INDUSTRY FOCUS PAGE
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fibre
Your FTTH initiative – A question of accountability
Fibre is big, and getting bigger. Fibre offers a faster, richer broadband experience compared to other broadband technologies and provides rapid, reliable access for people who need to stay connected – be it for work, play or study. High-speed data connections are very desirable, and communities with fibre installed are seeing increases in property prices and overall saleability as a result.
As operators roll out fibre optic cables across the country, many developers are getting into the game early and incorporating fibre into the construction phase in order to increase the saleability of their properties. Likewise, many existing developments are taking on fibre to improve their overall attractiveness.
Like any burgeoning market, the fibre boom comes with certain challenges. The Fibre to the Home( FTTH) Council Africa was formed in 2010 in recognition of the fact that, given the rapid growth expected in the industry, some sort of co-ordination was required to ensure that the industry could thrive and deliver the best possible quality of service to South African consumers.
FTTH Council Africa is an independent, not-forprofit organisation and an active member of the FTTH Council Global Alliance alongside the FTTH councils of Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, the Middle East and North Africa. Its activities are funded through member contributions.
The council’ s charter commits it to educating African governments, policymakers and political leaders on why and how high-speed fibre connectivity can be delivered to citizens in the coming years. Through consultation with all major stakeholders and understanding their strategies and concerns, the council endeavours to be the voice of the industry and to help create a better future for all involved. In turn the council supports governments with issues such as policy and regulation, best practice and minimum standards through an independent voice.
Member engagement is encouraged at all levels and participants are kept informed of industry trends and success stories. FTTH Council Africa offers members an opportunity to network and collaborate and discuss best-practice frameworks that are in the best interests of all.
In addition, FTTH Council Africa members have signed a code of conduct and pledged that they will uphold the quality of their services, products and operations and pursue a reputation for honesty, fairness, respect, responsibility,