FTTH, a sustainable African alternative?

14 Aug 2009

JOHANNESBURG: During the TelTech Africa 2009 Conference in Johannesburg, 13 - 14 August 2009, under the theme 'Driving growth in Africa Telecom: Should operators or technologies compete..?', Nadia Babaali, communications director of the FTTH Council Europe, discussed Fibre to the Home (FTTH) in Africa.

With FTTH, high capacity optic fibre is placed at the home or the building of the user, allowing faster Internet connections of 100Mbps or more. It is, according to FTTH Council Europe, the only technology that offers symmetrical connections, allowing the use of real-time interactive applications.

According to the President of the FTTH European Council Europe, Karel Helsen, FTTH offers solutions that will have a key impact on three areas: society and the quality of life; the economy and the environment.

Said Helsen: "Africa is faced with huge challenges to bring the Internet to the people. FTTH offers solutions that not only will bring the Internet right to their homes but also will allow for a flow of new services. The technology is there, waiting to be put to use."

For more information on the FTTH Council Europe, go to www.ftthcouncil.eu.