Cybersmart has launched an open access fibre network

Daniel Puchert

Daniel Puchert

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One of South Africa's oldest ISPs launches open access fibre network

Cybersmart has launched an open access fibre network with a unique product structure, promising partner Internet service providers an opportunity to create innovative products.

While the service is extremely price competitive, Cybersmart founder Laurie Fialkov told MyBroadband that he is excited to provide ISPs with the tools to escape the current market conditions where the only variable is price.
 
They still exist?
I don't think I know one cybersmart customer, since 2016 they talked about this "open access" thing yet, I see Vumatel everywhere.
 
Thor said:
They still exist?
I don't think I know one cybersmart customer, since 2016 they talked about this "open access" thing yet, I see Vumatel everywhere.
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🤚 Been a customer for just under 2 years now. Never any issues. They were also my first ADSL ISP many moons ago.
 
Whatever people say about Cybersmart, this is a first for SA and a step in the right direction for full open access. This is what can be achieved if the Competition Commission doesn't stick its nose in private business and let private deals go through.
 
Sounds like some cool design decisions on the CPE, but with the level of idiots I have dealt with you could design a CPE that **** klaps the customer and shouts at them that the power is off and they would still call in for support.
 
  • Haha
Reactions: Jan
The cybersmart ISP entry level package is cheaper than the wholesale price to the ISP, is this Open Access 🤣
 
Koos9999 said:
The cybersmart ISP entry level package is cheaper than the wholesale price to the ISP, is this Open Access 🤣
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Two different products as I understand it and the ISP can structure it anyway they want to have higher speeds or more users at lower speeds.
 
Swa said:
Whatever people say about Cybersmart, this is a first for SA and a step in the right direction for full open access. This is what can be achieved if the Competition Commission doesn't stick its nose in private business and let private deals go through.
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How is it a first? What do you think most FNOs are doing?!?! LOL. Just FYI, every enterprise customer that I've signed up to Cybersmart to date in Gauteng was via a ............. DFA link.
 
Thor said:
They still exist?
I don't think I know one cybersmart customer, since 2016 they talked about this "open access" thing yet, I see Vumatel everywhere.
Click to expand...

I know entire buildings that use cybersmart, I've been using cybersmart since 2014, I know Laurie since 1997, before he started the internet cafe in sea point

still run into him at Fruit and Veg in Roeland Street
 
quovadis said:
How is it a first? What do you think most FNOs are doing?!?! LOL. Just FYI, every enterprise customer that I've signed up to Cybersmart to date in Gauteng was via a ............. DFA link.
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Name one FNO that leases a circuit allowing an ISP to ration it however they want. No they all lease you a line virtually at a specific speed.
 
Swa said:
Name one FNO that leases a circuit allowing an ISP to ration it however they want. No they all lease you a line virtually at a specific speed.
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DFA. The clue is in the word DARK. You can light it at whatever speed you like.
 
Swa said:
Name one FNO that leases a circuit allowing an ISP to ration it however they want. No they all lease you a line virtually at a specific speed.
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MFN seems to. Currently, depending on dhcp or ppoe to ISP, I'm getting either 1gbps or 250mbps on my 250mbps line.
Maybe I'm misunderstanding your comment.
 
Swa said:
Does not fit the profile. I don't see any FTTH lines from DFA.
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How do you think Cybersmart get into the buildings they have coverage in? DFA will install to any building you like. Heck, I had a home DFA connection about 10 years ago lit at 10gbit to Teraco. Their model isn’t new. It’s the basis for most Fibre FNO offers - not sure why you think because their base CPE at 1gbit is any different to an FNO offering different base speeds at different price points.
 
The advertised prices look the same as they have always been

Is this promotion only for new customers and installations?
 
Vorastra said:
MFN seems to. Currently, depending on dhcp or ppoe to ISP, I'm getting either 1gbps or 250mbps on my 250mbps line.
Maybe I'm misunderstanding your comment.
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I don't know the model they employ but the basic model is the ISP connects to a port at the FNO. This then gives them access to route data through the line at a specific FNO controlled speed. If they want to upgrade the line this requires a change at the FNO level.

quovadis said:
How do you think Cybersmart get into the buildings they have coverage in? DFA will install to any building you like. Heck, I had a home DFA connection about 10 years ago lit at 10gbit to Teraco. Their model isn’t new. It’s the basis for most Fibre FNO offers - not sure why you think because their base CPE at 1gbit is any different to an FNO offering different base speeds at different price points.
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From what I'm aware every FNO still installs the last mile connection and equipment even if DFA has backhaul in an area. DFAs map also doesn't seem to show a full fibre network to customer premises and it's hugely incomplete. You really seem to be propping up this DFA.
 
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