{"id":56873,"date":"2026-04-22T05:40:16","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T05:40:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/?p=56873"},"modified":"2026-04-22T05:40:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T05:40:16","slug":"280497","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/2026\/04\/22\/280497\/","title":{"rendered":"Centracom&#8217;s Pindrop takes the pain out of wholesale fibre"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\" async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<!-- Africa tv video display -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"3579572842\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\r\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\r\n<script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\">\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-280501 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Centracoms-Pindrop-takes-the-pain-out-of-wholesale-fibre.jpg?resize=640%2C432&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Centracom's Pindrop takes the pain out of wholesale fibre\" width=\"640\" height=\"432\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Centracoms-Pindrop-takes-the-pain-out-of-wholesale-fibre.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/techcentral.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/centracom-1500-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/techcentral.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/centracom-1500-1024x691.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/techcentral.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/centracom-1500-768x518.jpg 768w, https:\/\/techcentral.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/centracom-1500-150x101.jpg 150w, https:\/\/techcentral.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/centracom-1500-450x304.jpg 450w, https:\/\/techcentral.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/centracom-1500-1200x810.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"\/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Organisations shopping<\/strong> for wholesale connectivity across many sites will appreciate the improved location transparency that recent fibre infrastructure mapping has delivered. But while visibility has improved, the main challenge remains \u2013 complexity. Connectivity resellers still have to navigate a highly complex and fragmented ecosystem of providers, pricing models, service levels and operational processes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cKnowing where fibre is available is just the starting point,\u201d said Grant Aitken, chief operating officer of Centracom. \u201cThe real challenge is understanding what throughput is viable at a specific address, at what price, on what terms and how quickly it can be deployed. Then there\u2019s the challenge of managing and optimising consumption, billing and other attendant processes on an ongoing basis.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2><strong>From visibility to decision-making<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Enterprises and resellers often need to engage multiple providers to determine feasibility, compare pricing and initiate orders. This process can be time-consuming and, in many cases, inconsistent. \u201cFor years, the process was largely manual,\u201d Aitken said. \u201cYou\u2019d have to contact each provider individually, wait for feedback, and then try to piece together a view of the options.\u201d This complexity becomes more pronounced for organisations managing connectivity across dozens \u2013 or even thousands \u2013 of locations, such as retailers, banks or fuel networks.<\/p>\n<p>In response, a new category of platforms has emerged, aimed at aggregating network data and simplifying the procurement process. Pindrop, a subsidiary of Centracom, does just that. It enables users to input an address and receive a consolidated view of available connectivity options, including fibre, microwave wireless, satellite, 5G LTE and APN services, along with associated pricing and service details.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">Learn more at centracom.co.za\u00a0or pindrop.co.za<\/h3>\n<p>Crucially, the platform extends beyond feasibility. \u201cIt\u2019s not just about showing what\u2019s available,\u201d Aitken said. \u201cIt\u2019s about enabling the full lifecycle \u2013 from feasibility and pricing through to ordering, project management and ongoing support.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The model is designed primarily for resellers and wholesalers, giving them access to multiple providers without requiring direct commercial agreements with each one. Pindrop customers gain access to competitive pricing without the pressure of placing large-volume orders, levelling the playing field against bigger players. And even when dealing with multiple infrastructure providers, all orders, project management and support are handled through a single point of contact, simplifying what would otherwise be a complex and time-consuming process.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-280512\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1776836415_517_Centracoms-Pindrop-takes-the-pain-out-of-wholesale-fibre.jpg?resize=640%2C341&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Centracom Pindrop\" width=\"640\" height=\"341\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1776836415_517_Centracoms-Pindrop-takes-the-pain-out-of-wholesale-fibre.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/techcentral.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/centracom-pindrop-1500-800-300x160.jpg 300w, https:\/\/techcentral.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/centracom-pindrop-1500-800-1024x546.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/techcentral.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/centracom-pindrop-1500-800-768x410.jpg 768w, https:\/\/techcentral.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/centracom-pindrop-1500-800-150x80.jpg 150w, https:\/\/techcentral.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/centracom-pindrop-1500-800-450x240.jpg 450w, https:\/\/techcentral.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/centracom-pindrop-1500-800-1200x640.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"\/><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Shifting operational burden<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>One of the less visible challenges in connectivity procurement lies in what happens after an order is placed. Provisioning, project management, supplier coordination and fault resolution all introduce operational overhead \u2013 particularly when multiple providers are involved. \u201cEach provider has its own processes, timelines and escalation paths,\u201d Aitken said. \u201cManaging that across hundreds or thousands of links becomes a significant operational burden.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Platforms that centralise these functions effectively act as an intermediary layer, absorbing much of this complexity. The result, according to Aitken, is a single point of accountability in an otherwise fragmented value chain. \u201cYou\u2019re dealing with one interface, one process, one support structure \u2013 even if there are multiple underlying providers,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Cost and competitiveness<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Pricing is another area where aggregation can have an impact. Because platforms operate at scale \u2013 aggregating demand across multiple resellers \u2013 they are often able to secure more competitive wholesale rates than smaller players could achieve independently. This can help level the playing field, particularly for smaller resellers competing with larger, established operators.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere\u2019s a barrier to entry in this market if you don\u2019t have volume,\u201d Aitken said. \u201cAggregation changes that dynamic by giving smaller players access to pricing they wouldn\u2019t typically qualify for.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Data as a strategic asset<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Beyond operational efficiency, platforms like Pindrop are also building up significant datasets on network performance, pricing trends and provider behaviour. Over time, this data could play a more strategic role in the market \u2013 informing purchasing decisions and, potentially, influencing how providers position their services. \u201cThere\u2019s a growing opportunity to use this data more actively,\u201d Aitken said. \u201cNot just to facilitate transactions, but to provide insight into how different networks perform and where the best options are.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2><strong>The next phase of connectivity<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>As South Africa\u2019s fibre footprint continues to expand, the focus is likely to shift further from infrastructure rollout to optimisation and utilisation. Visibility, while important, is only one piece of the puzzle. The ability to interpret that visibility \u2013 and act on it efficiently \u2013 may prove to be the more decisive factor.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe industry has made huge strides in terms of infrastructure,\u201d Aitken said. \u201cThe next step is making that infrastructure easier to access, compare and use.\u201d In that context, the tools that sit between networks and end users may become just as important as the networks themselves.<\/p>\n<h3>Learn more at centracom.co.za\u00a0or pindrop.co.za.<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>This promoted content was paid for by the party concerned<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\" async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<!-- Africa tv video display -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"3579572842\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\r\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\r\n<script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\">\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n#Centracoms #Pindrop #takes #pain #wholesale #fibre<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Organisations shopping for wholesale connectivity across many sites will appreciate the improved location transparency that recent fibre infrastructure mapping has&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":56874,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-56873","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mzansi"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56873","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=56873"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56873\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":56875,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56873\/revisions\/56875"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/56874"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=56873"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=56873"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=56873"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}