However, unlike most other NRENs, SANReN will provide its clients with both connectivity to the world's research networks as well as commodity Internet access.

The DST then tasked the Meraka Institute with the planning and deployment of this network, to be completed by the middle of 2010.

[2] Due to budget constraints, the implementation of the network proceeded in phases with a prioritisation of institutions, such as the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory site, that were of specific strategic importance to the South African science initiatives.

The scope of SANReN's network has changed somewhat since the original RFPs were published, with most sites now expecting to connect at speeds of up to 10 Gbit/s.

Late in 2007, Meraka announced that it had partnered with the then provider of academic networking in South Africa, TENET.