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
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