
South Africa: Community Wifi, MVNO and the rise of hybrid communications providers
But as the government works on longer-term broadband infrastructure projects, like SA Connect, there is a significant opportunity for ISPs to fill these connectivity gaps.
Introducing the hybrid carriers
In the past, a company might specialise in offering fibre networks, and that's the only field they played in. But this has changed. To compete, you need to expand your offerings. This trend is driving the rise of hybrid carriers; service providers that find other ways to connect communities. Hybrid carriers and ISPs are companies that combine multiple connectivity technologies or service models to deliver internet access more efficiently and affordably, especially in areas where a single approach falls short. These hybrid players are usually smaller than the more traditional telcos, and they're able to succeed by servicing the more isolated and underserved communities. They're typically more agile and can deploy modern connectivity solutions at pace. This agility also allows them to experiment with innovative service models that might be unfavourable to larger, more traditional providers.
Fibre companies like those mentioned above face multiple obstacles in deploying new infrastructure to remote township communities, such as obtaining demand and intent confirmation and securing municipal approval. The time and cost associated with digging or erecting fibre lines is another barrier. Couple this with the reality that many of these communities are unbanked and have constrained disposable income, which limits their ability to sign on for debit payments and what they can afford to spend on data or subscriptions. Additionally, smaller user bases and lower ARPU (average revenue per user) mean that the financial return on these infrastructure investments is typically far lower.
The business case for Community Wifi
Underserved South African communities alone represent R26 billion in annual spending power, much of which remains disconnected from digital commerce and services. Across these underserved areas, community Wifi has the potential to empower people by allowing them to connect to the Internet. In action, a Community Wifi model will see subscribers buying prepaid vouchers that they can use to get online at different Wifi hotspots across their community, be it their local supermarket or the cafè down the road. For a small fee of around R5 or R10, community members can access the Internet for a day as they move about connecting to different hotspots across their community. For a fibre operator, offering this additional service makes good business sense because the average person might not be able to afford their fibre services, but can afford to connect for a small daily fee. Now, this single fibre point might be servicing a few hundred people, and that small daily fee equates to a positive return on investment. In this way, they're able to make money where fibre isn't a good fit, while also driving digital inclusion because the solution is more affordable.
In addition to fixed and hotspot coverage, hybrid carriers also represent the next frontier in MVNO growth, with many ISPs leveraging their existing presence in underserved communities to roll out mobile services. This omni-service approach ensures that providers are able to service their customers at home, at their destination and anywhere in between.
While expanding your service offerings opens up new business opportunities, it can also increase billing complexity. Many OSS (Operational Support System) / BSS (Business Support System) vendors offer billing software that caters to a specific type of billing, but few are equipped to meet the complex and evolving needs of hybrid carriers. To scale effectively, hybrid telcos need flexible, integrated billing systems that can support their growing needs and cater to multiple disparate services, like mobile (MVNO), fixed line, fixed wireless and fibre, as well as the voucher inventory, distribution and redemption requirements associated with community WiFi or prepaid mobile. Across our portfolio of products and services, VAS-X remains committed to supporting providers looking to bridge the digital divide with capable and cost effective solutions..
Syndigate.info).
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Zawya
4 hours ago
- Zawya
President El-Sisi Follows Up on Latest Developments in Industrial Projects
Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport and Industry, lieutenant General Kamel El-Wazir, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Engineer Hassan El-Khatib, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Engineer Karim Badawi, and CEO of the Environmental Affairs Agency Dr. Ali Hamid. The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shenawy, said that during the meeting, the President reviewed the latest developments regarding the implementation of industrial projects, the provision of necessary raw materials for industrial operations, means for securing the required financing, and efforts to establish partnerships with major international specialized companies, in addition to plans for marketing the products both locally and globally. The President emphasized the importance of petrochemical and mining industries implemented by the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, given their role in maximizing the added value of Egypt's natural and mineral resources, meeting domestic market needs, exporting to international markets, and therefore contributing to the expansion of related industries. These efforts shall create job opportunities and boost returns for the national economy. President El-Sisi underscored the importance of accelerating the localization of related industries in Egypt and attracting investment to this vital sector. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt. Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an 'as is' and 'as available' basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release. The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.

