Standard Terms and Conditions

Service Specific Terms and Conditions – EC Fibre

1.    Definitions

In this Agreement, unless the context indicates a contrary intention, the following words and expressions bear the meanings assigned to them and cognate expressions bear corresponding meanings –
1.1.    “Acceptance Date”     means the date that a Service Handover Form is signed by the Customer.
1.2.    “Access Point”     Is the point where routes can access each other’s ducting infrastructure.
1.3.    “Access Route”     Route from the municipal boundary of the Customer’s premises towards the Customer’s termination location.  The Access route handover/connects to the Spur Route at the municipal boundary.
1.4.    “Cable” means a fibre optic cable which can be inserted inside a Micro-Duct.
1.5.    “Cable Strands” means individual un-spliced fibre optic cable strands which will be blown through the Micro-Ducts for lease in terms of this Agreement.
1.6.    “Diverse Link” means a link connecting the same two sites as the primary link without connection to any other sites.  A Diverse Link must be ordered at the same time as the primary link to which it serves as a diverse link.  In the event that the diverse link is ordered after the order for the primary link, the contract term on the primary link will be re-set to be the same as that of the diverse
1.7.    “Duct System” means the system of ducts which has been constructed, and will in future construct, into which Micro-Ducts, Cables and Cable Strands are inserted
1.8.    “Fibre Optic Cable Network” means the fibre optic cable network belonging to the Customer
1.9.    “Link” means a primary link connecting two sites without connection to any other sites.
1.10.  “Long Haul Route” Route that connects from one route access point to another route access point in the Public Domain over long distances and with areas of low customer density.
1.11.  “Metro Route” Route that connects from one route access point to another route access point in the Public Domain over shorter distance within areas of high customer density.
1.12.  “Micro-Duct” means the micro-pipes which shall be placed inside the Duct System, and through which the Cable Strands will be blown.
1.13.  “On Net” The distance between customer access infrastructure man hole on the boundary between private and public domain to the EC Fibre route infrastructure must be less than 150 meters.
1.14.  “Off Net” The distance between customer access infrastructure hand hole on the boundary between private and public domain to the EC Fibre route infrastructure must be more than 150 meters
1.15.  “Private Domain” Is any area privately owned by a private entity/owner other than the government, municipal entities
1.16.  “Public Domain” Is any area owned by the government or municipal institutions like roads, parks, etc.
1.17.  “Route” means a c A collection of fiber ducts sharing the same trench over a geographical area with a defined start and end access point.  Types: Metro, Long haul, Spur and Access.
1.18.  “Service Handover Form” means the document containing approval from the customer that the service has been installed and tested as per the agreement.
1.19.  “Spur Route” Route which provides connectivity from the Metro Route access point located in the public domain and ends at the municipal boundary of the customer.  The Spur route handover/connects to the Access Route at the municipal boundary.

2.    Preamble

2.1.    EC Fibre has engage with authorised sub-contractors to supply and install carrier neutral, open access cable ducts and fibre optic cables.
2.2.    EC Fibre is a licensed ECN and ECNS provider and are responsible for the implementation of Layer 2 of Layer 3 networking services.
2.3.    It is recorded that the leased Cable Strands or Cable will not be owned by the customer and the customer shall not have any access to the Duct Systems in which the leased Cable Strands or Cable are located, it being confirmed that EC Fibre or its authorised subcontractors are the only parties entitled to such access.

3.    Specific EC Fibre Products

3.1.    EC Fibre has designed specific products to meet specific requirements of Customers.  The specific products are listed below together with the terms and conditions applicable to the various products.
3.2.    EC Fibre can also choose to combine different EC Fibre products into one service to provide the best solution for the customer. In this case, the MTTR will that of the specific product with the greater time frame.
3.3.    If the Customer orders EC Fibre as a specific product, then the terms and conditions relevant to the particular product will apply, read with the Standard Terms and Conditions.  Should there be any contradiction between the product specific terms and conditions and the Standard terms and conditions, then the terms and conditions in document shall prevail with regards the specific products.

