This is the Finnish vendor’s second partnership announcement in days to roll out fixed internet access in the country
Nokia has announced that, in partnership with Reflex and Net Nine Nine, it is expanding broadband access for underserved communities across South Africa. The collaboration, led by Reflex, is to use Nokia’s fibre broadband solution with the aim of bringing affordable broadband access to millions of people.
The deployment, already underway, covers communities in Gauteng and Free State provinces of South Africa. The project supports South Africa’s governmental drive to extend quality, affordable broadband connectivity to underserved populations.
Scant details
No details of the technology or financial were disclosed. However, this is the second such announcement regarding Nokia in South Africa within days. Clearly, with the inclusion of Reflex in the mix is something of a different set up.
Paul Divall, CEO of Reflex, said, “We are thrilled to strengthen our partnership with Nokia and Net Nine Nine in bringing affordable broadband equipment and managed solutions to Net Nine Nine. This initiative is a significant step toward ensuring that quality internet access is within reach for everyone, regardless of income level.”
Albert Oosthuysen, CEO of Net Nine Nine, said: “Net Nine Nine has always had the goal of bridging the digital divide here in South Africa, and we’re already making great strides across South Africa’s township communities. With this partnership, we’re in an even better position to bridge that gap without having to sacrifice the quality of services for these areas.”
Toni Pellegrino, South Africa Managing Director, Head of Network Infrastructure, Southern and Eastern Africa, at Nokia didn’t add much, saying, “This will help further advance the country’s digital transformation and digital inclusion goals and connect a vast number of underserved regions across South Africa currently without any broadband connection.”