Not sure if fibre internet is right for you? Read on to find out.
Fibre internet connection uses ultra-thin strands of glass to carry data as pulses of light, unlike ADSL, which runs over copper phone lines. Fibre is faster than ADSL. And because it’s not affected by electromagnetic interference from weather, it’s often more reliable. Plus, it’s generally less of a target for theft. But with LTE and 5G options available, do you even need fixed-line internet? Short answer: it depends. While there are certainly times when wireless internet will do fine, in some cases, the reliability of fibre is what you need.
5 reasons to get fibre internet
Here are five times fibre is the best way to go.
1. You work from home
With stable fibre internet (and decent Wi-Fi), Teams calls are less likely to be glitchy (no more, “Let’s switch off our cameras and see if that helps”) and with the right bandwidth, you can download files, stream webinars, send email and work directly off OneDrive all at once.
Tip: Your speed depends on what you’re doing. An entry-level fibre connection should be fine for basic emailing and OneDrive. You’ll need more bandwidth for video calls and good bandwidth for large file transfers and HD webinars.
2. You work with large files
If you work with large picture, video, or design files – either as part of your job or as a hobby – a strong fibre internet connection allows you to upload files to the cloud without having to wait hours for the file transfer to complete.
Tip: Don’t neglect upload speed. Choose a deal with stable connections up and down.
3. You’re a gamer
When it comes to online gaming, fibre offers lower and more consistent latency (and less jitter), which helps reduce lag – especially if you’re sharing your connection with other users.
Tip: Connect your computer to the router with an ethernet cable for maximum stability.
4. You love watching sport
You’ve invested in a big-screen smart TV with crystal clear display and a state-of-the-art sound system. Now, you just need to get your internet connection up to speed – literally. A stable connection with consistent download speed helps prevent buffering and keeps the quality of the stream higher, so you can just sit back – or on the edge of your seat – and enjoy the game.
Tips: Make sure your connection has a fast download speed; plug your smart TV into the router with an ethernet cable.
5. You have a big family
When you have multiple users online, bandwidth is important. A fibre internet connection with good bandwidth can better handle the Saturday evening load when different family members are streaming series, watching the match, posting TikToks, and gaming, all at the same time.
Tip: Invest in a powerful router and make sure it’s set up so that every room in the house gets good Wi-Fi signal. If you have a big house with thick walls, consider getting a booster.
How to get fibre internet
Vodacom offers fibre internet deals from as little as R499 per month. To get started:
- Check your coverage: Fibre network operators have been rolling out infrastructure across South Africa for more than a decade, but it’s still more widely available in some areas (mainly major cities) than others.
- Request a call-back: A Vodacom consultant will help you find the best deal for your needs.
- Installation: Schedule your fibre installation.
Click here to check your coverage. Simply enter your street address.
