Chinese telecommunications giant ZTE is seeking to partner with local fixed network operators, with plans to launch commercial 10Gb symmetrical passive optical network (XGS-PON) services in major cities across South Africa.

So says Alex He, CTO of ZTE South Africa, describing the company’s business strategy in an email interview with ITWeb.

According to He, the company also aims to boost the country’s burgeoning 5G market in collaboration with mobile operators.

According to Global Market Insights, XGS-PON has the potential to help communications service providers deliver high-speed Internet access to their customers, while controlling link costs.

XGS-PON is an updated standard for Passive Optical Networks (PON) that can support higher-speed symmetric data transfer of 10 Gbps and is part of the family of standards known as Gigabit – PON, or G-PON capable.

Global Market Insights indicates that the GPON market exceeded $10 billion in 2021 and is poised to grow at a CAGR of over 10% from 2022 to 2028. Global shipments of GPON products exceeded 250 million units in 2021, according to the company.

The commercial launch of 10Gb symmetric passive optical network services will provide users with high-speed and 10Gbps Wi-Fi experiences, He said.

“This will be South Africa’s first attempt to deliver 10Gbps broadband to retail users. In addition, ZTE will launch its AX11000 WiFi 6E 10Gb compliant Symmetrical Passive Optical Network (XGS-PON) Terminal (XGS-PON), it adds.

“We also brought our highly efficient, fast and economical fixed and mobile devices. Recently, ZTE, in collaboration with Ellies Electronics, launched its first Android TV 11 set-top box in South Africa. So we sail quickly.

He points out that ZTE South Africa has been active in the country for more than two decades rendering its services to various players in the local market.

The main product buyers are from telecom operators, where they complement the entire telecom ecosystem by providing their end users with voice, data and other value-added services using devices from vendors such as ZTE, according to He. .

“We have made a rapid transition, not only from the point of view of technological evolution, but also as a long-term strategic partner for operators in the field of ICT. 4G and 5G technologies are our priority and the plan is to further improve our footprint from dense urban areas to urban areas and then gradually to rural areas.

When it comes to 5G, he says there are exciting new use cases on the global stage as carriers have seen the opportunity to bring 5G technology to industries other than normal end users.

ZTE’s move to tap into the local 5G market comes as South Africa spearheads 5G deployments in Africa.

This after the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa completed a delayed 5G auction in March, selling spectrum in the 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 2.6 GHz and 3.5 bands. GHz.

“We see that 5G is no longer just a telecommunications provider model. In fact, there are now new use cases for end users; Additionally, for industries like entertainment or manufacturing, 5G can be a tremendous engine of growth in the years to come.

“In South Africa, mobile broadband using 5G technology that complements needs that previously could only be met by fiber is one of the many opportunities dominating at this stage.”

The company also plays a role in stimulating indirect investment in South Africa, he says.

“Currently, ZTE is focusing on an indirect investment strategy; we sponsor students from various universities in South Africa which can open up many job opportunities for them.

“ZTE also plans to hire students who qualify as potential candidates for us to work in ZTE’s very intense and active environment. The direct investment option is still on the table.

“We contribute to the realization of digital transformation and the reduction of the digital divide. We are always ready to go the extra mile to support business ventures of various kinds. ZTE truly believes that now is the time for all citizens in all corners of the country to begin reaping the true benefits of technological advancement.

On the consumer segment, he says, “We intend to sell our devices direct to market as it could be a great marketing strategy for our brand to thrive further.”

He notes that ZTE products such as MiFi, WiFi routers, set-top boxes and mobile devices are available in various stores in South Africa and online marketplaces. “We are more inclined to strengthen our position in the construction of telecom infrastructures.”