Internet

Comsol launches wholesale 5G infrastructure for home broadband. (Image source: Comsol)

Comsol, a South African fixed wireless connectivity and private network operator with almost 30 years of industry experience, is expanding into the residential broadband market as a wholesale 5G infrastructure provider

The expansion is supported by two new shareholders: Platform Investment Partners, which has invested in 10 founder-stage fibre businesses across four markets during the past decade, and privately owned investment firm Wimsey Capital.

The revised shareholder structure follows the departure of Nedbank Private Equity, part of Nedbank CIB, from its investment in Comsol. Convergence Partners, a significant and established investor in the company, is providing further growth funding alongside Solcon Capital. Comsol founder and CEO Iain Stevenson, through Mactavish Investments, continues to hold an interest and is contributing additional capital. RMB structured and provided a comprehensive funding package that facilitated the shareholder transaction and will finance Comsol’s planned strategic capital expenditure programme.

Through the new offering, South African internet service providers (ISPs), mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) and other prospective partners can access a standalone 5G-Advanced* network designed specifically for fixed wireless access (FWA). Comsol owns and manages the infrastructure and provides it as a complete wholesale service, leaving partners responsible for their customer relationships and market strategies, including branding, pricing, product positioning and customer support.

More than one million Gauteng households covered

Comsol began deploying its network six months ago and has already reached more than one million households across Gauteng. The company plans to achieve comprehensive Gauteng coverage by March 2027, before extending the rollout into the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and major regional centres during 2027 and 2028.

The operator plans to deploy approximately 2,000 base stations nationwide, creating one of South Africa’s largest standards-based and high-capacity 5G networks. The infrastructure will provide service providers with an additional wholesale connectivity option and greater access to network capacity. By introducing new infrastructure into the market, Comsol expects to strengthen competition and expand consumer choice.

"Comsol anticipates where the market is heading and builds ahead of demand,” said Stevenson. “This is why we were investing in licensed spectrum years before its strategic value was widely understood and building private 5G before the market had grasped what it would enable. We see 5G-Advanced for the home as a big growth opportunity.

"ICASA has allocated spectrum to network providers to expand broadband access and increase competition in the market. We believe the way to honour that mandate is to build wholesale infrastructure that extends high-speed broadband to new customer segments and creates a platform for more competition at the well-established service provider layer.”

Experienced investors support infrastructure expansion

Comsol anticipates where the market is heading and builds ahead of demand

Shaun Clark, CEO of Platform Investment Partners, said, “We have spent years investing in the construction of open-access digital infrastructure in South Africa, and were founding investors in assets such as DFA, Conduct, Vumatel and N99. Our approach has always been to identify trends in technology adoption and invest behind them. We see fixed wireless as an important part of the connectivity market. Comsol is a natural fit with our portfolio of digital infrastructure businesses, which are all centred around a neutral host model.”

“We see a significant opportunity in 5G fixed wireless access to bring high-quality connectivity to more South African households. Comsol has a multi-decade track record of successfully building and delivering advanced wireless networks in diverse contexts. We are excited to back the business and partner with the world-class Comsol team as they build and scale this next phase of growth,” stated Richard Ladbrook, director of Wimsey Capital. 

Andile Ngcaba, executive chairman of Convergence Partners and chairman of the Comsol board, said, “Comsol is well positioned as the world transitions from 5G to 6G. The depth of its spectrum and nationwide network presence across all provinces creates a significant opportunity to serve South Africa’s enterprise, private and public sectors. Comsol’s platform is equally relevant to urban and rural markets, and to companies of all sizes.”

For Nedbank Private Equity, the transaction marks the end of a nine-year investment in Comsol. Yougan Moodley of Nedbank Private Equity said: “We are proud to have supported the company's growth, network rollout and value creation journey alongside management and our co-shareholders. The transaction positions Comsol strongly for its next phase of growth.”

The case for 5G-Advanced residential broadband

Comsol’s wholesale 5G-Advanced service is intended to complement fibre infrastructure while extending the availability and choice of residential broadband. Around 15% of South African households currently have fibre connections, with deployments concentrated mainly in densely populated metropolitan areas where trenching economics are more favourable. A sizeable opportunity therefore remains in suburban and adjacent markets where 5G FWA can be deployed faster and at significantly lower infrastructure costs.

