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Alan Knott-Craig’s Fibertime Aims to Bridge South Africa’s Digital Divide with Township Fiber Rollout
Serial Telecom Entrepreneur Unveils Ambitious Plan to Connect Underserved Communities
Johannesburg, South Africa – Alan Knott-Craig, the veteran telecommunications entrepreneur behind ventures like Mxit and iBurst, has finally revealed details about his latest undertaking: Fibertime, a fiber internet business with a mission to connect South Africa’s underserved townships.
In an exclusive interview with TechCentral, Knott-Craig explained why he believes township fiber represents both a social imperative and a viable business opportunity. “Millions of South Africans currently rely on expensive mobile data as their only connection to the digital world,” he noted. “Fibertime aims to change that equation fundamentally.”
The Fibertime Vision: Connectivity Where It’s Needed Most
The company, which has been operating quietly until now, is currently deploying infrastructure in Alexandra, Johannesburg – one of South Africa’s most densely populated urban areas. But this is just the beginning of what Knott-Craig envisions as a nationwide rollout.
During the wide-ranging TechCentral Show interview with editor Duncan McLeod, Knott-Craig addressed several key aspects of the Fibertime initiative:
- Business Model Innovation: How Fibertime has developed a sustainable approach to township connectivity
- Economic Realities: The unique financial considerations of deploying fiber in underserved communities
- Expansion Plans: Current operations in Alexandra and future target areas
- Technology Choice: Why fiber beats wireless for reliable township internet
- Operational Challenges: Addressing security concerns and infrastructure hurdles
- Growth Strategy: Potential public listing by 2027
- Industry Impact: Perspectives on the Vodacom/Maziv deal and its sector implications
Why Townships? Why Now?
Knott-Craig’s decision to focus on township connectivity comes at a pivotal moment for South Africa’s digital landscape. With mobile data costs remaining prohibitively high for many residents, fiber infrastructure could revolutionize access to education, healthcare information, and economic opportunities.
“The economics of township fiber might surprise people,” Knott-Craig explained. “When you look at population density and the pent-up demand for affordable connectivity, the numbers start to make compelling sense.”
The entrepreneur, who has spent decades at the forefront of South Africa’s telecom evolution, believes Fibertime can achieve what previous initiatives couldn’t by combining technological innovation with deep community understanding.
Overcoming Implementation Challenges
Deploying infrastructure in township environments presents unique obstacles, from physical installation challenges to security concerns. Knott-Craig addressed these frankly in the interview, sharing insights gained from Fibertime’s initial rollout.
“Crime is a reality we have to account for in our planning,” he acknowledged. “But we’re developing solutions that balance security with accessibility – this isn’t about walled gardens, but about creating sustainable networks.”
Future Growth and Industry Impact
With potential plans to list the company by 2027, Fibertime represents more than just another telecom venture. It could signal a fundamental shift in how South Africa approaches digital inclusion.
The interview also touched on the recent Vodacom/Maziv deal approval, with Knott-Craig offering perspective on what it means for competition and innovation in the sector.
Listen to the Full Interview
For those interested in the complete discussion, the TechCentral Show episode featuring Alan Knott-Craig provides invaluable insights into South Africa’s connectivity future:
Stay Updated on TechCentral’s Coverage
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As Fibertime emerges from stealth mode, the South African tech community will be watching closely to see if Knott-Craig’s latest venture can deliver on its promise to connect the unconnected while proving the viability of township-focused infrastructure investments.
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