INDUSTRY EXPERT
FIBRE IS THE
DIGITAL
DIFFERENTIATOR BUT
WHAT IS THE COST TO YOU?
As a developer, you are
already adding fibre
to new properties;
in fact, you may very
well be retrofitting it
to old buildings. Why?
Because fibre is the
digital differentiator.
It adds value to a
property and is a
make-or-break factor
in the buying decisions
of property and
business owners alike.
BUT WHO SHOULDERS THE COST AND WHEN DO YOU DEPLOY IT?
A
s a developer, you are acutely aware that laying fibre
infrastructure at the construction phase is the best way
to go. Fibre installation is capital intensive, making it
critical for you to select the right fibre partner from the
outset. Bear in mind that environmental factors, distance
and the type of equipment needed should be part of the planning phase,
and that a fibre infrastructure expert can assist in this decision-making
process. It is therefore important to lay fibre pathways when you are
mapping out your utility infrastructure in order to avoid later costs and
inconvenience such as additional trenching and expensive reinstatement
costs that you would otherwise have to incur.
‘Our model is to bear the cost of laying the infrastructure and to ensure
that our technical teams work with your engineers so that the fibre
reaches all units, as well as the additional areas – such as gatehouses,
security room and common areas – from the outset,’ states Jacques
de Villiers at MetroFibre Networx. ‘Furthermore, when laying the fibre
MetroFibre also supplies the material, like sleeves and manholes, which
is installed at the same time as other utilities, further cutting down costs
for developers.
the required connection to common areas such as clubhouses, swimming
pools and other recreational areas,’ he adds.
Not only does fibre add value to a development but, by having it
preinstalled, there is a low environmental impact to connection, and it
is much easier to extend its benefits when the lights are first switched
on in a new property. Some would say that this model is all well and
good but it locks the users into a single service provider. And they would
be right – but not in the case of MetroFibre, which is a layer 1, layer
2 and layer 3 provider. This means that they will lay the fibre, and
the consumer still has the flexibility to choose which internet service
provider they would like to use.
‘If you are navigating your fibre options, make sure that your fibre provider
traverses the layers, because if they do, you can start being creative and
structure a deal where you can leverage off of bulk packages. As an
example, if you rent out all of your units, you can include a basic fibre
service package in the rental.
‘Additionally, it is a good idea to select a partner who has experience
in working with developers and who specialises in mixed-use property
‘If all these bases are covered from the beginning, you can add services development. At MetroFibre we have technical expertise and a dedicated
such as security cameras and telecommunications when you’re ready. team that works with developers daily and has extensive knowledge of
By planning correctly, you can effectively cater for future technologies not only the physical laying of fibre, but of all the hidden costs you
and services that will require fibre connectivity. Another value-add we may incur as a developer if this is not done effectively right from the
provide is to partner with bodies corporate and HOAs, where we provide beginning,’ ends De Villiers.
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