- Specialises in long‑distance dedicated wireless links (VPN, MPLS, SD‑WAN), offering low‑latency, high‑speed service beyond fibre‑optic cost constraints.
- Operates since 2011 with ICASA licensing, tackling rural digital divide amid South Africa’s broader telecom challenges and emerging tech innovations.
KLIQ (Pty) Ltd: Wireless innovation in rural connectivity
KLIQ (Pty) Ltd is a world‑class Internet Service Provider focusing on wireless connectivity and enterprise solutions in South Africa. The company was founded in 2011 to address the lack of high‑speed internet in remote regions. It builds dedicated point‑to‑point links such as VPN, MPLS, SD‑WAN and OSPF, using its own backbone links for low‑latency, fast, and reliable service. KLIQ holds ICASA licences for both Electronic Communications Network Services (ECNS) and Electronic Communications Services (ECS).
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Challenges and industry context facing KLIQ (Pty) Ltd
South Africa’s IT and telecommunications industry is vast, encompassing software, hardware, cybersecurity, fintech, digital services and more, with South Africa as a regional innovation hub. Nevertheless, serious challenges remain: the digital divide between urban and rural areas persists, with disparities in access, affordability, infrastructure and digital skills. Broadband costs remain high, and many regions lack reliable infrastructure.
The innovation ecosystem is supported by public initiatives and agencies like DSI, CSIR, TIA and IDC, yet weaknesses persist, notably poor coordination between research bodies and industry, limited SME access to funding, and complex regulation. At the same time, South Africa leads in African 4IR readiness and digital potential, but needs inclusive, infrastructure‑driven advances.
KLIQ (Pty) Ltd: A Wireless pioneer Amid Telecom Innovation
KLIQ’s use of long‑distance wireless links offers a cost‑effective alternative to fibre in rural areas. According to LeadIQ, it is the only South African provider offering wireless solutions over more than 400 km at under 3 % of fibre‑optic cost—a claim of notable innovation in telecom services. The company delivers up to 1 Gbps VPN internet to corporate clients and up to 40 Mbps to local businesses in places like Lephalale. Its clients include major corporations such as Anglo American, Hitachi, Basil Read, Eskom, Grinaker LTA and Murray & Roberts; in total, it serves 22 listed and 36 unlisted corporate customers.
