MTN announces its support for open access networks as it intensifies fibre network rollout

MTN has announced its commitment to an open access business model as it believes that this solution will provide its customers and independent Internet service providers (ISPs) who are utilising its fibre to the home (FTTH) network with flexibility and a seamless and distinct customer experience.

MTN is currently deploying this high speed fibre network in neighbourhoods across the country.

MTN has successfully deployed FTTH to the gated community of Monaghan Farm outside of Johannesburg, and it is currently trenching in a number of suburbs including Parkmore, Morningside and Lonehill in Johannesburg where it is deploying FTTH in partnership with the respective residents associations.

Eben Albertyn, Chief Technology Officer, MTN South Africa, says MTN South Africa is committed to an open access network environment in which it supplies world-class fibre infrastructure for service providers to offer residential customers solutions that provide high-speed internet connectivity.

"Such is our focus on creating an enabling environment to promote cost-efficient and flexible internet services, that we will have a wholesale commercial product offering for interested fibre to the home internet service providers by mid-August," says Albertyn.

An open access network is a flexible platform that will allow any ISP with a valid Electronic Communications Services License, and who has signed an agreement with MTN, to integrate the services they provide to end-users. This in turn will enable a range of service providers to provide their customers with connectivity services via the MTN network.

"The key advantage of an open access network is that residents will have multiple options, and MTN will be holding discussions with a number of ISPs in order to provide its customers with a wider selection," says Albertyn.

MTN has appointed a team of specialists to focus on the wholesale offering and to begin discussions with all interested service providers.

"MTN is focused on providing all South Africans with the means to benefit from the digital way of life. This ensures that service providers can focus on more tailored and cost-effective solutions instead of worrying about providing the infrastructure for such a connected experience.

"At MTN, we strive to provide you, our valued customer, with a distinct customer experience by deploying a world-class network. This is one way that MTN is leading the way towards a bold, new digital world," Albertyn concludes.