If you’re thinking of getting internet for your home or contemplating switching to a different internet provider, we’ll hopefully assist in making your decision a bit easier. The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown have influenced internet usage because everyone is staying home more as well as working from home. A good internet connection is crucial to be able to stream your favourite Netflix shows and attend video conferencing meetings, without constant interruptions by a bad signal.
DSL is getting phased out, if that’s what you’re currently using for home internet, consider changing to fibre or fixed LTE. The disadvantages of DSL range from the speed being dependent on proximity to the main distributor point to having to have a phone line in your home. DSL is good for basic internet use like sending and receiving emails and browsing the web; streaming or gaming will require a more secure connection like LTE or fibre.
To help you decide on whether you need fibre connection or Fixed LTE, we’ve tabulated the advantages and disadvantages of both:
Advantages | Disadvantages | |
Fibre |
· Less signal loss · No interference because there’s no electromagnetic interference · Much faster speeds because these cables are able to carry a lot more data · More reliable |
· More expensive to install · Takes longer to install and to fix in case of fibre cuts · It has a higher latency than wireless
|
Fixed LTE |
· It is faster/has lower latency than fibre connectivity · Is quicker and less expensive to install · It is quicker to fix in case of issues |
· Interference from solid objects like trees or buildings can occur · Electromagnetic and Radio interference can degrade microwave signals · Microwaves suffer from attenuation due to atmospheric conditions such as moisture or weather conditions like heavy rains and snow |
What’s the difference between fibre and Fixed LTE?
Fibre optic cables use light for your internet supply, instead of using electrical signals. The fibre optic cables transmit data through light beams that move at around two-thirds of the speed of light. In short, fibre is 66 times faster than the speed of electrical signals. LTE, on the other hand, uses the same 4G method that your smartphone uses to connect to the internet. It’s a simple and accessible way of getting internet at home. The only limitations are coverage and congestion in high-traffic areas that can impact the internet speed. Fibre is the most reliable internet source but it, unfortunately, is only available in certain areas.
Use the link below to determine the fibre availability in your area:
https://www.findmyfibre.co.za/
LTE is the simplest way to get internet to your home. Installation is quick and easy, plus you can do it yourself. We’re comparing the best Fixed LTE deals from popular internet service providers in South Africa:
ISP | Network | Anytime Data | After-Hours Data | Price | Router Included |
Axxes | Telkom | 20GB | 20GB | R199 | No |
Afrihost | Telkom | 20GB | 10GB | R249 | Yes |
WebAfrica | Telkom | 20GB | 10GB | R249 | Yes |
Telkom | Telkom | 20GB | 10GB | R249 | Yes |
MWEB | Telkom | 40GB | 20GB | R359 | Yes |
Rain | Unlimited | Unlimited | R479 | No |
ISP | Network | Anytime Data | After Hours Data | Price | Router Included |
Axxes | Telkom | 100GB | 100GB | R759 | Yes |
Afrihost | Telkom | 100GB | 100GB | R759 | Yes |
WebAfrica | Telkom | 100GB | 100GB | R759 | Yes |
Telkom | Telkom | 100GB | 100GB | R759 | Yes |
MWEB | Telkom | 120GB | 120GB | R769 | Yes |
Rain | Unlimited | Unlimited | R479 | No |
Here are the best fibre deals in South Africa:
MWEB | Afrihost | Telkom | Vox | Axxess |
50GB – 10/5Mbps at R559 100GB – 10/5Mbps at R609 50GB – 20/10Mbps at R659 Uncapped 10/5Mbps at R659 200GB – 10/5 at R709 100GB – 20/10 at R709 50GB – 40/20Mbps at R749 200GB – 20/10Mbps at R892 100GB – 40/20Mbps at R829 50GB – 100/50Mbps at R829 |
Uncapped deals: 10Mbps at R647 10Mbps+ at R727 20Mbps at R797 20Mbps+ at R857 50Mbps at R1017 50Mbps+ at R1067 100Mbps at R1267
Capped deals: 50GB at R557 100GB at R577 200GB at R617 500GB at R977 1000GB at R1487 |
Uncapped offers: 10/5Mbps at R705.13 Softcap deals: 100GB – 10/5Mbps at R705.13 100GB – 20/10Mbps at R806.1 200GB – 40/20Mbps at R1007.76 400GB -100/50Mbps at R1613.3
|
Cost of fibre line Speed: 4Mbps at R571.50 10Mbps at R661.50 20Mbps at R711.50 40Mbps at R791.50 100Mbps at R871.50
Cost of data package in MBs: 100GB at R79 200GB at R159 300GB at R239 400GB at R319 500GB at R399 600GB at R479 800GB at R559 1000GB at R799 2000GB at R1599 |
Blitzfibre 10/10Mbps uncapped at R629
Opensrve 10/5Mbps at R545
Frogfoot 10/10Mbps at R579 Read more: |
Fibre is subject to availability in your area; check availability here:
https://www.findmyfibre.co.za/
Sources:
https://www.bitco.co.za/fibre-vs-wireless-internet-connectivity-a-complete-comparison/
https://www.axiom.net.rw/2018/04/26/fiber-vs-wireless/
https://mybroadband.co.za/news/wireless/321001-best-fixed-lte-deals-in-south-africa.html
https://briefly.co.za/23091-best-fibre-packages-south-africa-2019-2020.html