A pilot project in Empangeni, South Africa, is installing fibre infrastructure in 405 new homes as they’re built. The initiative, launched on October 23, 2026, is a collaboration between the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government, network operator Openserve, and technology company Huawei.
This “Pipe and Box” method, a first for South Africa, lays the groundwork for future connectivity during construction. Thamsanqa Ntuli, Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, emphasized that while the project doesn’t immediately provide fibre services, it ensures the necessary infrastructure is in place.
The pilot involves several key players. The provincial government provides oversight, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements offers planning expertise, and the uMhlathuze Local Municipality handles local coordination. Huawei contributes technical knowledge and support, while Openserve brings telecommunications infrastructure and network deployment experience.
Charles Cheng from Huawei advocated for making fibre pre-provisioning a national standard, integrated into building codes and housing strategies. Li Yanbang, Huawei’s Solution Manager, highlighted the cost savings and road preservation benefits of installing fibre during road construction.
The project challenges the traditional approach of addressing connectivity after housing construction, as questioned by Rendani Musetha from the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies. Pearl Schrimpton of Openserve stressed the importance of transparency and knowledge sharing to inform future decisions.
However, the release lacks key details, such as the cost per home, expected savings, and a timeline for fibre service activation. It also doesn’t identify the operator responsible for connecting the homes or provide results from the pilot.
Openserve, ranked among the top 8 fibre network operators in a July 2026 survey, has experience with in-home fibre projects. Huawei has also been involved in similar initiatives, such as Telecom Egypt’s Fibre-to-the-Room service launched in May 2026.
By integrating connectivity into the construction process, the partners aim to create a more efficient and cost-effective approach to providing fibre services. This shift in thinking about infrastructure development could set a precedent for future housing projects in South Africa and beyond.
The success of this initiative may significantly impact regions where connectivity remains a challenge. Industry experts and policymakers will closely watch the project’s outcomes, assessing its potential for larger-scale replication.
