attached to lengthy contracts . More often than not , you really feel the need for the insights of a professional neutral party to assist in your decision-making process .
The FTTH Council Africa is a not-for-profit industry association that was formed in 2010 to educate stakeholders on the benefits of high-speed broadband access . While the name implies a focus on fibre to the home , the council delivers a service covering all aspects of fibre optic infrastructure , including fibre to business , fibre to the tower , fibre to the home , and all other applications that require fibre . It is an international organisation with more than 550 members globally .
We caught up with Juanita Clark , co-founder and CEO of the FTTH Council Africa , to gain more insight into how the council is assisting fibre communities across Africa .
The FTTH Council Africa has a board of directors that are industry veterans , as well as several advisory committees that fulfil critical functions in the technical , policy and regulatory areas , with civils and operations working groups . The advisory committees are chaired by some of the most senior individuals in the industry .
WHAT CAN THE FTTH COUNCIL AFRICA OFFER THE PRIVATE SECTOR ?
The organisation provides objective , independent advice – free of charge – to property developers , managers , homeowners ’ associations , residential communities , local authorities and other stakeholders looking for guidance on their fibre strategy . The mandate of the organisation is to remain independent at all times . It is important to note that it does not subscribe to any particular company , product or service . It considers the individual needs of stakeholders and supports them with information-sharing and education on a case-by-case basis . Anyone can request support from the FTTH Council Africa at any point . Greenfield and brownfield deployment each have unique considerations , but the organisation is
INFRASTRUCTURE willing to support either type of initiative .
SHOULD THE DEVELOPER INVOLVE THE COUNCIL FROM THE EARLY PLANNING STAGES ?
Yes , it is important to make contact with the council on admin @ ftthcouncilafrica . com as soon as the decision has been made to include fibre as part of the development .
WHAT KIND OF ADVICE CAN THE DEVELOPER EXPECT FROM THE FTTH COUNCIL ?
The council is geared to provide stakeholders with end-to-end project advice . It has , in its working groups , access to the best skills in the country and from around the world .
CAN THE FTTH COUNCIL HELP WITH THE INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PLAN ?
The FTTH Council Africa can work with anyone on its infrastructure plans , but it has a very clear policy not to get involved in project adjudication . It does not make product-specific recommendations , nor does it recommend service providers . It will not play any part in tender evaluation .
CAN THE FTTH COUNCIL AFRICA HIGHLIGHT ANY COMMON PITFALLS THAT DEVELOPERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ?
• Don ’ t think that there is a cookie cutter approach to your needs .
• You must consult with several service providers to find the best fit for your project .
• One of the greatest pitfalls is entering into exclusive contracts that span decades .
• Beware of paying exorbitant deployment costs .
You can avoid some of these pitfalls if you take note that members of the council subscribe to a code of conduct and are committed to
Page 33