Echo Service Provider
Echo Service Provider is a South African vendor-neutral connectivity aggregator, founded in 2010, that delivers managed networks, connectivity, cloud/hosting, and cybersecurity to enterprise businesses, ISPs, distributed enterprises, and cloud-native organisations across South Africa and broader Africa.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2010
- HeadquartersSandown, South Africa
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Echo Service Provider does
Echo Service Provider is a South Africa-based, vendor-neutral connectivity and managed services aggregator founded in 2010 by Angus MacRobert, Anthony Southgate, and Grant Thom. The company operates from Sandton with core infrastructure hosted in Teraco's carrier-neutral data centres in Isando, Cape Town, and KwaZulu-Natal, aggregating more than 50 trusted providers across 106+ interconnected networks to deliver fibre, wireless, satellite, and cloud connectivity as a unified service. Its proprietary platforms include Echo Supernet (carrier-neutral aggregation), VPN Exchange (virtualised core converging internet, hosting, cloud, and carrier services), and Superswitch (managed inter-WAN routing). The product portfolio is organised across four pillars: Managed Networks (SD-WAN, SD-Branch, Managed VPN), Connectivity (Business Connectivity, Business Mobility, ISP Services, VoIP, National Network, Usage-Based Solutions), Cloud & Hosting (VDC, IaaS, Disaster Recovery, Backup, Data Analytics & AI, Hyperscale Interconnect with AWS and Azure), and Cyber Security (Managed Firewalls, Governance & Compliance, Risk Assessments, Compliance Dashboard, Endpoint Protection) delivered as a Fortinet-certified MSSP.
The business serves four primary customer segments: large enterprise businesses seeking consolidated multi-vendor infrastructure; ISPs requiring wholesale aggregation frameworks with NNI termination, CGNAT and IPv6 support; distributed enterprises needing unified SD-WAN and SD-Branch management across branches; and cloud-native businesses adopting hybrid multi-cloud models with hyperscaler interconnect. Revenue is generated primarily through recurring managed service subscriptions across connectivity, SD-WAN, cloud, and managed security, with usage-based billing (95th percentile model) on connectivity and a published IaaS starter price point at R799 per month as an entry-level offer. Pricing for enterprise solutions is predominantly quote-based and supported by direct enterprise field sales, with a self-serve client portal and direct consultation channels. The company is privately held, counts TRG (The Rohatyn Group) and Infinite Partners as private equity backers, and in May 2026 received Competition Commission approval for Afrihost's acquisition, positioning Echo to expand enterprise reach post-integration.
Echo Service Provider firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Echo Service Provider
- Legal name
- Echo Service Provider South Africa
- Website
- https://echosp.co.za
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2010
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Echo Service Provider is a South African vendor-neutral connectivity aggregator, founded in 2010, that delivers managed networks, connectivity, cloud/hosting, and cybersecurity to enterprise businesses, ISPs, distributed enterprises, and cloud-native organisations across South Africa and broader Africa.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Echo Service Provider industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Managed Connectivity and Network Services
- NAICS
- Computer Facilities Management Services (541513), Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (5182), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)
- SIC
- Communications Services, Nec (4899), Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370), Services-Telephone Interconnect Systems (7385)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Managed MPLS VPN Services (HDAIAFAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Cloud Managed Services (M365/Azure/AWS/GCP) (BPAEABAE), Network Management (LAN/WAN/Wi‑Fi) Services (BPAEABAD), VoIP Access & ITSP Services (HDAIAHAD), Cloud Operations Outsourcing (Cloud Managed Operations) (BPAEAMAC), Collaboration & Unified Communications Management (UCaaS/VoIP) (BPAEABAK)
Keywords
Where Echo Service Provider is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Sandown
- HQ country
- South Africa
- HQ region
- Africa
Offices4 records
Markets served
Echo Service Provider business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Connectivity Services: Carrier-neutral connectivity aggregation providing business fibre, wireless, MPLS, and internet access solutions. Revenue generated through recurring connectivity fees, usage-based billing models (95th percentile), and dedicated access services.
- Managed Security Services: As a certified Fortinet MSSP, Echo delivers managed firewall, endpoint protection, governance and compliance services. Revenue from managed security service subscriptions.
- Cloud & Hosting Services: Cloud aggregator services including IaaS, VDC, disaster recovery, backup solutions, hyperscale interconnect, and hosting. Revenue from infrastructure usage and managed cloud service subscriptions.
- Managed Network Services: Managed VPN and SD-Branch solutions providing private connectivity and unified security/management across branch environments. Revenue from managed service subscriptions with OPEX-friendly model.
