Independent telecommunications infrastructure operator Metrofibre Networx has extended its “open-access” fibre network across the Johannesburg suburb of Rivonia, meaning businesses and some residential homes in the area can now get high-speed Internet connections of up to 1Gbit/s.

The area covered includes the main roads and some side roads in Rivonia from the N1 Western Bypass in the north to 3rd Avenue in the south. Metrofibre Networx provides wholesale access to Internet service providers, which can then sell capacity to customers. It does not sell connectivity directly to either business or residential customers.

Internet service provider partners include MTN Business, Vox Telecom, MWeb, xDSL, Arc Telecoms and Altech Technology Concepts.

Metrofibre CEO Malcolm Kirby says the company has now extended the reach of its “fibre-to-the-premises” network to 600 businesses in Gauteng, with plans to reach 800 by the end of February.

The company already offers fibre infrastructure in parts of Irene in Pretoria and in Midrand, with plans to offer high-speed fibre access to more than 50 commercial zones in the next two years.

The company’s footprint now extends from Irene, in the north, through Centurion, Midrand and Isando, and into Sandton.

A Randburg and second Centurion switch are planned for this month, with more coverage areas to be announced soon.

Though the service is aimed mainly at business customers, Kirby says if residential consumers are interested in the service, and if the fibre runs past their homes, they can also sign up to receive high-speed fibre access. In Rivonia, this includes homes along sections of Wessels Road. About 90% of businesses in Rivonia are able to access the fibre infrastructure, he says.

The infrastructure is designed with a core fibre ring interconnecting a series of “points of presence”. Kirby declines to say how much Metrofibre Networx has invested to date. — Staff reporter, TechCentral