Dimension Data to sell fibre and wireless businesses

26 Sep Dimension Data to sell fibre and wireless businesses

Dimension Data has entered into an agreement to sell its fibre and wireless businesses to Vulatel.

This is according to a statement sent out by the company on Friday.

The company said the sale of its fibre and wireless businesses – formerly known as Plessey South Africa – includes the assets and “the great skills and capabilities of our employees”.

“The transaction is subject to various conditions which both parties are required to fulfil, and the date on which the businesses will officially become Vulatel has been set for 1 October 2017,” it said.

Dimension Data said the sale is part of its strategy to grow and strengthen its core business. It also plans to move into new areas, including data analytics, IoT, hybrid IT, digital workplace, and cybersecurity.

“While Dimension Data is proud of its long and successful history of delivering the full spectrum of outside plant fibre, wireless, and site build solutions… the group needs to focus on its core value proposition.”

Vulatel

Vulatel is a majority-black-women-owned start-up that focuses on the telecommunication and energy sectors, said the company.

“We wanted to sell our businesses to a company that had the experience and strong relationships in the telco industry,” it said.

Dimension Data said it will be “business as usual” for now, and Vulatel will continue to offer its existing services and solutions.

The company’s 140 fibre and wireless employees will move into the Vulatel business.

The sale follows weeks of speculation that Dimension Data Africa may be bought by a big telecoms player, with MTN and Vodacom said to be interested in the company.

It has also been reported that Internet Solutions – owned by Dimension Data – is in partnership discussions with numerous companies. This includes MTN.