Key FTTH Developments Across South Africa, UK, and LATAM in October 2024

1.Vumatel Expands Focus on Underserved Areas in South Africa (October 6, 2024)

Vumatel is expanding its FTTH services in economically disadvantaged areas like Alexandra and Kayamandi. The operator aims to increase capacity and resilience by upgrading its infrastructure. Vumatel is also introducing a new CRM system to improve service for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) on its network.

2. MetroFibre Continues South African Expansion (October 9, 2024)

MetroFibre announced plans to focus on FTTH deployments in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Due to the economic challenges of load-shedding and inflation, the operator is refining its service to meet the rising demand, particularly in business districts and underserved areas like Thembisa and New Brighton.

3. CityFibre Services Disrupted in Glasgow, UK (October 16, 2024)

A potential exchange fire caused significant disruption to CityFibre's broadband services in Glasgow, affecting multiple residential and business customers. Repairs are ongoing to restore full service as quickly as possible.

4. Openserve Passes Major Milestone in South Africa (October 12, 2024)

Telkom’s Openserve division reported reaching over 1 million homes passed with its FTTH network in South Africa, with nearly 50% connected. The operator is focusing on expansion in regions struggling with high unemployment and economic pressure.

5. Herotel Grows in Secondary Towns Across South Africa (October 10, 2024)

Herotel has expanded its network across secondary towns, overcoming challenges like load-shedding by investing in backup power. The operator continues to focus on FTTH and wireless solutions, aiming for further growth in underserved areas.

6. Virgin Media O2 Adds 13,000 York Homes to FTTH Coverage (October 17, 2024)

Virgin Media O2 extended its FTTH network to cover an additional 13,000 homes in York, enhancing gigabit-capable services as part of its ongoing fiber expansion strategy across the UK.

7. FiberConnect Council LATAM Promotes Digital Inclusion (October 13, 2024)

The Fiber Broadband Association in Latin America continues its efforts to promote FTTH networks across the region, focusing on initiatives that expand connectivity and improve digital inclusion. These efforts are supported by regional governments and private investments.

8. UK Parliament Debates Broadband Infrastructure Overhaul (October 18, 2024)

UK lawmakers are debating the future of the country’s broadband infrastructure, focusing on the replacement of telegraph poles for broadband delivery. This could impact the rollout of FTTH services across rural areas.

9. Frogfoot to Connect 60,000 Homes in South Africa by 2024 (October 11, 2024) Frogfoot announced plans to connect 60,000 homes in Western Cape with its Rise prepaid FTTH service by the end of 2024, targeting underserved communities in Vrygrond and Philipi.

10. Evotel Enhances Service in South Africa Amid Economic Pressures (October 14, 2024)

Evotel is focused on providing proactive customer service and expanding its FTTH network, even as economic challenges like inflation and high power costs continue to affect its rollout plans.

Fiber Optic Telecom evens:

Fiber Connect LATAM 2024

Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina Date: November 10-12, 2024

This event, scheduled for November 2024, focuses on advancing fiber broadband across Latin America. It will gather industry leaders, policymakers, and telecom companies to discuss deployment challenges, funding, and regulatory issues specific to the region. The conference will highlight the role of FTTH in promoting economic growth and digital equity.