Comsol’s 5G-Advanced FWA network is designed to deliver the capacity needed for large-scale residential broadband deployments, potentially allowing entire towns to receive coverage within weeks.

Developments in regulation and technology have also improved the economics of 5G-Advanced FWA. Comsol secured its C-band spectrum licence from ICASA in 2022, giving investors greater certainty around network development. The spectrum allocation supports differentiated speed tiers and competitive consumer pricing. At the same time, falling costs for 5G chipsets and customer-premises equipment (CPE) are reducing entry costs for consumers and ISPs.

As a new wholesale 5G market participant, Comsol is also deploying a modern standalone 5G core without the constraints associated with legacy network technologies.

The company expects these characteristics to contribute to strong FWA growth over the next five years. ICASA figures indicate that FWA subscriptions increased by approximately 39% year on year in 2025.** BMIT forecasts that 5G could represent as much as 67% of residential FWA connections by 2029, compared with 35% in 2024.***

A purpose-built network architecture

Comsol’s infrastructure is among only two production standalone 5G cores currently operating in South Africa. Its architecture provides ultra-low latency and dedicated capacity management capabilities that are not available to the same extent in hybrid 4G/5G deployments. The network also offers approximately twice the uplink performance of conventional 5G mobile operator networks.

The company’s 5G-Advanced implementation is IMT-conformant and incorporates standards-based technologies designed to increase network capacity while reducing the cost per bit. The infrastructure has been engineered specifically for high-capacity residential 5G connectivity at scale.

Greater flexibility for wholesale partners

Comsol’s wholesale model is designed to keep the operator separate from its partners’ consumer-facing businesses. ISPs and other customers maintain control over their market strategies, including pricing, packaging, billing, branding and customer relationships.

Through its API-enabled platform, Comsol allows partners to launch branded 5G-Advanced FWA services within weeks while maintaining significant control over product development and customer engagement.

The network is also designed to help ISPs reach additional customer groups whose broadband requirements centre on applications such as streaming, video conferencing and smart-home services. Its API-driven architecture allows partners to create tailored packages for different segments and modify or introduce products within hours, giving them greater flexibility to respond to shifts in customer demand.

Nigeria and Burkina Faso are exploring Project BRIDGE routes aimed at making internet connectivity more affordable across the region

Nigeria and Burkina Faso are deepening cooperation on digital connectivity through Project BRIDGE, with technical teams set to assess routes that could help reduce the cost of internet connectivity in Burkina Faso by as much as 50%.

Nigeria’s minister of communications, innovation and digital economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, discussed the initiative during a visit to Ouagadougou, where he met Burkina Faso’s Minister for Digital Transition, Posts and Communication, Dr Aminata Zerbo-Sabané.

Connectivity was a central focus of the discussions, with Project BRIDGE providing a framework for exploring stronger digital links between the two countries.

Under the proposed cooperation, technical teams will model connectivity routes through Nigeria-Niger-Burkina Faso and Nigeria-Benin-Burkina Faso. The assessment aims to identify a potential pathway for lowering internet connectivity costs in Burkina Faso by up to 50%.

Project BRIDGE is also intended to support faster, more affordable and resilient internet connectivity for Nigerians, while the proposed cross-border routes could strengthen regional digital infrastructure.

Wider digital cooperation

Nigeria and Burkina Faso have agreed to establish a Technical Working Committee to develop the implementation framework for their broader digital partnership.

The cooperation will extend beyond fibre connectivity to include digital skills and talent development. As part of this effort, Nigeria plans to share its 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) model with Burkina Faso.

The two countries will also work towards stronger connections between their startup ecosystems and explore collaboration around Burkina Faso’s Innovation Campus.

Further areas of proposed cooperation include artificial intelligence, local-language technologies, shared computing infrastructure, cybersecurity and research.

The partnership therefore covers both physical connectivity and wider digital capabilities, with the two countries seeking to strengthen collaboration across several areas of the digital economy.

Strengthening regional connectivity

The engagement forms part of Nigeria’s broader outreach to neighbouring countries. It follows a recent visit to Benin Republic, while further engagements with Niger and Chad are planned as part of the four-country regional initiative.

