Dandemutande invests US$8m on long-haul fibre optic backbone

INFORMATION and communication technology solutions provider Dandemutande has invested close to US$8 million to construct a long-haul fibre optic backbone, a development which will improve internet access across the country.

The project came following the multi-million dollar agreement which was signed last year between Dandemutande and Fibre Connections, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bandwidth and Cloud Services group (BCS).

The two companies are jointly building a long-haul fibre optic backbone of approximately 861 kilometres along the Beitbridge – Harare railway network.

In a statement, the company said the US$8 million investment will enable it to significantly expand its footprint in the provision of reliable connectivity and information technology services in the local Zimbabwe market.

This will further enhance Dandemutande’s role in the communications sector and further the provision of advanced, high-capacity platforms and improved user experience.

Optic fibre

Internet connectivity has been positioned as one of the key economic and developmental drivers by the Government as it plays a critical role in promoting and enhancing the ease of doing business.

Furthermore, it allows seamless communication and information sharing thereby reducing the digital divide.

Dandemutande chief executive officer, Mr Never Ncube said the investment is a reflection of the company’s commitment to future-proof solutions.

“We have made an investment of US$5 million for the backhaul, and will invest about US$3 million in metro fibre in cities that the backhaul is passing through, to modernise and upgrade our network thereby ensuring that the platform is future-ready to meet customer needs,” he said.

Mr Ncube said the project was split into two phases, the first being the 531km of optic fibre from Beitbridge-Somabhula-Bulawayo, which was launched in December last year with the Victoria Falls leg and the second phase, being the 360km of optic fibre between Somabhula to Harare.

Last week, during the emerging technologies symposium held at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust), Mr Ncube alluded to the positive strides being made by the Government in promoting growth in technology where he said some economic sectors such as agriculture have started reaping the fruits as the nation managed to attain food self-sufficient.

He, however urged players in all other economic sectors to adopt technological means of production so as to enhance capacity and efficiency.

BCS managing director Mr Yonas Maru said: “BCS group and Dande-mutande mutually funded capital expenditure for fibre construction and each party owns a percentage of the fibre cores and shares in proportion to the cost of fibre maintenance.”

He said this project provides the infrastructure necessary for Zimbabwe to build digital services.

“It creates the needle that stitches our continent together, as fibre links are laid across countries and our people engage in trade, commerce and play without regard to the borders created by colonial powers. The various projects BCS is doing take us out of poverty while making Zimbabwe a true hub.”-chronicle