Zawya
4 hours ago
- Zawya
Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation Discusses Future Economic, Trade, and Investment Relations with British Minister for International Development Between The Two Countries
H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, held a discussion session with Baroness Jenny Chapman, UK Minister of State for International Development, during the G20 Development Ministers' Meeting in South Africa. The meetings witnessed extensive discussions on the future of economic, trade, and investment relations between the two countries in light of their close partnership, as well as joint coordination in international forums to advance efforts to restructure the global financial system and review proposed efforts to restructure the working mechanisms of the United Nations, as well as discussing the outcomes of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville. During the meeting, both sides expressed their anticipation of the upcoming visit to Cairo announced by the UK Prime Minister's Office, which will represent a qualitative shift in bilateral Egyptian-British relations, elevating them to a strategic partnership level, in addition to its role in opening up avenues for cooperation across various levels between the two sides. It is also an extension of the strategic partnership between Egypt and the European Union, which was announced in 2024. During the meeting, the two ministers agreed on the need to activate the recommendations issued by various international forums to restructure the global financial system, ensuring a more efficient and fair financial architecture, especially for developing countries, achieving greater transparency in financing mechanisms, and expanding concessional financing. They also discussed proposals for restructuring the working mechanisms of the United Nations system to make it more influential in the global economy, emphasizing the need to adopt comprehensive coordination and follow-up mechanisms to ensure sustainability and enhance national participation in UN efforts. The meeting witnessed extensive discussions on various aspects of the partnership between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United Kingdom, particularly in terms of trade exchange, British investments in Egypt, economic relations, and development cooperation. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat reaffirmed Egypt's keenness to develop these relations and build on the pioneering results achieved over the past years, particularly in food security, support for start-ups, and small and medium enterprises. The two sides reviewed frameworks for bilateral cooperation in the field of development finance, the UK's contribution to financing development policies through the World Bank, as well as the role of UK Export Finance (UKEF) which supports project financing in Egypt, and the financing mechanisms provided by British International Investment (BII), which considers Egypt one of its priority markets. In this context, the Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation reviewed preparations for launching the 'National Narrative for Economic Development,' which is an executive program to promote structural transformation in the Egyptian economy toward tradable sectors, encourage foreign direct investment, industrial development, and support labor market and employment. H.E. noted that since March 2024, the government has implemented economic and structural reforms that have contributed to macroeconomic stability and created a favorable investment climate and business environment. The two sides also discussed close cooperation within the framework of the Egyptian National Platform for Green Projects, the 'NWFE' program, which focuses on linking water, food, and energy nexus, particularly through BII and its financing to support energy and green hydrogen projects. In addition to the UK's role in providing support and assistance to global climate funds, represented by the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). Additionally, the meeting highlighted the launch of the 'Green Growth: Egypt–UK' campaign in June 2025, which will continue until COP30 Climate Conference to accelerate green economy partnerships. Given that the UK is one of the largest investors in Egypt in sectors in the energy, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods, and in light of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2024 between the Egyptian General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) and UKEF to strengthen investment relations, the two ministers explored the significant role of the Egyptian-British Business Association (BEBA) and the Egyptian-British Chamber of Commerce (EBCC) in connecting companies, facilitating investment, and enhancing trade exchange between the two countries. For her part, the British Minister emphasized the diverse historical relations between the two countries, which share close ties and cooperation across various fields. H.E. also praised Egypt's significant efforts in addressing the humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians in Gaza and the role of the Egyptian leadership in delivering humanitarian aid to the Strip, affirming her country's full support for these efforts. She expressed her hope for reaching an immediate and sustainable ceasefire that would allow safe and regular delivery of aid. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation - Egypt.


Zawya
8 hours ago
- Zawya
DGHR recognises employee behind ‘Summer Working Hours' proposal to reinforce culture of participation and government innovation
Dubai: In line with its efforts to reinforce the role of human capital in improving government and institutional performance, the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR)honoured Dr Mohammed Suhail Al Muhairi, a government employee in the emirate, for proposing the 'Summer Working Hours' initiative. This recognition highlights his innovative contribution to enhancing the workplace environment and employee well-being during the summer months. It also reflects the Department's unwavering commitment to promoting a culture of participation and innovation across government entities. This recognition signifies DGHR's ongoing efforts to encourage individual initiatives and innovative concepts emerging from the government sector. The key objective of these ideas is to improve the public sector and boost employees' performance and service quality, aligning with the Dubai Government's vision to create a flexible work environment. H.E. Abdullah Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of DGHR Department, appreciated creative talents within Dubai's government work environment. He also underscored the Department's progressive strategy to invest in human capital by nurturing talents and empowering them to contribute meaningfully to shape institutional policies that can transform and drive sustainable development across government entities. H.E. said: 'Dubai's government entities remain committed to building a flexible work environment where talents are empowered to thrive and suggest innovative ideas. With the right support, these ideas can be translated into effective success stories that make a difference in the lives of employees and the wider community, while shaping the future of the country's public sector. This recognition is not just an acknowledgement of a single idea. At DGHR, we believe that it is a reaffirmation of our deep-rooted commitment to institutional innovation and our confidence in turning individual contributions into practical solutions that help achieve Dubai's vision of a more resilient and prosperous future.' In line with this approach, DGHR adopted the innovative proposal and transformed it into an official government decision under the 'Our Flexible Summer' initiative. Launched in 2024 with the active participation of several government entities, the initiative was designed to directly address employees' requirements during the summer months. It was launched through a pilot phase, during which the Department developed a structured implementation framework. Furthermore, DGHR closely observed the initiative's development, execution, and impact across all operational aspects, further enhancing the work environment and ensuring employee well-being. During the pilot phase assessment, the Department received tangible positive outcomes, such as a notable increase in key performance indicators, including productivity, customer service, and employee satisfaction. It also resulted in an 87 per cent improvement in employees' ability to complete tasks on time, a 96 per cent improvement in customer service with zero complaints and a 98 per cent improvement in employees' happiness and enthusiasm in the workplace. These outcomes reaffirm the Department's commitment and its strong belief in the significance of listening to employees, drawing on their ideas and experiences, and translating individuals' ideas into actionable, measurable institutional policies. This approach not only boosts employee performance and productivity but also ensures that government services meet the highest standards of innovation and efficiency, without compromising employee well-being or experience. The Department remains dedicated to developing a progressive government work model based on innovation, collaboration and sustainability. It continues to promote a supportive environment that encourages progress and initiative, values individual contributions, and maintains innovative and sustainable practices, further ensuring excellence, well-being, and high performance across the government sector and the nation. -Ends- For further information, please contact: Orient Planet Group (OPG) Email: media@ Website: