Dark Fibre Africa (DFA) is South Africa’s premier open-access fibre infrastructure and connectivity provider. Since 2007, DFA has been financing, building, installing, managing, and maintaining a world-class fibre network to transmit metro and long-haul telecommunications traffic. To date, DFA has deployed over 13,000 km of ducting infrastructure in major metros, secondary cities, and smaller towns, achieving an industry-leading uptime of 99.98%. DFA leases its secure transmission and backbone fibre infrastructure to telecommunications operators, Internet service providers, media conglomerates, tertiary education institutions, municipalities, government organisations, and businesses of all sizes on equal terms.
What Services You Can Get from Dark Fibre Africa
DFA offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to meet diverse connectivity needs:
Dark Fibre Solutions
DFA provides dark fibre solutions, allowing clients to light the fibre with their own equipment and manage their network traffic. This service is ideal for businesses seeking complete control over their network infrastructure.
Managed Services
For clients preferring a turnkey solution, DFA offers managed services that include equipment supply, installation, and maintenance. This ensures seamless connectivity without the need for clients to manage the physical infrastructure.
Business Broadband
DFA’s Business Broadband service provides cost-effective, best-effort end-to-end connectivity between clients and their end customers. Utilising various last-mile technologies, this service ensures reliable internet access tailored to business requirements.
Co-location Services
Through its Tachyon service, DFA offers hosting facilities where clients can collocate their equipment for easy access to the last-mile network. This acts as an aggregation point for access networks, enhancing efficiency in traffic management.
Ideal Customer Profile
DFA primarily serves Internet service providers and other ICASA-licensed network operators, offering wholesale, open-access fibre infrastructure. The company does not provide connectivity directly to unlicensed end customers. DFA’s network coverage includes major metropolitan areas and extends to smaller towns along its long-haul routes, making it an ideal partner for service providers aiming to expand their reach across South Africa.
Customer Feedback
Employee reviews on platforms like Indeed.com highlight DFA as a fast-paced environment with a strong team spirit. Employees appreciate the company’s commitment to personal growth, with opportunities for further studies and professional development. However, some reviews mention long working hours and the need for better work-life balance.
On Hellopeter.com, DFA has a TrustIndex rating of 2.1 based on 31 reviews. Customers have reported issues related to service delivery and responsiveness. It’s important for potential clients to consider these reviews and engage with DFA to address any concerns.
Commonly Asked Questions
1. What areas does Dark Fibre Africa’s network cover?
DFA’s state-of-the-art infrastructure covers large metropolitan areas, and its long-haul route between Gauteng and the east coast passes many small towns. This extensive coverage ensures that clients can access reliable fibre connectivity across South Africa.
2. How can I become a connectivity provider on DFA’s network?
With an Electronic Communications Network Service (ECNS) licence, you can apply to become a connectivity provider on DFA’s state-of-the-art network. This allows you to offer reliable, high-quality business connectivity to your customers.
3. Does DFA offer solutions for property developers or system integrators?
Yes, DFA partners with property developers, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and system integrators. If you’re interested in partnering with DFA, you can contact them to explore potential collaboration opportunities.
4. How does DFA ensure network reliability?
DFA maintains its network to the highest standard, with preventive maintenance teams identifying potential issues before they compromise connectivity. Access to the infrastructure is controlled by a Gridlock Access Management System, ensuring secure and reliable operations.
5. How can I contact Dark Fibre Africa for more information?
You can reach DFA’s NOC Call Centre at 080 062 8662 or their main contact number at +27 12 443 1000. Alternatively, you can email them at info@dfafrica.co.za. Their head office is located at 31 Georgian Crescent East, Bryanston, Gauteng, 2191.
Dark Fibre Africa continues to lead in providing open-access fibre infrastructure, ensuring clients receive reliable and effective connectivity solutions tailored to their specific needs.
