DFA steps up fibre-to-the-business strategy

Dark Fibre Africa (DFA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Maziv, is shifting its focus to expand its national footprint and speed up service deployment in SA’s business connectivity market. The company's chief commercial officer, Paul Divall, attributes this strategy to recent network upgrades that enhance adaptability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, particularly in metropolitan areas with growing demand for reliable and affordable connectivity.

DFA's growth strategy is built on its upgraded, future-proof network that supports more access points and enables cost-effective connections. Since last year, the company has accelerated its national network expansion, including the installation of over R800 million worth of dry underground distribution cabinets to strengthen resilience and capacity.

Despite the expansion, affordability and uneven infrastructure coverage in SA remain barriers to broader access, especially in underserved communities. DFA is concentrating on connecting commercial properties to extend network coverage and create opportunities for partner businesses. Divall emphasizes that fibre-to-the-business is a core part of DFA's growth strategy, as it expands network reach and generates more opportunities for partners to serve businesses.

The company is also working closely with property-sector stakeholders to anticipate future demand for fibre infrastructure. DFA is building a dedicated team of property-sector specialists to engage with the property market and identify areas where future fibre infrastructure is likely to be required.

DFA is advocating for the early incorporation of connectivity into property development projects, rather than treating it as an afterthought. This integration saves time and money by reducing delays and avoiding unnecessary additional work. Divall emphasizes that speed to market is crucial for customers, and DFA has redesigned its systems to ensure faster and more consistent service delivery, thereby meeting customer requirements.