Polokwane, South Africa – 28th August 2026 – AFR-IX Telecom and Open Access Network have announced an expanded partnership to develop a reference data centre for Limpopo province and accelerate the deployment of high-capacity fibre infrastructure across the Limpopo Province with presence in Louis Trichardt, Polokwane, Musina, Tzaneen and Mokopane.
AFR-IX Telecom Builds Limpopo Data Centre | Open Access Network
Open Access Networks owns and operates an open-access fibre optic network across Polokwane, enabling local telecommunications operators and internet service providers to access shared, neutral infrastructure. The company has been a client of AFR-IX Telecom since 2024 under an existing colocation agreement between the two organisations.
Under the expanded partnership, Open Access Network will contribute its metropolitan fibre infrastructure and remain responsible for network deployment and operations. AFR-IX Telecom will provide IP Transit services, international connectivity and data centre equipment.
Together, the companies will operate a reference data centre for Limpopo, equipped with AFR-IX Telecom technology and designed to bring carrier-grade connectivity, hosting and network services closer to businesses, operators and communities in the province.
The partnership is already visible through the deployment of three network and data centre facilities:
- OAN-PTG-NOC-001, also known as PTG-01, is operational.
- OAN-TUR-NOC-001, also known as TUR-01, is operational.
- OAN-PTG-NOC-002, also known as PTG-02, is in progress to be operational after 60 days from publication of this article.
Open Access Network has developed approximately 130 km of self-built fibre routes across Limpopo cities and towns.
The company also holds agreements with other neutral fibre operators to use open ducts and fibre in their networks. This allows Open Access Network to reach every corner of each town it operates in, providing the backbone required to support residential, commercial and wholesale telecommunications services.
The existing network footprint includes approximately:
- 130 km of metropolitan fibre infrastructure across
- 1,500 aerial fibre home passes
- Nine active business parks and residential apartment developments
Open Access Network has also established a reputation for rapid fibre deployment, having previously installed approximately 4 km of fibre within seven days. The company can undertake smaller network extensions at short notice, subject to route feasibility, approvals and final confirmation of deployment requirements.
Looking ahead, the companies plan to expand the network to approximately 10,000 home passes by 2027, using a combination of aerial and underground fibre infrastructure throughout Polokwane.
The expansion will improve access to high-speed broadband, create additional wholesale opportunities for local service providers and support the growing connectivity requirements of businesses, residential developments and future smart-city initiatives.
“Polokwane is a strategic growth market for AFR-IX Telecom, and our continued investment in fibre infrastructure and network facilities demonstrates our long-term commitment to enabling world-class digital connectivity for businesses, communities, and future smart city initiatives. Our partnership with Open Access Network represents exactly the type of collaboration AFR-IX Telecom is committed to developing across Africa working with strong local partners to bring high-quality, resilient connectivity closer to the communities and businesses that need it most. By combining Open Access Networks’ fibre infrastructure across Limpopo with AFR-IX Telecom’s IP Transit expertise and international connectivity capabilities, we are creating a new benchmark for resilient, carrier-grade digital infrastructure in the region and building a strong foundation for economic growth, innovation, and digital inclusion.”— Craig Young, Country Manager – Southern Africa, AFR-IX Telecom
“Our partnership with AFR-IX Telecom allows us to strengthen Limpopo’s digital ecosystem by bringing carrier-grade IP Transit and data centre capabilities closer to local operators. Together, we are reducing dependency on infrastructure outside the province and enabling ISPs, enterprises, and network operators to access reliable connectivity with greater efficiency and flexibility.” — Ben Mutero, Regional Technical Support (RTS) Open Access Network
This partnership reflects AFR-IX Telecom’s ongoing strategy to collaborate with key regional players and invest in infrastructure that drives digital inclusion, economic development, and network resilience throughout Africa.
About AFR-IX Telecom
AFR-IX Telecom is an infrastructure and telecommunications operator focused on delivering reliable, scalable, and high-performance connectivity solutions across Africa and beyond. The company specializes in IP Transit, MPLS, SD-WAN, Ethernet and submarine cable systems, enabling enterprises, carriers, and governments with end-to-end network services designed to address the growing demand for resilient connectivity, particularly in underserved and high-growth regions. Headquartered in Barcelona and operating across multiple African countries with more than 150 PoPs, AFR-IX Telecom is committed to driving digital transformation, bridging the digital divide, and enabling sustainable economic growth across the continent.
About Open Access Networks
Open Access Networks is a telecommunications infrastructure and wholesale connectivity provider in the heart of Polokwane, Limpopo Province. Founded on the principle of open and neutral access, the company provides carrier-grade connectivity solutions that empower internet service providers, enterprises, wireless operators, and network operators to expand their services efficiently and cost-effectively. As pioneers of neutral IP Transit services in Limpopo, Open Access Network has invested in its own network infrastructure to ensure flexibility, resilience, and rapid service delivery. Its strategic partnership with AFR-IX Telecom provides access to a broad portfolio of international and wholesale services, including connectivity into major data centre environments such as Teraco Data Environments.