The wider objective is to use Nigeria’s expanding digital infrastructure and capabilities to support shared economic opportunities across national borders and deepen regional economic integration.

The initiative also forms part of Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its position as a digital gateway connecting West Africa and the Sahel.

New partnership strengthens African SMEs’ access to global markets

African small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are set to receive expanded assistance to help them participate more effectively in regional and international trade following a new multi-sector partnership

The initiative brings together the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), DHL, Standard Bank and MTN under DHL’s GoTrade programme. By combining expertise in government policy, logistics, financial services and telecommunications, the partners aim to address some of the challenges that prevent smaller businesses from entering overseas markets.

The programme will provide support covering export preparedness, access to finance, digital adoption and market connectivity, giving SMEs practical resources to develop their international trading capabilities.

Building export capacity

The dtic and DHL partnership will place particular emphasis on improving businesses’ understanding of trade and strengthening their ability to export.

Planned activities include trade education, capacity-building programmes, business clinics, trade missions and corridor activation initiatives. Businesses will also receive greater exposure to trade frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), alongside other agreements that could open additional opportunities across African markets.

The programme aligns with the dtic’s wider priorities of industrialisation, export expansion and the development of emerging exporters.

Acting deputy director-general Willem van der Spuy said the partnership demonstrates the role that collaboration can play in strengthening trade and economic development.

“This partnership between the dtic and DHL demonstrates the power of collaboration in advancing trade and economic development,” said van der Spuy.

“By working together with private-sector partners, we can provide businesses with practical support that enhances competitiveness, drives export participation and enables more emerging exporters (especially SMEs) to benefit from regional and global trade opportunities.

"Government's role is to convene the right partners around a common framework, and this initiative reflects exactly that: the dtic setting the direction, with DHL and its partners Standard Bank and MTN strengthening delivery on the ground.”

Improving access to finance

Standard Bank will contribute its African network and experience in trade finance to help businesses prepare for and enter new markets.

Its role will include financial and advisory support, alongside access to trade networks and other resources. The bank’s Export Readiness Programme is designed to equip entrepreneurs with practical knowledge and guidance for conducting business internationally.

First introduced in KwaZulu-Natal in 2025, the programme has subsequently been extended to Gauteng and the Western Cape.

Standard Bank is also working with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) to create connections between African and Chinese businesses. The collaboration provides opportunities for business matchmaking, trade relationships and access to new markets.

During 2025, the bank connected clients from four African countries with Chinese importers interested in products such as rooibos tea, coffee, cocoa, nuts and wine.

Bill Blackie, chief executive of business and commercial banking at Standard Bank Group, said finance needs to be combined with market access and trade expertise.

“Access to finance alone is not enough. SMEs also need access to buyers, markets, trade knowledge and trusted networks. Through our Export Readiness Programme, our international partnerships and our collaboration with DHL, Standard Bank is helping African businesses build the practical capabilities and connections they need to trade beyond their domestic markets.

"This partnership strengthens our ability to support SMEs across key trade corridors, including within Africa, and to help them grow with greater confidence,” said Blackie.

Digital tools for business growth

MTN will complement the programme with digital services and skills designed to help SMEs strengthen their operations.

Support will include digital training, connectivity and cloud-based solutions for secure data storage, collaboration and remote working. SMEs will also have access to digital payment tools, online marketing assistance, mentorship and guidance on using exports to enter new markets.

“Digital transformation is a critical enabler of business growth and competitiveness,” said David Behr, MTN Group chief enterprise business officer. “By combining MTN's reach and digital capabilities with DHL's international trade expertise, we can help SMEs embrace technology, improve business performance and access new opportunities across Africa and beyond.”

Expanding DHL GoTrade across Africa

The partnership forms part of DHL’s GoTrade programme, which has been introduced in more than 50 countries since 2021. The initiative has supported more than 24,000 SMEs globally, including over 8,000 women-owned enterprises.

In sub-Saharan Africa, more than 8,000 SMEs have participated in GoTrade programmes and related capacity-building activities.

DHL has also pledged €300m in investment across Africa by 2030, with the company continuing to support initiatives intended to increase participation in international trade and encourage sustainable economic growth.

Hennie Heymans, CEO of DHL Express sub-Saharan Africa, said SMEs remain a significant part of the continent's economy but face barriers to participating in international trade.

