Carrier-Grade ISP Infrastructure
Backbone connectivity engineered for high availability, scale, and enterprise SLAs.
The challenge. Network reliability and observability
When connectivity is the lifeblood of business operations, the underlying ISP network must be robust, redundant, and observable. Consumer networks cannot deliver the same assurances.
Enterprises need transparent performance data, swift incident response, and continuous optimisation to keep services reliable.
The expertise. Engineered for uptime: The resilient ISP backbone
Our ISP backbone is built for resilience with multiple upstreams, redundant paths, and proactive monitoring. We publish performance metrics and conduct regular reviews to maintain service quality.
Enterprise SLAs and a 24/7 NOC ensure issues are resolved quickly with clear communication throughout.
- High Availability: diverse paths and failover to keep services online.
- Performance Transparency: visibility into utilisation and KPIs.
- Scalability: capacity upgrades without disruptive re‑architecture.
- Operational Discipline: incident, problem, and change management best practices.
How we deliver. Enterprise uptime
At FirstNet, we combine network architecture, tooling, and process to deliver consistent outcomes.
Redundancy
Multi-homed upstreams and resilient core design.
Monitoring
Telemetry, alerts, and real-time dashboards.
Service Management
ITIL-aligned processes and clear SLAs.
Security
DDoS protection and access controls at key points.
The details
Built on our own networkFirstNet operates its own Autonomous System with diverse upstream providers and strategic internet exchange peering.
Built on our own network
FirstNet operates its own Autonomous System with diverse upstream providers and strategic internet exchange peering. Every managed link is watched by our NOC, around the clock.
- Own Autonomous System with diverse upstream providers
- Peering at NAPAfrica, JINX, CINX and DINX
- Capacity on seven or more undersea cable systems
- 24/7 NOC with PRTG-based link monitoring
- ICASA-licensed, ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 certified
Wholesale transit for network operatorsFirstNet IP Transit is a Layer 3, BGP-based service that gives your Autonomous System access to the global…
Wholesale transit for network operators
FirstNet IP Transit is a Layer 3, BGP-based service that gives your Autonomous System access to the global routing table through our upstream and peering ecosystem. You control routing policy and traffic engineering; we provide uncontended, capacity-based transit.
Who it's for
ISPs and WISPs, hosting, cloud and data centre operators, CDNs, and enterprises with in-house network engineering.
What you need
A public ASN, a router running BGP v4, and IPv4 and/or IPv6 support.
Single- or multi-homed
Connect to FirstNet alone, or use us as one of several upstreams for resilience and traffic engineering.
Protected IP Transit
A FirstNet-engineered redundant service design for added resilience. It is distinct from your own multi-homing strategy.
Clear support boundary
Our SLA and support cover the FirstNet transit domain, backbone and ports. Your routing policy remains yours.
IP transit onboarding1. ASN validation · 2. Provisioning · 3. BGP set-up · 4. Testing
IP transit onboarding
ASN validation
We confirm your public ASN and routing capability.
Provisioning
Your transit port is provisioned on the FirstNet network.
BGP set-up
We establish the BGP session and route exchange with your router.
Testing
We test the service end to end before handover.
Carrier-Grade ISP Infrastructure questions
Straight answers from the FirstNet team.
Read every answer in the Knowledge HubWhy choose FirstNet. SLA proposed alignment
What visibility do we get?
Dashboards and reports show availability, utilisation, latency, and incident history.
How do you handle DDoS?
We blend upstream filtering with on‑net protections to mitigate attacks swiftly.
Can you meet strict SLAs?
Yes. We tailor SLAs and escalation paths to enterprise needs.
Do we need our own ASN for IP Transit?
Yes. IP Transit requires a valid public ASN and a router running BGP. If you don't have these, Dedicated Internet Access is the right managed alternative.
What is the difference between IP Transit and DIA?
DIA is a managed enterprise internet service for offices and core sites. IP Transit is a wholesale service for organisations that run their own network and want full control of routing using BGP.
Is Protected IP Transit the same as multi-homing?
No. Protected IP Transit is redundancy engineered into FirstNet's service design. Multi-homing is your own routing strategy across more than one upstream path or provider.
Do you support IPv6?
Yes. IP Transit supports IPv4 and IPv6, and IPv6 enablement can be added as your network evolves.
Who is responsible if routing breaks?
FirstNet supports the transit backbone and ports. Routing policy, traffic engineering, ASN and IP space compliance remain the customer's responsibility.
How is IP Transit sold?
FirstNet IP Transit is a capacity-based wholesale service, usually on longer-term agreements, with the exact term and renewal confirmed during commercial engagement. Common upgrades include more capacity, redundant ports or dual paths, IPv6 enablement and Protected IP Transit as traffic and resilience needs grow. Support and service commitments cover the FirstNet transit domain, backbone and ports, while your routing policy remains your responsibility.
Is IP Transit suitable for office internet?
No. IP Transit is a wholesale, BGP-based service for organisations that run their own network, hold a public ASN and want to control routing and traffic engineering themselves, such as ISPs, hosting providers, CDNs and enterprises with in-house network engineering. If you want FirstNet to manage the internet service for offices or branches, Dedicated Internet Access or business broadband is the right fit.
From the Knowledge Hub
Where connectivity fits
- Sovereign AI AI that stays home, in every layer.
- Voice Every call, clear.
- Security Threats, contained.
- Cloud Data, protected.
- Connectivity Always connected.
Enriched by Sovereign AI: reach the AI Factory over FirstNet’s own network, with a direct, low-latency path that stays on South African soil. Explore the AI Factory