As we celebrate Gimme Fibre Day globally on November 4th, and throughout the month, we reflect on the significant contributions of fibre connectivity to society, while acknowledging that many South Africans still lack access to its benefits. This year, Gimme Fibre Day draws attention to a critical challenge facing the fibre industry: the widespread adoption of fibre services throughout the world, but particularly in South Africa.
Recent data from Omdia indicates that as of September 2023, South Africa has over 8.5 million broadband subscriptions, with only 2.16 million being fibre connections. The fibre-to-the-business (FTTB) on the other hand market is experiencing robust growth, with Africa Analysis reporting over 243,000 active endpoints and a 6.4% year-on-year increase.
Myriad’s businesses Open Fibre and Reflex have emerged as key players in South Africa’s connectivity landscape. Supported by AEX, which provides a powerful system agnostic connectivity platform, and by partnering with Fibre Network Operators (FNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs), they have created platforms that provide businesses with access to next-generation technologies.
“At Myriad, our investment in fibre infrastructure and related services is driven by a vision to make fibre accessible to all South Africans. We believe that widespread connectivity is key to unlocking economic opportunities, fostering innovation, and empowering communities across the nation,” says David Robinson, Chief Financial Officer of Myriad. “We are dedicated to connecting communities and enhancing opportunities in employment, education, and digital experiences.”
Fibre’s Impact on Employment
The rollout of fibre infrastructure in South Africa requires a skilled workforce, and the demand for trained professionals continues to grow.
However, according to Juanita Clark, CEO of the Digital Council Africa and co-founder of FTTX Council Africa, speaking at the recent Digital Infrastructure Investment Summit 2024 in Johannesburg, the sector is grappling with skills shortages and talent migration, further straining local expertise.
Still success stories exist. For example, IT solutions and connectivity specialist Reflex has expanded from a modest six-person team in 2000 to employing over 200 people. Today Myriad businesses employ over 400 people all united in the mission to make technology accessible to everyone.
“The fibre sector has provided us with the opportunity to grow a specialist skills base locally. In demand skills include Network and Solution Architects, Network Engineers and Developers across multiple vendors and platforms,” says Paul Divall, CEO Reflex Carrier.
“Our commitment to investing in and developing skills and striving to “do better and to be better” has driven the growth and customer success,” he adds.
Transforming the Tech Experience
Fibre’s high-speed connectivity has also revolutionised streaming and digital media consumption, creating unparalleled digital experiences across business environments, homes, schools, and shopping centres.
Through strategic collaborations with digital media business, Think Digital, for example, which offers free WiFi in exchange for advertising in underserved communities, South Africa’s digital entertainment landscape is being transformed.
Research from Think Digital reveals that youth in these markets prioritise internet access for streaming music, pursuing educational opportunities, and engaging with sports. This highlights the critical role of connectivity in fostering growth and access to popular culture.
Thanks to Think Digital’s free Wi-Fi initiatives, emerging artists like B Boy have also successfully shared their performances and connected with fans on social media, effectively bridging the digital divide and advancing their careers.
By establishing fibre ecosystems and streamlining the connectivity process, Myriad businesses are accelerating access to high-speed internet in urban areas, as well, significantly enhancing the digital landscape across South Africa.
The launch of Open Fibre in 2018 for example, created a digitally ready ecosystem for commercial buildings and shopping centres, enabling businesses to establish fibre connections in just five days. To date over 200 retail centres throughout the country benefit from Open Fibre’s services and connectivity.
This commitment to expanding fibre infrastructure not only improves individual experiences but also fosters innovation and economic growth in communities nationwide.
Advancing Education
Data from Global Digital Insight shows that by the start of 2024, South Africa had 45 million internet users, with a penetration rate of 75%. However, approximately 16,000 out of the country’s 23,000 government schools remain unconnected to the internet.
As South Africa transitions to digital networks, innovative players like ISP Net Nine Nine are dedicated to connecting underserved communities specifically for educational advancement.
By providing free high-speed fibre connections to schools and piloting training programs for local residents Net Nine Nine is closing both the connectivity and skills gap.
Similarly, ISP Evotel provides free fibre internet access to schools within its network, benefiting over 60 institutions nationwide.
Conclusion
Fibre connectivity offers countless benefits. In today’s digital era, reliable, high-speed internet is essential—not just a luxury. As businesses increasingly rely on cloud services and data-driven operations, robust connectivity becomes crucial for competitiveness.
About Myriad
Myriad comprises several strategic businesses within the IT and telecommunications industry. Our diverse technical and commercial expertise, along with a deep understanding of the value chain, drives our goal to connect people and transform lives. For more information go to https://myriad.co.za/
About Gimme Fibre Day
Gimme Fibre Day has been celebrated every November 4th since 2013 to raise awareness about the importance of fibre connectivity. This date also commemorates the birthday of Sir Charles Kuen Kao, a pioneer in fibre optics who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2009 for his groundbreaking work in optical communication.
This November, as we celebrate Gimme Fibre Day and honour the legacy of Sir Kao, we recognise the transformative power of fibre optics and its significant impact on employment, entertainment, and education in South Africa. Together, we can continue to connect people and transform lives.
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Author: Kerry Botha from Kerry Botha Communications on behalf of Myriad Capital Inc.
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