3.4.    HELIOS

3.4.1.    HELIOS is used to provide fibre connectivity between EC Fibre aggregation nodes and customer access sites/buildings in a network star configuration.
3.4.2.    Customer’ access sites must be within a distance of 5km from the EC Fibre aggregation node.
3.4.3.    The HELIOS product cannot be used to connect core nodes or a core to an aggregation node.
3.4.4.    One fibre pair is provided per link.
3.4.5.    HELIOS links are only available in aggregation areas where EC Fibre aggregation nodes are available
3.4.6.    One termination point of the HELIOS link must always be a EC Fibre aggregation node.
3.4.7.    Monthly Link price and once off connection fee are set out in the pricing schedule in the Master Agreement or Addendums
3.4.8.    Term discounts are not applicable.
3.4.9.    HELIOS minimum link agreement term is 24 months.
3.4.10.  EC Fibre may revise the prices after the initial agreement term.
3.4.11.  Early link decommissioning penalty is applicable to the value of the remainder of the 24 month term rentals.
3.4.12.  Planned EC Fibre aggregation node locations may change.  Quotations based on planned aggregation node locations will change when the final aggregation node location varies from the planned location.
3.4.13.  Only lease option is available.
3.4.14.  Access fibre entry build into the access site/building (multi-tenant buildings and shopping malls), to the EC Fibre meet me room in the access site/building, is EC Fibre’s responsibility and is included in the link price.  The customer must assist EC Fibre with property owner approvals for the access builds.
3.4.15.  If the access build costs exceed R134, 000.00, then the excess above R134, 000.00 is for the customer’s account.
3.4.16.  Inside building reticulation from the fibre termination point in the building to the end customer offices customer’s responsibility.
3.4.17.  Diversity (redundant) link between access site and the aggregation node can be provided. If a diverse (redundant) access entry is required for the diversity link, the build cost will be for the customer’s own account and will be quoted on upfront.
3.4.18.  The service level MTTR for the HELIOS product is 8 hours for SLA penalty purposes.

3.5.  Link Africa

3.5.1.    Link Africa is used for connectivity between EC Fibre Aggregation nodes in a Metro area.
3.5.2.    Link Africa cannot be used to connect access sites to core or aggregation nodes.
3.5.3.    Link tariff is distance (LOS) and monitored Mbit/s throughput capacity dependent.
3.5.4.    Early decommissioned penalty is applicable if the link is decommissioned prior to initial link term expiry date.  Penalty equals the remainder of the agreement term lease.
3.5.5.    Link Africa link monitored throughput Mbit/s bracket can be upgraded or downgraded without any penalty.
3.5.6.    A once off administration fee of R600.00 per Link Africa link upgrade or   downgrade order will be charged.
3.5.7.    Only two downgrades allowed per 12 month period.
3.5.8.    60 days’ notice period for downgrade orders must be given by the customer.
3.5.9.    The shaping of fibre is not rate limiting.  Throughput of traffic volumes in terms of Mbit’s per second is monitored.  Maximum throughput depends on the interface capacity.  Example: 1Gig.
3.5.10.  Customer throughput usage will be monitored and when exceeding the Mbit/s throughput rate selected for more than 5 minutes consecutively and more than 3 times in the measuring period (30 days), the higher throughput bracket with associated tariff will apply. This will be communicated to the customer before the higher throughput bracket price can be invoiced.
3.5.11.  A Link Africa Back Haul link upgrade order will be placed after the customer agreed to the higher throughput bracket.  The upgraded link term will be for the remainder of the initial link term.
3.5.12.  Link Africa  is only available in aggregation areas where a EC Fibre aggregation node exists.

4.    Modification to Work Order

4.1.    Any delays caused due to changes introduced by the Customer subsequent to the approval of a Work Order shall result in an automatic extension in the timelines set out in the Work Order by a period equal to the period of the delay.
4.2.    Should the customer change the site location or termination end-point during the installation period, the customer will be liable for any costs arising from this change.

5.    Costs

5.1.  Abortive Costs

5.1.1.    If the Customer has placed a Work Order with EC Fibre which requires the construction of duct infrastructure along a route and/or access build into a private property in order to render the services in terms of the Work Order and the Customer cancels the Work Order prior to the services in terms thereof having been activated, then the Customer shall be liable to pay to EC Fibre –

5.1.1.1. in the event that EC Fibre has not at the time of cancellation by the Customer entered into an agreement with any third party relating to the rendering of services along the same route as constructed for the Customer, the total cost of construction, including financing and all related costs, incurred by EC Fibre;  or
5.1.1.2. in the event that EC Fibre has at the time of cancellation by the Customer entered into an agreement with one or more third parties relating to the rendering of services along the same route as constructed for the Customer, a pro rata portion of the total cost of construction incurred by EC Fibre, calculated in accordance with the formula   ÷ × where

= the number of Cable Strands to be provided to the Customer;

= the total number of Cable Strands to be provided to all parties, ie to third parties and to the Customer;

= the total cost of construction incurred by EC Fibre.

