📡How Fusion's SD-WAN Empowers WISPs in Rural South Africa 🇿🇦

Rural Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) face unique challenges in delivering reliable connectivity. In South Africa’s northern provinces, one such WISP struggled with high costs and unreliable layer 2 backhaul connectivity to provide internet services to a growing subscriber base. Fusion's SD-WAN stepped in, transforming the WISP's operations, improving service quality, and increasing customer satisfaction. Here’s how.

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The Challenge | Expensive & Unstable Backhaul Connectivity

This WISP operated in a rural town, serving both residential subscribers and businesses in the surrounding areas. However, their existing infrastructure relied on costly and unstable layer 2 fibre connectivity from multiple broadband operators. The setup was not only expensive to maintain but also prone to faults that disrupted services, such as video streaming.

Subscribers frequently experienced session drops, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction, particularly when using streaming platforms like Netflix. This issue put the WISP at a disadvantage in a competitive market.

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The Solution | Fusion's SD-WAN

Fusion installed their SD-WAN solution at multiple towns in the region, enabling the WISP to overcome the limitations of their previous network.

1. Bonding and Aggregating Backhaul Connections

Fusion’s SD-WAN allowed the WISP to bond and aggregate multiple backhaul fibre connections from different broadband providers into a single, unified virtual link.

• Improved stability: By leveraging multiple connections simultaneously, the SD-WAN ensured that if one backhaul link became unstable or went offline, traffic would seamlessly reroute to the next best link without disruption.

• Optimized performance: The solution dynamically selected the shortest or fastest path for data flows, improving overall network performance.

2. Transition from Layer 2 to Broadband

The SD-WAN replaced the costly and unreliable layer 2 connectivity with affordable broadband options. This transition significantly reduced operating costs while maintaining high-quality service delivery.

3. Enhanced Subscriber Experience

With SD-WAN in place, subscribers experienced uninterrupted connectivity, even during backhaul faults. Streaming services like Netflix became smooth and reliable, eliminating session drops that previously caused frustration.

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Benefits of Fusion's SD-WAN for the WISP

1. Lower Operating Costs

• Migrating from layer 2 to broadband dramatically reduced the WISP’s expenditure on backhaul connectivity.

• The use of affordable broadband connections enabled the WISP to redirect savings toward network expansion and customer acquisition.

2. Increased Service Reliability

• SD-WAN’s intelligent routing ensured continuous service delivery, even during network disruptions.

• Subscribers enjoyed a better experience, resulting in higher satisfaction and loyalty.

3. Competitive Advantage

• The improved service quality attracted customers from competing WISPs in the area.

• Fusion’s SD-WAN enabled the WISP to differentiate itself in the market by offering a more reliable and cost-effective solution.

4. Simplified Network Management

• Centralized management tools allowed the WISP to monitor and optimize the network in real time.

• Automation reduced the complexity of managing multiple backhaul connections, freeing up resources for other priorities.

5. Scalability for Growth

• As the subscriber base grew, Fusion’s SD-WAN made it easy to scale network capacity and expand to new locations without significant additional investment.

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A Great Win for the WISP & Its Subscribers

The implementation of Fusion’s SD-WAN was a game-changer for this rural WISP. Not only did it lower operating costs, but it also enhanced service reliability and subscriber satisfaction. The absence of session drops during video streaming was a noticeable improvement, delighting customers and boosting the WISP's reputation.

As word spread about the enhanced quality of service, subscribers from competing WISPs began migrating to this provider, demonstrating the power of reliable connectivity in retaining and attracting customers.

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The Bottom Line

Fusion’s SD-WAN proved to be the ideal solution for addressing the unique challenges faced by rural WISPs in South Africa. By bonding multiple backhaul connections, transitioning from expensive layer 2 infrastructure, and improving service reliability, Fusion enabled the WISP to thrive in a competitive market.

This success story highlights the transformative potential of SD-WAN for rural ISPs, empowering them to deliver high-quality services, expand their customer base, and secure long-term growth. Fusion’s SD-WAN is not just a network solution—it’s a strategic advantage for businesses operating in underserved regions.

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Ronald Bartels ensures that Internet inhabiting things are connected reliably online at Fusion Broadband South Africa - the leading specialized SD-WAN Last Mile provider in South Africa. Learn more about the best SD-WAN in the world: 👉Contact Fusion✈️

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