairer and built to last.
- Shawn Botes is the Chief Planning & Engineering Officer at Openserve.
