Vox brings connectivity to Safari portfolio
by TINTSWALO BALOYI
JOHANNESBURG – SAFARI Investments Group, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed firm, has announced Frogfoot Networks as the exclusive partner for fibre network and connectivity infrastructure for its property portfolio.
Frogfoot is the wholly owned subsidiary of integrated ICT and connectivity provider, Vox.
Following the announcement, installation will commence with the retrofitting of the urban retail nodes within the Safari with high speed fibre infrastructure.
Francois Marais, Chief Executive Officer of Safari, said the decision to move away from Telkom was “easy.”
“We welcomed the input and partnership approach we received from Vox and Frogfoot. Aside from offering us an infrastructure solution, the team has worked to find cost effective alternatives to ensure a seamless switch over process for us,” Marais said.
Safari will own the entire passive infrastructure that is installed for its portfolio and this will be maintained and managed by Frogfoot Networks as the exclusive Open Access Provider. The open access approach enables end users to have a choice of the internet service provider with whom they would like to partner.
Jacques du Toit, CEO of Vox, said there was increased pressure on landlords and property developers to equip premises with flexible connectivity.
He said fibre provided the most versatile solution.
“Having an open access fibre network differentiates their properties and provides the platform for SMART buildings, offices and cities,” said du Toit.
Safari is listed as a Real Estate Investment Trust on the JSE with over R2,4 billion (US$180 million) in property assets.
– TechnoAfrica
