Simply put, it is Internet connectivity provided via fibre optic cables. Fibre consists of minuscule glass strands which carry hundreds of data packets at the speed of light.
When the fibre optic is not connected to any network, that is, not yet transmitting any data, it is referred to as Dark fibre. When it is connected to termination points and transmitting data it is called lit fibre.
While some operators or providers may offer fibre optic services, they may not be ‘lighting’ the fibre themselves. This could be going via an upstream provider whom they pay to have their data transmitted. We light our own fibre. It makes us solely responsible for our customers’ uptime and the integrity of the connection.
Fibre optic technology is not new to the world, but is only making a commercial debut in South Africa now. Most companies, like our own, are in the process of physically laying their own fibre in the ground. In these instances, the lead time for fibre connectivity can be considerable.
Each time a new fibre link needs to be laid in the ground, external processes begin with local government and municipalities. Wayleaves need to be applied for so that permission is granted to dig into roads. As this is an external process, we cannot quote lead times for the granting of wayleaves. Only once the permission has been granted, can trenching begin for us to lay the fibre in the ground.
BitCo has 2 business offerings for fibre:
*Fibre speeds and availability are dependent on your area, in which the order is processed.
For more information, see our article “Exploring the feasibility of Fibre to the Home”.