“Across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), SMEs represent more than 90% of businesses and provide approximately 70% of employment, making them one of the continent's most important engines of economic opportunity and inclusive growth.

"Despite their significance, many of our entrepreneurs continue to face barriers related to financing, digital adoption, trade knowledge and market access, limiting their ability to participate fully in regional and global trade.

“We are excited to work with our partners to create a collaborative ecosystem aimed at addressing these challenges through practical interventions that support businesses at every stage of their export journey,” said Heymans.

The partners expect the initiative to strengthen the pipeline of businesses prepared to export and compete in increasingly connected markets. The programme is also intended to contribute to entrepreneurship, employment and broader economic inclusion across the continent.

Heymans added: “African SMEs have the ambition and innovation needed to compete globally, but they cannot do it alone. Success in international trade requires access to the right combination of knowledge, finance, technology, policy support and logistics capability.

"By bringing together the strengths of the public and private sectors, we are creating an ecosystem that will help more businesses become export-ready, connect to international markets and contribute meaningfully to Africa's economic growth agenda.

"Our ambition is not only to help SMEs trade more, but to help them grow sustainably, create jobs and unlock new opportunities across the continent.”

Taara, Liquid expand high-speed connectivity across Nigeria

Taara, a graduate of X, Google’s Moonshot Factory and a provider of high-speed, high-capacity wireless optical communication, is continuing its collaboration with Liquid Intelligent Technologies, part of Cassava Technologies, to strengthen enterprise connectivity in Nigeria

The partnership is helping Liquid extend high-capacity bandwidth from its points of presence at Africa Data Centres and other leading data centres in Nigeria to large enterprises located both within and beyond existing fibre networks.

The approach provides an alternative in locations where traditional fibre deployments can be expensive, time-consuming or difficult to implement. It also supports network resilience in areas where fibre cuts can result in outages lasting several days before services are restored.

Over the past two years, Liquid has deployed nearly a dozen Taara links across Lagos. The links are being used to provide high-speed connectivity to large local enterprises while improving network resilience across key commercial areas serving internet service providers, banks, hotels and a utility company.

Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest economies, with some analysts reporting faster economic growth in 2026 than in the previous five years. Lagos, as the country’s largest and fastest-growing commercial hub, presents particular challenges for network expansion because of its dense urban environment.

As enterprise demand for connectivity increases, operators are turning to a combination of technologies to extend network coverage and strengthen redundancy. Liquid is using Taara’s wireless optical technology to expand connectivity in some of the country’s more challenging environments.

The technology uses highly focused beams of light to transmit data wirelessly, allowing operators to establish links within days rather than weeks. This can help accelerate customer deployments while working alongside existing fibre infrastructure.

Liquid is also assessing opportunities to extend wireless optical communication to additional Nigerian locations, including Abuja, Ibadan and Kano.

“For Liquid, deployment speed has been one of the most significant advantages. Traditional fiber deployments aren’t always a possibility, especially across difficult terrains. Taara links can often be installed and activated within hours, allowing Liquid to ensure it is remaining true to its mission to create a digitally connected future that leaves no African behind,” said Eugene Uka, Acting Chief Executive Officer at Liquid Intelligent Technologies Nigeria.

“As demand for connectivity continues to grow, operators need more flexibility in how they expand and reinforce their networks,” said Bhavesh Mistry, Regional Lead for Taara in Africa. “Fiber remains an essential part of modern communications infrastructure, and will for some time, but there are many situations where deploying fiber quickly or cost-effectively can be difficult. Wireless optical communication gives operators another tool to extend capacity, reach customers faster, and build more resilient networks without compromising performance.”

Taara Lightbridge provides a connectivity option positioned between fibre and conventional radio-frequency technologies. It can deliver up to 20 Gbps of capacity over distances of up to 20 kilometres using narrow, invisible beams of light.

The platform allows operators to deploy high-capacity links without trenching, spectrum licensing or extensive civil works. This can help address connectivity gaps in locations where conventional infrastructure deployment may otherwise be impractical.

Taara Lightbridge is currently deployed in more than 20 countries by operators including T-Mobile, Airtel, Digicel, Liquid and SoftBank. The technology is being used to extend and reinforce network capacity across urban, rural, remote and hard-to-reach environments.