Short answer
FirstNet is carrier-agnostic and works with the major ICASA-licensed fibre network operators, such as Vumatel, Frogfoot, Openserve and MetroFibre. It procures Layer 2 access circuits from these operators and runs its own internet service over them, giving you end-to-end IP connectivity from the FirstNet core network to your site.
In detail: Business fibre network operators used by FirstNet
In practice the fibre operator provides the physical line to your building, and FirstNet provides everything above it: the internet service, routing, the managed router, monitoring and support. That model has several benefits:
- Feasibility is checked across every operator that may serve your address, not just one.
- A primary and a backup link can be placed on different networks for genuine diversity.
- Traffic runs on FirstNet's own network, which peers directly at NAPAfrica, JINX, CINX and DINX.
- FirstNet coordinates the operator when there is a fault, so you have one point of contact.
FirstNet procures last-mile access only from ICASA-licensed operators. Which operator serves a particular site depends on coverage at that address, and is confirmed during feasibility.