Leading fibre provider Net Nine Nine is transforming underserved South African schools – MyBroadband

Net Nine Nine is an ambitious closed-access fibre network operator that is committed to supporting underserved communities in South Africa.

It offers highly-affordable, month-to-month fibre products in townships across the country – bringing accessible connectivity to the communities that need it most.

Net Nine Nine boasts a presence in 15 townships and has over 42,000 clients, with big plans to grow its client base exponentially in the years ahead.

This aligns with the company’s vision of providing South Africans with the digital connectivity resources they need to reach their full potential.

Supporting schools

One of Net Nine Nine’s most exciting projects is connecting schools in townships to the Internet.

“We focus a lot of our efforts on youth, because they’re the future,” said Net Nine Nine Head of Marketing Richard Genlloud.

“Data shows that there are about 23,000 government schools in South Africa, yet about 16,000 of them remain unconnected to the Internet.”

While many of these underserved schools have received charitable and state donations of computer equipment, these devices are wasted without Internet access.

Furthermore, as subjects like robotics and coding are added to the curriculum, schools will need access to affordable and stable Internet connectivity.

To achieve this, Net Nine Nine connects all schools in its coverage areas with a high-speed fibre connection for free.

This ensures educators are equipped to create more engaging lessons, learners have access to the online resources they need to elevate their studies, and capitalise on the opportunity to upskill themselves using a multitude of online resources.

Upskilling the youth

Net Nine Nine is also pilotting a programme in Kagiso that gives learners access to important fibre industry skills.

In partnership with Cable Feeder Systems and KC Pinnacle, Net Nine Nine ran introductory classes on how fibre infrastructure works.

It then asked learners to apply for thorough training – and received 650 applications.

These learners will receive three theory classes and a practical course, teaching them how to splice fibre and string it onto poles.

Upon completing the final test, KC Pinnacle gives these learners certificates that help them get an internship at the company, and a head-start in the fibre industry.

Net Nine Nine expects about 400 learners to receive certificates by the end of the year, and it has plans to expand the project to other schools over the years ahead.

Community is key

Net Nine Nine’s efforts to help the communities it serves are underpinned by their drive to become part of these communities.

It works with community leaders to determine the people’s biggest needs, so that intitives held in the area can have a meaningful and long-lasting impact, as well as guidance and recommendations for which community members and SMME’s Net Nine Nine should hire or work with.

The company also runs special Diski Nine Nine activity days, which uses sports, aerobics and traditional games encourage young community members to engage with the brand in a fun, active and healthy way.

“We believe that we can help to guide these future leaders, to stay away from the enticement of drugs, alcohol and criminal entities, by showing them pathways to access opportunities, further their skills and inspire others with their success.

It’s our responsibility as today’s leaders help prepare these communities to be the heroes that South Africa needs, so we can help to create a future for our beautiful country that we can all be proud of.”

-Richard Genlloud (Net Nine Nine Head of Marketing)

Contact Net Nine Nine to learn more about getting fibre connectivity in your community.