# South African fibre optic network expansion > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-african-fibre-optic-network-expansion > Updated: 2026-10-13T14:45:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. The telecommunications landscape in South Africa is seeing a push toward expanded fibre optic connectivity, impacting both residential economic participation and commercial infrastructure development. Research from the Bureau for Economic Research at Stellenbosch University suggests that home fibre access significantly boosts economic activity in township areas, with long-term access linked to a twofold increase in the probability of self-employment. Providers like Ilitha Telecommunications are expanding into districts such as O. R. Tambo to address the need for affordable, high-quality connectivity in lower-income and rural communities. Simultaneously, wholesale providers like Dark Fibre Africa (DFA) are focusing on national footprint expansion through significant capital investment. DFA is increasingly integrating connectivity into the commercial real estate sector by collaborating with developers during the early planning and construction phases of new projects to ensure seamless service for future occupants. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-13: Dark Fibre Africa expands fibre network via property sector collaboration Dark Fibre Africa is expanding its South African fibre network by targeting commercial property developments and integrating connectivity into the early stages of real estate construction. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dark-fibre-africa-expands-fibre-network-via-property-sector-collaboration ### 2026-10-02: Broadband expansion drives economic participation in Africa Africa's digital economy is shifting toward high-capacity broadband. In South Africa, research shows fibre access significantly boosts self-employment and economic participation in underserved communities. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/broadband-expansion-drives-economic-participation-in-africa --- Cite as: South African fibre optic network expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-african-fibre-optic-network-expansion