Fibre and wi-fi is a given in most homes today, but when Century City Connect started to deploy its network in 2011, it was believed to be a first for the African continent. Century City Connect deployed an open access fibre network, which currently offers those living and working in Century City some of the country’s fastest broadband data, voice and multi-media services.
As an open access Fibre-to-the-Premises network that is “carrier neutral”, it means that businesses and residents situated in Century City are not tied in or forced to use any specific voice or Internet Service Provider (ISP). Clients have a choice of several pre-selected blue-chip ISPs to choose from that can host their services in a purposely built Century City Connect Optical Exchange Node (OEN).
By building an open access network and offering a centrally hosted distribution exchange for ISPs to host their services in, Century City Connect ensures that only the best and fastest voice and broadband services are offered to people living and working in Century City. It brings Century City in line with most first world countries which enjoy an average global residential internet connection download speed of 50 Megabits per second, which is much faster than most South African households experience on average with internet connections.
In addition, all visitors to Century City are be able to enjoy a growing free wi-fi network in areas across the precinct. “We have a few hubs in Century City where free wi-fi is currently available and we’re working on the roll-out of additional wireless services to some MyCiti bus stops across the precinct as well as high traffic areas such as North Bank Lane” Says Hein de Swardt, Executive at Century City Connect.
In Rabie’s Clara Anna Fontein lifestyle estate in Durbanville, fibre was installed by Century City Connect in all Oasis Life retirement homes, prior to occupation. This gives all residents of Oasis Life “plug-and-play” convenience by using an ISP of their choice. The other houses on the estate are all fibre ready.
“To assist residents of Clara Anna Fontein through the logistical challenges of working from home or staying entertained, Century City Connect offered an exclusive upgrade on all 10Mbps fibre services to 20Mbps at no cost to them or their service providers up to end June. The feedback of increased speed was very positive, and we had a number of residents migrate to us since July. This upgrade was also implemented in the Century City precinct.” Says De Swardt.
Century City Connect’s sights are set high, as they plan to expand their services further to green field projects. De Swardt is very positive about the future “By using the experience we gained in Century City as pioneers in our field, we are able to expand our offering with success to other developments and areas, with the aim of being first to market. Connectivity in 2020 and beyond is the lifeblood of a modern society and we’re ready to get you connected!”
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