5.2.    Termination

5.2.1.    A 30 day calendar month is required for termination of this service.
5.2.2     If a Customer gives notice of termination prior to the expiry of one year, the Customer will be liable for an early termination charge equal to the charges of the installation
5.2.3     In the event of the link being decommissioned, for whatever reason, the Customer is liable for payment of a decommissioning fee per link affected by the decommissioning.

6.    Acceptance Testing and Sign off

When Cable Strands or Cables, as the case may be, have been installed and are ready to be commissioned, the following shall apply –

6.1.    In the event of EC Fibre providing end-to-end networking equipment:

6.1.1.    EC Fibre shall conduct the testing, and, if successful, will complete, sign and submit to the Customer an Service Handover Form for signature by the Customer.  If the testing is for any reason unsuccessful, EC Fibre shall, once the problem has been addressed, be obliged to again invite the Customer, in writing, to attend a testing of the relevant service. The testing dates shall not be within less than 2 (two) Business Days from the date of the request.
6.1.2.    If the Customer is not available to attend the testing within a reasonable time frame, EC Fibre will conduct testing and shall complete, sign and submit the Service Handover Form to the Customer.
6.1.3.    The Customer shall, within 3 (three) Business Days from the date of receipt of the Service Handover Form, accept or reject.

6.2.    In the event of the customer self provisioning the link:

6.2.1.    EC Fibre shall, notwithstanding the fact that the Customer may not have completed the installation of all components of its infrastructure that are necessary to enable EC Fibre to fully complete its installation, request the Customer, to attend a testing of the Cable Strands or Cables to the manhole closest to the point of delivery of the Cable Strands or Cables.  The testing dates shall not be within less than 2 (two) Business Days from the date of the request.
6.2.2.    If the Customer is not available to attend the testing within a reasonable time frame, EC Fibre will conduct testing and shall complete, sign and submit the Service Handover Form to the Customer
6.2.3.    The Customer shall, within 3 (three) Business Days from the date of receipt of the Service Handover Form, accept or reject.
6.3.       In all cases where testing is to be re-done and/or a Service Handover Form is to be resubmitted, the time periods that applied to the initial testing or submission shall again apply.

7.    Sign over

7.1     The date of signature of the Service Handover Form by the Customer (the “Acceptance Date”) shall be regarded as the commencement date of the lease and accordingly the date from which rental amounts become due. If the Customer fails and/or neglects to accept or reject the Service Handover form within the period of 3 (three) Business Days then the Customer shall be deemed to have accepted the Service Handover Form in which event the date on which EC Fibre signed the Service Handover Form shall operate as the date of signature from which date rental amounts shall become payable as provided for in this subclause.

8.    Destruction and Indemnities

8.1.    Should Cable Strands or Cables leased by the Customer be destroyed or damaged to an extent which prevents the Customer from having the beneficial use thereof, the Customer shall, provided that the destruction or damage was not caused by the negligence and/or wilful acts or omissions on the part of EC Fibre, have no claim of any nature whatsoever against EC Fibre as a result thereof, no matter how such destruction or damage was caused.
8.2.    If the total or partial destruction of Cable Strands or Cables leased by the Customer, is caused by any wilful act or omission of the Customer or of any person, or animal, for whose acts or omissions the Customer is vicariously liable at law, the Customer shall be liable to EC Fibre for replacement, cost and all damages suffered by EC Fibre as a result of and in connection with such total or partial destruction.
8.3.    The provisions of the aforegoing sub-clauses shall not avail EC Fibre, where EC Fibre has received notice from the Customer to remedy a material breach of this Agreement and EC Fibre has failed to respond thereto or to remedy or rectify such breach within a period of 7 (seven) Business Days from date of receipt of such written notice from the Customer, and the Customer shall, in such circumstances, not be restricted from enforcing any rights or remedies which are available to it.

