During Huawei South Africa Connect 2025, Huawei officially launched the iFTTR OptiXstar F50 series, the country’s latest “Fibre-to-the-Room (FTTR)+X” solution for intelligent, all-optical smart homes.

Announced at the Huawei ISP & MSP Forum under the theme “Fast and Stable Infrastructure, Accelerating ISP & MSP Intelligence”, it represents a major step forward for internet service providers (ISPs), managed service providers (MSPs), and fibre network operators (FNOs) seeking to deliver more intelligent, high-quality broadband services. The launch drew a strong response from the industry, with over 150 representatives in the sectors of ISPs, MSPs, and FNOs from across the country attending the forum to explore how next-generation FTTR+X solutions can reshape broadband experiences and accelerate digital service delivery.

Built on Huawei’s deep expertise in fibre innovation, the iFTTR OptiXstar F50 delivers intelligent, high-speed, whole-home connectivity that goes far beyond traditional FTTH models. Using Wi-Fi 7, distributed AI engines, and advanced optical+Wi-Fi architecture, the solution establishes a new smart home foundation that integrates connectivity, computing, storage, and application enablement. In doing so, it empowers providers to unlock new revenue opportunities, deliver richer services, and significantly enhance customer satisfaction.

The solution marks a major leap forward in ISP and MSP value creation. Field-proven results from global deployments show that FTTR can increase ARPU by 30%, improve Wi-Fi coverage by 60%, and double user satisfaction. As demand for reliable, high-quality connectivity rises in South Africa’s urban markets, the iFTTR OptiXstar F50 offers a commercially viable way to meet user expectations while staying ahead of market shifts.

The iFTTR OptiXstar F50 is engineered for precisely this kind of impact. With its all-in-one "1+4+N" capability set, the solution supports not just ultra-fast broadband but also integrated smart home services like local and cloud storage, home security, device control, AI health monitoring, and more. Providers can deploy diverse FTTR+X use cases tailored to residential, commercial, and community environments, all with improved efficiency and simplified maintenance.

Huawei’s leadership in FTTR technology reinforces its long-term commitment to digital transformation in South Africa. By aligning infrastructure innovation with business growth and community development, the company is helping to define the next era of connectivity — one where high-quality broadband is not a luxury, but a platform for inclusion, opportunity, and intelligent living.

During the Forum opening speech, Juanita Clark, CEO of Digital Council Africa, spoke about the rapid development of South Africa's fibre-optic digital infrastructure and how it has promoted the growth of the digital economy, and how this again, in turn, is meeting the demand for fast and high-quality infrastructure. Clark commended Huawei's outstanding contribution to the construction of South Africa's ICT infrastructure and its digital and intelligent transformation. She further expressed hope that South Africa's FNO and ISP industries will maintain the momentum and continue the development of the fibre-optic industry by accelerating coverage for underserved people, especially in township areas, to bring the benefits of connectivity to all by bridging the digital divide and building a truly inclusive South Africa.

That urgency is supported by recent forecasts. Andre Wills, Principal Analyst at Africa Analysis, noted that South Africa is on track to reach over 7 million consumer broadband lines by 2030, 60% of which will be fibre. He projected that nearly one million businesses will also require reliable broadband access. In response, operators are evolving their business models, offering flexible packages such as prepaid FTTH, intermittent access, and mobile wallet top-ups, especially for lower LSM markets, while focusing on experience and engagement in more saturated areas.

That transformation is already underway. Albert Oosthuysan, CEO of Net Nine Nine, a fast-growing FNO, shared his company’s vision to pass 1 million homes by 2027. Through its Community Projects 2.0, the company is extending free connectivity to underprivileged students, building IT facilities for schools, installing public Wi-Fi hotspots, and creating employment opportunities for local residents. Oosthuysan underscored the link between digital access and economic empowerment, calling for greater investment in community-centred infrastructure.

As the country works to build a more connected, competitive future, Huawei will continue working with ISPs, MSPs, and FNOs to co-create solutions that meet South Africa’s evolving needs, helping to close access gaps, unlock business potential, and elevate the digital experience for millions of users.