Shawn Botes Chief Planning & Engineering Officer, Openserve

As South Africa’s digital economy continues to grow, the need for intelligent, future-focused telecommunications infrastructure is more essential than ever. At the heart of this transformation lies network planning, a foundational discipline that shapes not only how connectivity is delivered, but how it enables progress and further digital transformation. For companies like Openserve, South Africa’s largest infrastructure provider, network planning isn’t just a technical process, but a strategic enabler. It is a way of designing tomorrow’s possibilities today.

Network planning has traditionally been defined by demand forecasting, infrastructure rollout and performance optimisation. But in today’s shifting environment, where hybrid work, IoT and digital inclusion agendas converge, this definition has evolved. Network planning is no longer static or reactive. It’s become a dynamic, data informed discipline that demands foresight and flexibility.

Nowhere is this more relevant than where uneven access and infrastructure gaps persist and prevent citizens from participating in the digital economy. In this context, effective network planning has a greater mission: to enable economic participation, close the digital divide and build networks that support an inclusive digital society.

At Openserve, network planning is approached with a long-term lens, with planning extending 10, 15, and even 25 years into the future. That means building infrastructure that can support future services, user behaviours and technologies, many of which haven’t even emerged yet.

This far-sighted thinking influences every layer of the network, from the location of internet exchange points (IXPs) and fibre corridors to the transition away from centralised architectures in favour of distributed, edge-ready infrastructure.

These strategic shifts are intentional to unlock faster response times, lower latency, improved resilience and greater scalability. In doing so, companies can lay the groundwork for next-generation connectivity, from 5G backhaul to cloud services, as well as real-time/AI-empowered applications.

Openserve’s role in the sector goes beyond infrastructure deployment. It’s shaping the national connectivity strategy. With a strong legacy of engineering expertise and innovation, the company is increasingly seen as a leader in the field of network planning, offering a blueprint for how telcos and network operators can think differently about infrastructure.

Great networks aren’t just built for demand, they’re built for impact. That requires combining engineering excellence with broader national goals, like digital transformation, customer empowerment and social inclusion.

At Openserve, network planning is inseparable from purpose. The focus isn’t solely on where the biggest commercial returns lie, but on where the greatest difference can be made. This belief is reflected in the rollout strategy, which balances urban densification projects with targeted rural expansion. It also illustrates how the company engages with changing community needs, municipal plans and national infrastructure goals.

Network planning also plays an important role in shaping the customer experience. Openserve’s data-driven approach makes sure that networks are designed to be responsive to real-world usage.

As customer behaviours shift, networks must adapt. Planning allows for anticipation of those shifts and the expansion of capacity before congestion becomes an issue. This proactive approach ensures a smoother, more reliable experience for the end user.

Ultimately, network planning is about more than connectivity. It’s about laying the foundations for South Africa’s digital future. That includes enabling smart cities, e-governance, digital learning, remote healthcare, AI-powered services, and the full potential of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Telecommunications infrastructure is the nervous system of a modern economy. If we want to digitise the industry, we need infrastructure that’s resilient and scalable.

As South Africa navigates an evolving digital landscape, Openserve is leading the way with purpose-driven, future-ready network planning. The company’s approach doesn’t just respond to the moment but also anticipates what’s next and what our customers need.

With a clear strategy, deep engineering insight and a commitment to equitable access, Openserve is building more than networks: it’s building the future of connectivity.

Visit the Openserve website for more information.