- ISP Services Framework: Managed aggregation framework helping ISPs scale with resilient internet access, nationwide NNI termination, CGNAT, and IPv6 support. Revenue from wholesale ISP service fees.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Monthly | IaaS Starter Virtualisation Solution |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
Echo Service Provider product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Echo Service Provider is a vendor-neutral connectivity aggregator that delivers managed networks (SD-WAN, MPLS VPN, SD-Branch), carrier-agnostic connectivity (fibre, wireless, LTE, satellite, VoIP), cloud and hosting services (IaaS, VDC, disaster recovery, hyperscale interconnect), and managed cybersecurity as a Fortinet-certified MSSP, all unified under the Echo Supernet aggregation platform and Superswitch core infrastructure hosted at Teraco data centres.
Product overview
Echo Service Provider is South Africa's first vendor-neutral connectivity aggregator, founded in 2010, operating as a single point of contact for multi-vendor infrastructure. The company has evolved into a full-stack managed services provider offering four core product pillars — Managed Networks, Connectivity, Cloud & Hosting, and Cyber Security — unified under the Echo Supernet aggregation platform. The Managed Networks pillar encompasses Managed VPN (MPLS/SD-WAN/hybrid) and SD-Branch; the Connectivity pillar covers Business Connectivity (fibre/wireless), Superswitch, VPN Exchange, Business Mobility, ISP Services, VoIP Solutions, Usage-Based Solutions, and National Network (NLD); the Cloud & Hosting pillar includes VDC, IaaS, Disaster Recovery, Backup Solutions, Data Analytics & AI, Hyperscale Interconnect, and Cloud Service Provider (CSP) integration; and the Cyber Security pillar offers Managed Firewalls, Governance & Compliance, Risk Assessments, Compliance Dashboard, and Endpoint Protection. Echo Supernet serves as the aggregating platform tying these solutions together via 50+ provider integrations, Superswitch core routing infrastructure, and VPN Exchange virtualisation.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Echo Supernet: Carrier-neutral aggregation platform delivering connectivity through VPN Exchange and extensive national coverage, integrating over 50 providers across South Africa and beyond.
- VPN Exchange
- Superswitch
Products and services
- Managed Networks Echo's managed network services provide secure, scalable connectivity across sites, remote users, and core infrastructure. Covers Managed VPN (MPLS/SD-WAN or hybrid) and SD-Branch (unified LAN, Wi-Fi, firewall, and endpoint management). Governed by SLAs with centralised orchestration, designed for enterprises with distributed sites requiring unified network visibility and security.
- Managed VPN A fully managed VPN service for secure, reliable site-to-site, cloud, and remote-user connectivity. Delivered over MPLS, SD-WAN, or a hybrid combination, with traffic isolation, centralised control, and predictable performance.
- SD-Branch Extends network management and security beyond the WAN into branch offices, delivering unified control across switching, Wi-Fi, IoT, and endpoints. Integrates firewall, intrusion prevention, and content filtering with zero-touch provisioning and centralised visibility.
- Connectivity Echo's connectivity aggregation service provides carrier-neutral access to over 100 networks and global content providers, delivering fibre, wireless, LTE, and satellite connectivity as a modular, ISP-grade service. Includes Business Connectivity, Superswitch, VPN Exchange, Business Mobility, ISP Services, VoIP Solutions, National Network, and Usage-Based Solutions.
- Business Connectivity High-speed fibre and wireless solutions for business connectivity across South African metros and remote regions, with dedicated access, diverse routes, and 99.5% uptime guarantee. Integrates with Superswitch core and VPN Exchange.
- Superswitch A fully managed, carrier-neutral inter-WAN routing platform hosted in Teraco's carrier-neutral data centre. Provides high-performance, redundant, dynamically scalable connectivity across VPNs, internet, VoIP, and hosting.
- VPN Exchange Echo's VPN Exchange and Superswitch platforms converge internet, hosting, cloud, and carrier services into a virtualised core with resilient local and international breakout, SD-WAN integration, and multi-carrier backhaul.
- Business Mobility Carrier-agnostic business mobile connectivity combining secure private APN routing with flexible voice and data services, pooled data management, real-time reporting, and SIM estate management integrated with VPN Exchange.
- ISP Services A managed aggregation framework for ISPs to scale with resilient internet access via multiple upstream providers, nationwide NNI termination, Autonomous System origination, CGNAT, full IPv6 support, and 24/7 technical support.
- VoIP Solutions Echo's voice solutions include VoIP and SIP trunking for cost reduction and call quality improvement, plus a Cloud PBX platform supporting plug-and-play handsets, self-service management, call recording, and analytics.
