WiFi At Home: Internet Service Provider Comparison

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