A number of attempts have been made to initiate a rollout of fibre infrastructure in Buccleuch. None of these have resulted in success, mainly due to a lack of coordinated support by Buccleuch residents and insufficient documented interest.

A Fibre Investigation Team was recently formed by the Buccleuch Residents Association (BRACe) to focus solely on the initiative. Recognising that only a coordinated approach would have any chance at success, the Team is involving BSC and keeping them informed of progress. (A separate initiative is underway to combine the efforts of BRACe and BSC to form a single, representative Buccleuch Residents Association. This process has strong support from both organisations and the outcome looks positive).

The Fibre team is led by Wihann Boucher with support from Waseem Ebrahim, Remo Torrente and Davy Ivins.

The Team identified as many potential service providers as possible, and contacted all to determine their interest. Of these, only Metrofibre (represented by Kiklo) and Fibrehoods/Vumatel (represented by Corss) consider Buccleuch to be a viable market and have shown interest in a Buccleuch rollout. Dark Fibre Africa, which has existing fibre infrastructure in Buccleuch, is not interested in the residential market.

On Thursday 20 July we were made aware of a possible Vodacom initiative but have not been approached by Vodacom and have no information regarding their offering, service levels, timelines, requirements, costs etc. or even if Vodacom has done any due diligence on a Buccleuch rollout. On Friday 21 July the team was  approached by Smart Integrated, who we have asked to submit an urgent proposal.

Both Kiklo and Corss have met with the BRACe team and have presented proposals. We have all the information we require from Kiklo, and are awaiting final details from Fibrehoods. Kiklo have provided us with a proposed MOU and marketing plan, which we are working on while we await finality with Fibrehoods.

The Fibre Team shares the community's frustration and desire to get this process finalised as soon as possible. We recognise that some residents may feel the need to sign other contracts (e.g. adsl or LTE) while this process unfolds, and that this may impact the numbers of residents who can commit to fibre.  However, we are committed to doing this process right, so that it has the best chance of success.

That said, the Team will not delay the process unnecessarily. We have good proposals on the table and cannot afford to countenance further delays. One of our residents captured this sentiment as follows on one of our WhatsApp Groups:

“in all honesty, this process can easily continue for a long time. reviewing providers takes time and effort. as soon as we've reviewed 2, then there's likely to be a 3rd arriving on the scene or showing some potential interest. we'll then show interest and want to review the 3rd provider  because we're hoping/wondering if their deal is better than their competitors. by the time we complete reviewing the 3rd, then there'll be a fourth. all the reviewing leads to a lack of action since we're too concerned with our strategic goal (of choosing the best deal), to focus on our tactical objective of actually getting fiber.”

The Fibre Team is committed to recommending a viable, affordable, high quality solution for all Buccleuch residents, and we plan to do so without further delay. The process is complex with a horde of questions to be asked and answered. Among these are questions that include:

1. Quality and track record of the proposed fibre solution
2. Quality and track record of the implementing partner (i.e. Kiklo, Corss etc.)
3. Does the implementing partner have funds or resources to conduct a marketing drive to ensure we get sufficient signups
4. What technology is on offer (e.g. active or passive fibre infrastructure)
5. Rollout area (to ensure the whole of Buccleuch is serviced and not just high density areas or complexes)
6. Cost to residents, including infrastructure costs (if any), connection costs, whether monthly contracts are part of the infrastructure rollout deal or provided separately, contract duration (monthly, annual), etc.
7. Any limitations to the offering
8. Any restrictive conditions required by the provider e.g. does the contract include any exclusivity clauses
9. Level of interest required from residents to start the rollout
10. Current status of their implementation offer e.g. have they already secured signups or interest, have they started the approval process for wayleaves etc.
11. Timing and proposed project plan
12. Additional bundled benefits for Buccleuch e.g. provision or connection to security cameras, connectivity for the Buccleuch Primary School etc.

FAQ

1. When will a recommendation be made by BRACe?
   - We wanted to finalise our evaluation by 21 July, but have needed to resolve some outstanding questions.
   - We would rather take a little longer in order to do a proper job that enables us to make the best recommendation that results in a successful rollout, rather than rush and risk failure.
    
2. Does BRACe have to give its approval for the fibre rollout?
   - No. Any provider is welcome to rollout fibre in Buccleuch.
    
3. Why are the providers waiting for BRACe to make a recommendation?
   - Rollouts are capital intensive and expensive, and are only viable with sufficient takeup.
   - Providers recognise that they stand a better chance of getting buyin from the community if they work with the local residents association. Previous attempts have failed because there was insufficient support.
    
4. Will residents be limited to the BRACe-recommended provider?
   - No. see 2 above. However residents who follow the BRACe recommendation will have the reassurance that a proper due diligence was followed before our recommendation was made.
    
5. Competition is good. Why not encourage multiple competitors?
   - We agree competition is good. But actually getting fibre into Buccleuch is better. So far, taking an adhoc approach has been unsuccessful and we believe we will only get fibre installed if we encourage support for one, carefully evaluated infrastructure provider.
   - That said, the providers we are considering are both open access networks. They will instal the basic fibre infrastructure for Buccleuch and will create a connection point on your property boundary. You will then be able to sign up with any fibre provider you like for your monthly fibre access (whoever you choose will make the final connection from your boundary into your home).
    
6. What is BRACe getting out of this?
   - Two things
   - Firstly BRACe is your (non profit) residents association and it is our job to help deliver services and value to our community.
   - Secondly all BRACe directors and team members are residents of Buccleuch and also want fibre for our own homes.
   - If we can make this initiative a success we benefit from making  a difference for our community and from getting access to fibre ourselves.
   - No payment or benefit will accrue to BRACe. If some benefit is offered it will only be considered if it is of value to all of Buccleuch, and we will tell residents.
    
7. Are there any inducements being made for BRACe or its team?
   - Absolutely not. BRACe directors and team members will get exactly the same service as everyone else, at exactly the same cost.
    
8. What must I do now?
   - Show your interest now on both the Kiklo website and the Fibrehoods website. There is no cost and no commitment.
   Kiklo:  https://www.kiklofttx.co.za/interested.html
   Fibrehoods: - https://vumatel.co.za/coverage