Latest news with #fibre
The Independent
3 days ago
- General
- The Independent
Fibre found in everyday foods could help remove forever chemicals from our bodies
A new study suggests that eating a fibre supplement found naturally in oats, barley and rye before meals could help flush out toxic forever chemicals from the body. PFAS, known as forever chemicals, are used in products like non-stick cookware and cosmetics and have been linked to health conditions, including decreased fertility and a higher risk of some cancers. The study found that beta-glucan fibre molecules in oats can bind to PFAS in the digestive system, potentially reducing their levels in the body. Researchers found a nearly 10 per cent drop in two dangerous PFAS types (PFOA and PFOS) in participants who took an oat fibre supplement before each meal for four weeks. Scientists believe the findings offer a first step in formulating a dietary intervention to remove PFAS from the body, though further studies are needed with larger samples and longer intervention periods.
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: 125,000 connections and counting, Octotel leads the way in Western Cape fibre connectivity
Octotel, the Western Cape's largest open-access fibre network operator (FNO), proudly announces a significant milestone, having over 125,000 homes and businesses now connected to its high-speed fibre network. This achievement highlights Octotel's commitment to delivering world-class connectivity and affirms its status as the region's preferred fibre partner. What began as a bold vision to transform the digital landscape in the Western Cape has evolved into a reality for thousands of residents and business owners. Octotel's growing network now powers remote work, online learning, digital innovation, and economic opportunity across the province. 'This milestone is more than a number – it's a reflection of the trust our customers place in us,' says Trevor van Zyl, CEO of Octotel. 'In an increasingly connected world, reliable internet is essential. We've built a network that people can count on, and we remain focused on expanding our footprint to serve even more communities.' Despite challenging economic conditions, Octotel has continued to invest in infrastructure and innovation. The result is a network renowned for reliability, affordability, and resilience – even during load shedding. With unmatched uptime and performance, Octotel enables customers to stay connected when it matters most. Octotel's fibre is more than just fast internet – it's a platform for growth. From small businesses reaching new markets to students accessing digital classrooms, Octotel's impact reaches deep into the daily lives of South Africans. 'The need for dependable fibre is rapidly evolving,' adds Van Zyl. 'We've seen firsthand how connectivity transforms lives. That's why we work hand-in-hand with our ISP partners to ensure our service remains both premium and accessible.' Octotel CEO, Trevor van Zyl, reflects on the company's journey to 125K connections and shares what's next for the Western Cape's most trusted fibre network Octotel is also proud to be among the top-performing FNOs in South Africa as rated by the Internet Service Providers' Association (ISPA). For the second year in a row, Octotel has been officially ranked the number one fibre network operator in the country – an honour that reflects the trust and confidence ISPs continue to place in the brand. According to the latest national ISP FNO survey, Octotel earned the highest scores across five critical categories: Support (7.5), Communication (7.8), Business Processes (7.3), Software Systems (7.9), and Likelihood of Being Recommended to Other ISPs. This back-to-back recognition reaffirms Octotel's commitment to service excellence, innovation, and building strong, collaborative relationships within the industry. As a locally owned and operated company, Octotel brings a uniquely community-focused approach to connectivity. Unlike national corporations, Octotel is deeply rooted in the Western Cape, with a strong understanding of the region's needs and a commitment to meeting them. Looking ahead, Octotel is already expanding into new suburbs, townships, and commercial zones, laying the groundwork for its next growth phase. With continued investment in cutting-edge infrastructure and customer-first innovation, the company aims to push the boundaries of what's possible in fibre connectivity. The Octotel tech team is on the frontlines, ensuring that our fibre network delivers exceptional performance and reliability to our customers across the Western Cape 'We're proud of what we've achieved, but we're far from finished,' Van Zyl concludes. "Our sights are already set on the next major milestone. Over the next year, we'll be rolling out innovative new products, further strengthening our network, and ensuring our service remains best-in-class. We want Octotel to be the household name that people trust – not just today, but for years to come." Octotel extends its gratitude to its customers, ISP partners, and dedicated team for making this achievement possible. With 125,000 connections and counting, Octotel remains at the forefront of the Western Cape's fibre revolution – bringing fast, reliable internet to more people, more businesses, and more communities every day. Here's to the next milestone – because Octotel is just getting started. About Octotel Octotel is the Western Cape's leading open-access fibre network operator, providing fast, reliable, and affordable fibre internet to residential and business users. With a strong focus on quality service, community upliftment, and network expansion, Octotel is redefining digital access in the province. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Telegraph
22-05-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
BT loses hundreds of thousands of customers to cheaper rivals
Allison Kirkby, the BT chief executive, said: 'We're basically assuming that the alt-nets will continue to be funded and that TalkTalk will continue to selectively invest in maintaining its customer base.' Karen Egan, at Enders Analysis, said: 'Openreach, like the other established players, are suffering line losses as a consequence of the alt-net fibre goldrush, and TalkTalk customer declines. 'It makes things tough for now but the free cashflow recovery story is not at risk and the line losses should moderate as the alt-nets no longer have the funding to expand their networks.' Despite the customer losses, BT said it had expanded its full-fibre network by a record 4.3m homes last year, taking its total footprint to more than 18m. The company has now raised its target to hit 5m homes in the coming financial year, with the ultimate aim of reaching 25m by the end of 2026. Overall, BT's revenues dipped 2pc last year to £20.4bn, which it blamed on tough trading in its international division and weaker handset sales. Pre-tax profits rose to £1.3bn as the business benefitted from cost-cutting. 'We're well ahead of the rest' The telecoms giant has now carved out its international business and Ms Kirkby said she was open to all options, including a potential joint venture. Meanwhile, BT is also facing fierce new competition in the mobile market as Vodafone and Three prepare to combine in a £15bn mega-merger. The newly combined company will usurp BT's EE as the UK's largest mobile network operator. Ms Kirkby insisted that she was not concerned about the new rival, saying: 'We're well ahead of the rest, so we don't feel the need to change our current plans.' The BT chief executive, who took over the job at the beginning of last year, has been looking to refocus the telecoms giant on its core telecoms operations in the UK. BT is reportedly closing in on a deal to sell its 50pc stake in TNT Sports to joint venture partner Warner Bros Discovery, ending its foray into sports broadcasting after more than a venture. Ms Kirkby's progress has been closely overseen by Sunil Mittal, the Indian telecoms billionaire who became BT's largest shareholder last year. The pair are scheduled to meet to discuss strategy in the next few weeks.
