City of Johannesburg & BWired: A Quantum leap of progress

A unique fiber network is bridging the digital divide and transforming the city of Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Johannesburg Broadband Network Project (JBNP) focuses on building a next-generation fiber-optic network for the entire city. The project includes nearly 1,000km of fiber-optic cable – the largest such implementation in sub-Saharan Africa.

In a unique cooperation, Ericsson, the City of Johannesburg and BWired have joined forces to establish a city-wide, high-speed broadband network that will stimulate socioeconomic development and connect residents with municipal and commercial services.

Ericsson is responsible for the planning, design and building of the extensive fiber network while BWired has responsibility for network operations. Over time, this will be transferred to the City of Johannesburg, which will be able to sell, or deliver free-of-charge, high-speed connectivity directly to residential customers.

Initiatives like the JBNP have delivered significant social, economic, and environmental benefits. Ericsson recently concluded that doubling broadband speed increases a country’s GDP by 0.3 percent.

Customer Profile

City of Johannesburg

Johannesburg is home to more nearly 4 million people, and is one of the largest cities in the sub-Saharan Africa. The long-term goal is for the city to become a global ICT leader, and here, the ICT sector has been identified as one of five high-growth areas for development.

www.joburg.org.za

Bwired

BWired is a joint venture between the City of Johannesburg and Ericsson that focuses on providing affordable internet and broadband services throughout the city.

www.bwired.co.za