fibertime™ Company Profile

Background

fibertime™ is a South African telecommunications company dedicated to providing affordable, uncapped fiber internet to underserved township communities. Founded in 2022 by entrepreneur Alan Knott-Craig, the company's mission is to bridge the digital divide by offering low-cost, high-speed internet access to low-income households.

Key Strategic Focus

fibertime™ focuses on delivering uncapped 100 Mbps fiber internet for R5 per day using a pay-as-you-go model. This approach eliminates the need for contracts, debit orders, or upfront installation fees, making high-speed internet accessible to communities that have traditionally been underserved. The company installs fiber in every home, shack, and dwelling within targeted townships, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

Financials and Funding

Since its inception, fibertime™ has secured significant funding to support its expansion:

April 2022: Raised initial capital to launch operations.

November 2023: Secured $2.13 million in a later-stage venture capital round.

May 2025: Announced an additional R2.2 million in funding to further expand its mission of delivering affordable, high-quality, uncapped fiber internet to township markets.

Notable investors include the Finnish Fund for Industrial Cooperation, Global Innovation Fund, and Mozilla Builders.

Pipeline Development

fibertime™ has been actively expanding its network:

November 2022: Launched the pilot project in Kayamandi, Western Cape, connecting over 6,700 homes with fiber infrastructure.

May 2024: Began building in other regions, starting with KwazaKhele in the Eastern Cape.

May 2025: Partnered with Nokia to deploy fiber solutions, aiming to connect 1.5 million homes within the next five years.

Technological Platform and Innovation

fibertime™ leverages advanced technologies to deliver its services:

Fiber Infrastructure: Utilizes Nokia’s Lightspan FX Optical Line Terminals (OLTs) and Wi-Fi 6 enabled Optical Network Terminals (ONTs) to ensure reliable and scalable service.

Pay-As-You-Go Model: Offers daily vouchers, allowing users to pay for internet access as needed, without long-term commitments.

Digital Wallet Integration: Collaborates with VulaCoin to facilitate micropayments for internet access.

Leadership Team

Alan Knott-Craig: Founder and Director. A serial entrepreneur with a focus on digital inclusion initiatives.

Lucia Swartz: Director.

Pieter Venter: Director.

Jonathan Heinamann: Director.

William Marshall-Smith: Director.

Niklas Simola: Director.

Chris Meintjes: Director.

Chean Roux: Head of B2B.

Leadership Changes

As of July 2025, there have been no significant changes or appointments within the company's leadership team.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The South African broadband market is characterized by a significant digital divide, with less than 85% of the population having access to high-speed internet. This gap presents a substantial opportunity for companies like fibertime™ to provide affordable connectivity solutions to underserved communities.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the market include:

Vumatel: Focuses on fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) services in urban areas.

Rain: Offers wireless broadband services with a focus on urban and peri-urban regions.

Telkom: Provides a range of telecommunications services, including broadband, with a nationwide presence.

These competitors primarily target urban and suburban markets, whereas fibertime™ differentiates itself by focusing on township communities with its pay-as-you-go model.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

fibertime™ has established significant partnerships to enhance its service offerings:

Nokia: Collaborated to deploy fiber solutions, aiming to connect 1.5 million homes within the next five years.

K.O (South African Musician): Partnered to launch "The Sound of fibertime™," a challenge aimed at discovering and promoting emerging musical talent across South Africa.

Operational Insights

fibertime™'s strategic focus on township communities and its pay-as-you-go model provide distinct competitive advantages. By eliminating contracts and offering affordable daily rates, the company addresses the financial constraints that often hinder internet adoption in low-income areas. Additionally, partnerships with technology providers like Nokia ensure the reliability and scalability of its services.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, fibertime™ plans to:

Expand Network Coverage: Continue deploying fiber infrastructure to additional townships and underserved regions.

Enhance Technological Capabilities: Invest in advanced technologies to improve service quality and operational efficiency.

Strengthen Community Engagement: Develop initiatives that empower local communities through digital literacy programs and support for local businesses.