Zawya
21-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Vodacom pursuing joint fibre ventures in Africa broadband push
Vodacom Group is pursuing partnerships for joint fibre ventures as Africa's second-largest mobile operator looks to accelerate the rollout of high-speed broadband coverage across its markets. With the voice market slowing in parts of the continent including South Africa, telecom companies such as Vodacom and rivals MTN and Airtel Africa have doubled down on high-speed internet, an area long dominated by fibre companies such as Maziv-owned Dark Fibre Africa and Vumatel in South Africa. Vodacom wants to merge with Maziv but the deal has been prohibited by South Africa's competition authorities. Asked what will happen if its appeal with the Competition Appeal Court fails, Vodacom Group CEO Shameel Joosub said on a call with journalists that since funding for the proposed deal is still in the bank, the operator has "opportunities" to look at where else it could invest the money. "We will pursue fibre joint ventures in all our markets," Joosub said, adding that Vodacom had already set up a new entity in Tanzania and was working on fibre in Mozambique. "We're looking at different opportunities and different share the same ambition of wanting to make sure that we can provide connectivity," he added. The ideal joint venture structure for Vodacom would be a 50-50 split with Vodacom not concerned about controlling any vehicle, Joosub said. Rolling out fibre organically is a slow and costly expansion option at a time when mobile operators need to make up ground on existing fibre networks. Homes and businesses connected by Vodacom reached 198,000 in the year ended 31 March, while its own fibre passed almost 166,000 homes and businesses. Vodacom, majority-owned by UK-based Vodafone, has 211.3 million mobile network customers across eight African countries. It is also partnering with satellite providers, including Amazon's Project Kuiper. Joosub said Vodacom could also potentially partner with Elon Musk's Starlink as "satellite is a necessary part of being able to expand coverage to everyone". All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Reuters
19-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Vodacom pursuing joint fibre ventures in Africa broadband push
JOHANNESBURG, May 19 (Reuters) - Vodacom Group (VODJ.J), opens new tab is pursuing partnerships for joint fibre ventures as Africa's second largest mobile operator looks to accelerate the roll out of high-speed broadband coverage across its markets. With the voice market slowing in parts of the continent including South Africa, telecom companies such as Vodacom and rivals MTN (MTNJ.J), opens new tab and Airtel Africa (AAF.L), opens new tab have doubled down on high-speed internet, an area long dominated by fibre companies such as Maziv-owned Dark Fibre Africa and Vumatel in South Africa. Vodacom wants to merge with Maziv but the deal has been prohibited by South Africa's competition authorities. Asked what will happen if its appeal with the Competition Appeal Court fails, Vodacom Group CEO Shameel Joosub said on a call with journalists that since funding for the proposed deal is still in the bank, the operator has "opportunities" to look at where else it could invest the money. "We will pursue fibre joint ventures in all our markets," Joosub said, adding that Vodacom had already set up a new entity in Tanzania and was working on fibre in Mozambique. "We're looking at different opportunities and different share the same ambition of wanting to make sure that we can provide connectivity," he added. The ideal joint venture structure for Vodacom would be a 50-50 split with Vodacom not concerned about controlling any vehicle, Joosub said. Rolling out fibre organically is a slow and costly expansion option at a time when mobile operators need to make up ground on existing fibre networks. Homes and businesses connected by Vodacom reached 198,000 in the year ended March 31, while its own fibre passed almost 166,000 homes and businesses. Vodacom, majority-owned by UK-based Vodafone (VOD.L), opens new tab, has 211.3 million mobile network customers across eight African countries. It is also partnering with satellite providers, including Amazon's Project Kuiper. Joosub said Vodacom could also potentially partner with Elon Musk's Starlink as "satellite is a necessary part of being able to expand coverage to everyone".
