Computer distributor Mustek has partnered with cabling firm m2fx to open a new optical fibre pre-termination facility to help speed up the network installation process in southern Africa.

South African company Mustek is the largest assembler and distributor of personal computers and complementary ICT products in the country.

Meanwhile, m2fx describes itself as specialising in tough yet flexible FTTX cable/microduct routing products that are designed to protect fibre and still be light and ultra flexible enough to enable fast and efficient installation in the field.

The facility, which is located in South Africa's business capital, Johannesburg, is expected to enable Mustek to supply operators and installers with complete solutions built on m2fx’s innovative Miniflex fibre cable, microduct and protection tube range.

This in turn is planned to result in reduced time and labour costs to ensure the highest quality fibre installations, reads a statement.

South African based Mustek said the partnership could also help boost it supply installations throughout Africa through its large scale distribution network which spans South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria.

“Up until now deployment time and cost have been huge stumbling blocks when it comes to large scale rollouts of fibre networks, both to homes and businesses,” said Hein Engelbrecht, managing director at Mustek.

He added, “Our drive is to make deployments affordable and the new pre-termination plant will enable us to offer m2fx’s proven technology much faster to our local customers, bringing down costs for operators and users. We believe this expanded partnership will grow last mile fibre deployments, providing a high quality, cost-effective solution across southern Africa.”

Speaking about the partnership m2fx chief executive officer Tom Carpenter said, "This new investment from Mustek shows their dedication to delivering our technology to the local market and their commitment to the regional economy. It is a blueprint for our expansion in other regions as we address the growing global market for fibre networks."