Broadband Infraco and Huawei Collaborate on South Africa’s Intelligent Optical Backbone Network

South Africa’s national broadband infrastructure company, Broadband Infraco (BBI), in collaboration with Huawei, is revolutionizing the nation’s digital landscape through the development of an intelligent all-optical backbone network. Leveraging Huawei’s cutting-edge Optical Cross-Connect (OXC) technology, this initiative aims to deliver ultra-fast data transmission with 800G wavelengths. This innovative network upgrade marks a significant milestone under South Africa’s national broadband strategy, SA Connect, by facilitating enhanced broadband access and driving the country’s digital economy forward.

Empowering Digital Transformation Across Sectors

The implementation of this intelligent optical backbone network has vast potential for multiple sectors, including healthcare, education, e-commerce, and e-government. Through its capability to handle massive data volumes in real time, the network is set to enable applications that require seamless connectivity and high bandwidth. From powering telemedicine solutions to enhancing online education platforms and supporting e-commerce businesses, this technical leap is expected to impact millions of South Africans positively.

In its efforts to close the digital divide, Broadband Infraco has already connected over 13,000 public Wi-Fi hotspots and more than 2 million homes in underdeveloped areas nationwide. By extending broadband networks to South Africa’s rural communities, this partnership highlights a clear mission to make the internet accessible and affordable for all, offering new opportunities for education, work, and innovation.

A Backbone for Regional and Cross-Border Connectivity

The expanded network will not only cover all nine provinces within South Africa but also strengthen cross-border connectivity across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. A newly established optical fibre route linking Johannesburg to the Kopfontein border will enable faster, more reliable connectivity to neighboring countries such as Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe. This strategic infrastructure development underpins regional integration and opens new possibilities for economic collaboration.

Huawei reports that this advanced optical backbone aligns perfectly with the goals of SA Connect, South Africa’s vision for nationwide broadband coverage. By making stable, high-quality, and affordable broadband a reality, this initiative addresses the challenges posed by disparities between rural and urban areas while simultaneously boosting the nation’s competitiveness on the global stage.

Fulfilling the Mandate for Nationwide Connectivity

As a state-owned enterprise mandated by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), Broadband Infraco plays a pivotal role in expanding South Africa’s broadband infrastructure. The Backbone Network Expansion Strategy not only fulfills this mandate but also lays the groundwork for a more inclusive economic future by bridging the digital divide between rural and urban areas, as well as between South Africa and more industrialized nations. The collaboration with Huawei further underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in driving technological innovation and national progress.

By embarking on this ambitious network upgrade, BBI is effectively contributing to South Africa’s goal of becoming a digitally empowered society. With increased broadband access, countless communities will gain access to new education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, further aligning with the country’s broader development objectives. This project represents a cornerstone of South Africa’s ICT advancement and reflects a commitment to technological inclusivity for all its citizens.