- National Network (NLD) Carrier-agnostic national backbone connecting South Africa's major metros with high-availability architecture supporting data replication, cloud workloads, and high-speed failover via VPN NLD, cloud replication, and internet failover.
- Usage-Based Solutions Pay-as-you-use internet options using a 95th percentile billing model for cost efficiency and scalability, supporting hybrid workforces, cloud services, and real-time applications with optional hard caps.
- Cloud & Hosting Echo's cloud and hosting solutions unify private cloud, hyperscale (AWS/Azure), and hybrid multi-cloud environments under a single point of accountability. Includes VDC, IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, disaster recovery, backup, data analytics and AI, and hyperscale interconnect.
- Virtual Data Centre (VDC) Flexible, scalable local cloud infrastructure hosted in Tier 1 South African data centres with pay-per-use resources, automated failover, Layer 2 connectivity, and integrated Superswitch core support.
- Disaster Recovery Cloud-based disaster recovery protecting critical systems from outages, cyber incidents, and human error. Supports defined RTO/RPO targets, multi-region architecture, tested runbooks, and secure replication.
- Backup Solutions Encrypted, immutable backup across resilient offsite storage tiers supporting flexible retention, legal hold, and compliance requirements using the 3-2-1 backup model, with integrated monitoring and reporting.
- Data Analytics & AI Analytics and AI-driven tools transforming raw operational data into dashboards, predictive models, and automation workflows for performance tracking and business decision-making.
- Hyperscale Interconnect Secure, low-latency interconnects to major hyperscale cloud providers (AWS, Azure) with redundant paths, direct peering, and optimised routing integrated with SD-WAN and core network services.
- IaaS Starter Flexible Infrastructure-as-a-Service virtualisation solution starting from R799/month, offering 1 VDC with 2 vCPU, 4 GB vRAM, and 260 GB vStorage, targeting cost reduction from rising VM licensing.
- Cyber Security Echo's cybersecurity portfolio delivers layered protection across infrastructure, users, and data as a Fortinet-certified MSSP. Includes managed firewalls, governance and compliance, risk assessments, compliance dashboard, and endpoint protection.
- Managed Firewalls Managed firewall services powered by Fortinet FortiGate technology, covering end-to-end management including configuration, policy updates, proactive monitoring, health checks, and monthly posture reporting.
- Governance & Compliance Continuous security posture validation against leading frameworks (NIST, PCI, ISO) with automated drift detection, compliance scoring, prioritised findings, and actionable remediation guidance.
- Cyber Security Risk Assessments Proactive security testing combining vulnerability scanning, configuration reviews, and controlled attack simulations to identify gaps before attackers exploit them, with prioritised remediation plans.
- Compliance Dashboard Real-time device posture tracking aligned to FortiGate best practices and NIST/PCI frameworks, with automated checks, alerts, and audit-ready reporting via a OneView centralised interface. Delivered in partnership with Port443.
- Endpoint Protection Endpoint security for desktops, laptops, and mobile devices across on-premises, hybrid, and remote environments, defending against malware, ransomware, and advanced threats using EDR, policy controls, and real-time monitoring.
- Echo Supernet Echo's overarching network aggregation platform combining carrier-neutral aggregation (50+ providers), VPN Exchange, and expansive national coverage via Superswitch Core Infrastructure and virtual POPs across Africa, unifying networks, cloud, and security into a single managed service.
Quantifiable outcome
- 50% faster network performance through optimised routing
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Echo Service Provider
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Echo Service Provider technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration4 records
AI capability5 records
Feature6 records
Echo Service Provider partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.
- AfrihostflagshipAfrihost has completed acquisition of Echo Service Provider, approved by the Competition Commission without conditions. The deal enables Afrihost to diversify from consumer-focused ISP services into enterprise technologies such as SD-WAN, MPLS VPNs, and multi-cloud connectivity, while Echo gains expanded resources and market reach.
- FortinetcoreEcho operates as a Fortinet-certified MSSP (Managed Security Services Provider), delivering managed firewall, endpoint protection, compliance, and cybersecurity solutions powered by Fortinet's FortiGate technology.
- Port443corePartnership with Port443 for automated remediation playbooks and audit-ready reporting through the compliance dashboard, integrated with FortiGate best practices.
- TeracocoreCore infrastructure hosted at Teraco's carrier-neutral data centre facilities in Isando, Cape Town, and KZN, enabling seamless interconnection to wide range of technology platforms.
- AWScoreAWS integration for hyperscale interconnect services, enabling seamless high-performance connectivity to AWS cloud platforms.
- Microsoft AzurecoreAzure integration for hyperscale interconnect and CSP (Cloud Service Provider) solutions enabling access to Microsoft productivity and enterprise cloud workloads.
