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
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.
Source: FirstNet Fibre Connectivity service page →
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