Telkom is expanding fibre access into some of South Africa’s most underserved communities, turning a government infrastructure contract into a broader drive to close the country’s long-standing digital divide.
Using the extensive infrastructure of its subsidiary, Openserve, which spans more than 180,000 kilometres throughout the country, Telkom is assisting the South African government in broadening connectivity at pre-determined sites that currently lack internet. This intervention will enable the government to extend critical services to citizens, improving public service delivery and fostering institutional trust.
“Connectivity isn’t just a technological convenience – it’s a driving force behind South Africa’s economic growth. In our nation, connectivity’s influence extends far beyond corporate borders. It’s the invisible current energising our entire digital ecosystem, from the tap of a mobile payment to the click that delivers essential government services. Through this project, we wanted to ensure that all South Africans benefit from connectivity,” says Makgosi Mabaso, Chief Commercial Officer at Openserve.
Initially contracted to install fibre at government buildings, Telkom quickly recognised that surrounding rural communities had no reliable connectivity. Many areas lacked affordable, high-speed internet, leaving households, schools, and small businesses excluded from digital infrastructure plans. The company expanded its Openserve network beyond government sites, ensuring nationwide impact across all nine provinces.
The Persistent Digital Divide
South Africa’s digital gap has been widely documented, yet progress remains slow—especially in rural regions. An estimated 15.35 million South Africans remain offline. In provinces like North West, nearly 23% of users rely solely on mobile data, with no Wi-Fi access. Rural download speeds lag 14.4% behind urban areas, and connectivity dropouts are frequent.
Private sector investment has traditionally favoured cities and affluent suburbs. Telkom, however, is prioritising digital inclusion alongside commercial growth.
“The issue isn’t just about who has internet and who doesn’t. It’s about the quality of access, whether people can work, study, and participate meaningfully in the digital economy,” says Strini Mandri, National Sales Manager at Telkom Business. “If we want real inclusion, we have to invest in infrastructure where it’s needed most, not just where it’s most profitable.”
In rural areas, schools struggled with online learning, businesses faced operational hurdles, and families rationed expensive mobile data. Telkom’s fibre rollout directly addresses these challenges, ensuring communities aren’t left behind in the digital age.
Commercial and Community Impact
For rural small businesses, fibre unlocks online sales platforms, accounting software, and cloud services—levelling the playing field.
“This is about long-term value,” says Mandri. “We’re seeing strong demand from households, schools, and small businesses that have never had reliable internet before. It’s about what people can do once they’re connected.”
Telkom is adopting a hyperlocal outreach strategy, using branded scooters, community radio, and local newspapers to engage residents.
“We knew we could not rely on conventional channels in these areas,” says Mandri. “It had to be on the ground, where people are.”
South Africa’s digital divide mirrors broader inequalities in education, healthcare, and economic opportunity. Telkom’s rural fibre expansion is a crucial step toward inclusive growth.
“If we want to support inclusive growth across the country, we have to bring more people and businesses online,” concluded Mandri.