- Network PartnerscoreExtensive network of 50+ trusted providers including: Arista, Cisco, Cisco Meraki, Comsol, DFA, Frogfoot, Link Africa, Liquid, Maxtec, Metrofibre, MTC, MTN, Openserve, Paratus, PCCW, Seacom, Vodacom, VOX, Waterfall Networks, Xpedite for connectivity and network infrastructure.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Echo Service Provider competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- MTN Business: Enterprise division of MTN Group offering enterprise connectivity, cloud, and managed services across Africa. Comparable as a large-scale enterprise connectivity and cloud provider; also an underlying carrier in Echo's aggregation ecosystem.
- Vodacom Business: Enterprise arm of South Africa's largest mobile operator offering connectivity, IoT, cloud, and managed security to corporates. A major Echo customer acquisition target and partial upstream provider, and a broad incumbent competitor in enterprise managed services.
- Cisco (managed networking portfolio): Global networking vendor whose SD-WAN, Meraki, and security portfolios underpin much of Echo's managed services stack. Comparable as the underlying technology provider whose products Echo resells, manages, and integrates.
- BCX (formerly Internet Solutions / BCX): Large South African ICT integrator and managed services provider under Telkom. Overlaps with Echo across connectivity, cloud, and managed services, but operates as a broad incumbent with a much wider portfolio including voice and enterprise applications.
Emerging players
- CloudBlue (CloudBlue by Ingram Micro): Cloud and services aggregator platform enabling channel partners to orchestrate multi-cloud, SaaS, and connectivity offerings. Conceptually analogous to Echo's aggregator model but at a global scale and more software-led.
Direct peers
- MWEB: Established South African ISP offering fibre, LTE, hosting, and managed services to consumers and SMEs. Direct competitor in connectivity and hosting with overlapping product pillars, though more SME-skewed than Echo's enterprise focus.
- Vox Telecom: South African converged connectivity and ICT services provider offering fibre, voice, cloud, and managed network solutions. Direct competitor to Echo in the enterprise connectivity and managed services space within the same geography.
- Seacom: Submarine cable operator and connectivity provider serving African enterprise and wholesale markets. Comparable to Echo in providing carrier-grade connectivity and enterprise network services, and is also a partner on Echo's ecosystem.
Others
- Afrihost: South African ISP and now Echo's parent post-acquisition. Historically consumer-focused but expanding into enterprise via Echo. Comparable as a connectivity provider and direct channel into Echo's product set post-merger.
Regional players
- Liquid Intelligent Technologies: Pan-African fibre operator and managed services provider offering connectivity, cloud, and cybersecurity across multiple African markets. Comparable to Echo in offering enterprise managed networks and cloud aggregation but with broader African footprint.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Echo Service Provider social profiles
Digital presenceEcho Service Provider compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Echo Service Provider financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Echo Service Provider leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Echo Service Provider funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Echo Service Provider M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Echo Service Provider
What does Echo Service Provider do?
Echo Service Provider is a vendor-neutral connectivity aggregator that delivers managed networks (SD-WAN, MPLS VPN, SD-Branch), carrier-agnostic connectivity (fibre, wireless, LTE, satellite, VoIP), cloud and hosting services (IaaS, VDC, disaster recovery, hyperscale interconnect), and managed cybersecurity as a Fortinet-certified MSSP, all unified under the Echo Supernet aggregation platform and Superswitch core infrastructure hosted at Teraco data centres.
Is Echo Service Provider a public or private company?
Echo Service Provider is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Echo Service Provider founded?
Echo Service Provider was founded in 2010. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Echo Service Provider based?
Echo Service Provider is headquartered in Sandown, South Africa, in the Africa region.
How does Echo Service Provider make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Connectivity Services are the primary driver. The others are managed Security Services, cloud & Hosting Services, managed Network Services and ISP Services Framework.
Who are Echo Service Provider's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are MTN Business, Vodacom Business, Cisco (managed networking portfolio) and BCX (formerly Internet Solutions / BCX). CloudBlue (CloudBlue by Ingram Micro) is listed as an emerging player. Direct peers are MWEB, Vox Telecom and Seacom. Afrihost is listed as an others. Liquid Intelligent Technologies is listed as a regional player.
Does Echo Service Provider have an API?
No public API is recorded for Echo Service Provider.
What industry is Echo Service Provider in?
Echo Service Provider's product category is Managed Connectivity and Network Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAIAFAA, Managed MPLS VPN Services, with a secondary code of BPAEABAE, Cloud Managed Services (M365/Azure/AWS/GCP). Its NAICS code is 541513 and its SIC code is 4899.