9.a   Fault Logging Procedures for Fibre Connections

Please note Support will be provided within the operational hours as specified on Contact Us page.

9.a.1.    All service requests and status queries on faults must be directed to the Support Centre.
9.a.2.    The email is support@eastcoastfibre.co.za or WhatsApp to 064 402 8939
9.a.3.    The Service Provider will only respond to service requests that have been logged via the above email address or WhatsApp and that has been issued a valid reference number.
9.a.4.    It is vital that as much detail is supplied to the EC Fibre Support Centre on the description of the fault so that the technician allocated to the fault will be in a position to resolve the problem in as short a time as possible.
9.a.5.    All service requests emails will be logged into the EC Fibre Faults tracking system.
9.a.6.    After the fault has been logged the Customer will be allocated a reference number and the Support Centre will contact the customer and perform no more than 15 minutes telephonic support before the call is allocated to a technician.
9.a.7.    Please note that the below SLA refers to FTTB. There is no SLA with regards to FTTH as it is a “Best effort” service. Where there is an outage or problem on the network all effort will be made to get you connected as speedily as possible. However, no claim to a failure of service will be accepted within four (4) working days. As such, customers may make a claim for refund once this period of downtime has been exceeded.
9.a.8.    Should a technician be dispatched he will report to site with the service request which the customer must sign and date the service request once he/she is happy that the fault has been resolved. A job will be considered complete only when the signed job sheet is returned to the Service Desk.

9.b   Fault Logging Procedures for Wireless Connections

Please note Support will be provided within the operational hours as specified on Contact Us page.

9.b.1.    All support requests and status queries on faults may be made via the dedicated WhatsApp Number 064 402 8939.
9.b.2.    This WhatsApp will not be able to take or make calls and should the Support Provider feel it necessary he shall call the client.
9.b.3.    The Support Provider will only respond to support requests that have been logged via the above WhatsApp number.
9.b.4.    It is vital that as much detail is supplied to the EC Fibre Support Centre on the description of the fault so that the Support Provider be in a position to resolve the problem in as short a time as possible. Attach a speedtest where necessary
9.b.5.    Speed tests will be accepted from one of the three international test providers. They are Google, Speedtest.net and Fast.com
9.b.6.    After the fault has been logged the Customer will, where required, be allocated a reference number .
9.b.7.   If the Support Provider is unable to resolve the problem he shall escalate it to Senior Support with the reference number who will decide if a call out is necessary.
9.b.8.   If a call out is necessary the client will be charged an unnecessary call out fee if it is determined that the problem was on the clients equipment or network.
9.b.9    For purposes of 9.b.8 equipment from the CPE Dish to the POE injector is considered EC Fibre equipment. Routers, extenders, cables and devices beyond the POE are client side. All EC Fibre equipment remains the property of EC Fibre and shall be maintained by EC Fibre and removed on termination of services.
9.b.10.    A technician will report to site with the service request, the customer must sign and date the service request once he/she is happy that the fault has been resolved. A job will be considered complete only when the signed job sheet is returned to the Service Desk.
9.b.11   This is a “best effort” service and as such does not have an SLA attached to it.

10. Service Levels for Business Fibre

10.1 Reported incidents will be logged according to severity levels as follows:

Severity Level

Problem statement

1

Fibre Optic Cable Network down and not functional

2  

Fibre Optic Cable Network active but the use thereof severely impacted.

3

Fibre Optic Cable Network problem but can be circumvented

4

Query.

10.2     The response times for Fibre to the Business (FTTB), from the logging of an incident shall be: 

 

RESPOND

RESTORE

Business Day

RESTORE

After Hours

RESOLVE

 Incident Severity

Access by phone to an appropriate contractor within the following times:

The Fibre Optic Cable Network restored to full operation,

temporarily if necessary

The Fibre Optic Cable Network restored to full operation

temporarily if necessary

The fault condition cleared on a permanent basis within the following times

1

120 minutes

24 hours**

48 Hours

5 Business Days

2

120 minutes

24 hours**

48 Hours

5 Business Days

3

120 minutes

24 Hours

48 Hours

5 Business Days

4

120 minutes

   

5 Business Days

**

Providing work is allowed on client site and where failure has occurred (subject to approval of relevant Road Authority or Local Council, if applicable).

NB: As read with Metrofibre T&Cs