Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to select a suitable service provider to wholesale excess network capacity on the eThekwini Municipality’s Carrier Grade Network for a period of 36 months. The successful provider will manage the marketing, customer relationships, billing, revenue collection, and related services to expand the network’s utilization and support the municipality’s goal of enhancing service delivery and connectivity within its boundaries.

Scope

The scope includes:

• Provision of wholesale excess network capacity on the municipality’s fibre optic infrastructure spanning approximately 2800 km.
• Active marketing and management of customer relationships with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and third-party clients.
• Processing customer orders, site surveys, feasibility studies, and contract administration.
• Billing, revenue collection, and financial reporting aligned with ICASA regulations.
• Management of fibre wayleave applications and ensuring fair access to the network for multiple licensed service providers.
• Implementation of a sustainable business strategy to accommodate network growth and revenue expansion.

Technical Requirements

• Experience in wholesaling bandwidth or internet services, supported by reference letters from previous clients.
• Provision of a valid ICASA Electronic Communications Service (ECS) license.
• Implementation of a billing system integrated with eThekwini’s existing infrastructure, capable of generating accurate monthly invoices and exception reports.
• Adherence to ICASA regulations for ECNS licensing, revenue reporting, and legal compliance.
• Provision of customer support through a dedicated service desk operating during weekdays, with defined response times.
• Management of customer relationships, including handling service requests, site surveys, and revenue queries.
• Ability to process and verify fibre wayleave applications efficiently.
• Compliance with eThekwini Municipality’s security policies and IT standards.
• Development of a sustainable business and network growth strategy, including an implementation plan within 30 days of contract award.

Skills Requirements

• Proven experience in internet service provisioning, bandwidth wholesaling, and network management.
• Strong project management and strategic planning skills to develop and execute a sustainable growth plan.
• Technical expertise in fibre optic networks, billing systems, and regulatory compliance (ICASA).
• Customer service and relationship management capabilities, including handling technical and commercial queries.
• Financial management skills for revenue collection, expense tracking, and producing audited financial reports.
• Legal and regulatory knowledge related to telecommunications licensing and compliance.
• Effective communication skills for engaging with municipal authorities, service providers, and clients.