YouTube and Vumatel Launch Fibre + Connected TV Pilot to Bridge South Africa’s Digital Divide
YouTube and Vumatel Launch Fibre + Connected TV Pilot
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 17 November 2025 – YouTube and Vumatel (part of the Maziv Group) have announced a landmark pilot programme designed to reduce South Africa’s digital inequality. The initiative will deliver affordable, high-speed fibre internet bundled with Google TV streaming devices to township households, beginning in Alexandra Township, Johannesburg.
The pilot will connect 2,000 homes with fibre and provide free Google TV dongles, transforming ordinary televisions into smart, internet-enabled devices. This strategic collaboration supports Maziv’s broader mission to enable equitable digital access for communities historically excluded from South Africa’s digital economy.
Accelerating Digital Inclusion in South African Townships
The fibre-and-TV pilot aims to empower township households through reliable broadband connectivity, improved digital literacy, and easier access to online education, entertainment, and economic opportunities.
By combining Vumatel’s affordable fibre infrastructure with YouTube’s global content ecosystem and Google TV technology, the partnership bridges the gap between basic connectivity and meaningful digital participation.
This initiative aligns with Maziv’s long-term vision to “connect every South African home and business,” driving social progress through accessible, world-class broadband.
YouTube’s Connected TV Leadership and Global Inclusion Strategy
YouTube has become the #1 platform for TV watch time in major markets such as the United States, surpassing all traditional streaming services. This global trend signals the growing importance of living-room entertainment — and its potential to unlock digital inclusion in underserved regions.
Mahesh Bhalerao, Director of YouTube Product Partnerships, EMEA, explains:
“Enabling an easy-to-use, accessible Connected TV experience is key to driving digital literacy and content adoption. By bundling Google TV dongles with Vumatel’s fast and reliable fibre, we are creating a seamless pathway for customers to enjoy educational, entertainment and cultural content in a way that is affordable and sustainable for their households.”
Maziv’s Vision: Transforming Connectivity Into Opportunity
As a core subsidiary of the Maziv Group, Vumatel plays a critical role in delivering fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) solutions across both affluent suburbs and previously underserved communities. This partnership with YouTube strengthens Maziv’s commitment to bridging the digital divide through innovative, scalable solutions that extend beyond basic access.
Zunaid Mahomed, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer at Maziv, notes:
“Our fibre-to-the-home model disrupted the market by breaking financial barriers to connectivity. The collaboration with YouTube and Google TV completes that mission — enabling people not only to get connected but to experience the full value of being connected: learning, earning, and engaging through technology.”
Tony Archibong, Managing Director, Global Product Partnerships at YouTube, adds:
“This pilot reinforces YouTube’s mission to give everyone a voice and show them the world. By ensuring high-quality, relevant content is accessible regardless of socio-economic background or geographic location, we are taking a meaningful step toward digital inclusion for all.”
About Maziv and Vumatel
Maziv is South Africa’s leading open-access fibre infrastructure provider, operating nationwide networks through its subsidiaries Vumatel and Dark Fibre Africa (DFA).
Vumatel, a key Maziv subsidiary, continues to expand fibre networks across both established and underserved neighbourhoods. Through partnerships like the YouTube Connected TV pilot, Vumatel advances its purpose:
“Connecting South Africa — equitably, sustainably, and for generations to come.”
About YouTube
Founded in May 2005, YouTube allows billions of people to discover, watch, and share videos online. It serves as a global platform for education, entertainment, connection, and community — while empowering creators, artists, and advertisers of every size. YouTube is a Google company.