Tag: Fibre

Playing Detective: Why Do I Have No Internet Access?!!

Posted on by Vivienne Fouche

Possibilities to unpack

There’s never a good time for the Internet to go down, and we’ve all been there – that “Oh nooooo!” moment of discovering that there’s no Internet access (generally the polar opposite of an “Aha!” moment). Whether or not there’s an instantly obvious reason as to why you suddenly have no Internet access (for example, an unexpected power outage), you’ll want to get back online immediately to carry on with where you were, whether it was working, streaming, gaming or banking.

Finding out exactly where the fault lies can be a little like playing detective (probably a detective in a bad mood). Let’s take a look at the possible reasons for your lack of Internet access, and how to handle the problem.

 

ISPs versus FNOs

With Fibre Internet connectivity, customers generally deal directly with their Internet Service Providers (ISP) – which is where Vox comes in – but Fibre Network Operators (FNOs) also play a significant role in the connectivity landscape.

  • An FNO installs, owns and maintains the Fibre Optic Cable network infrastructure that allows users to access the Internet.
  • An ISP manages how customers receive their Internet services, essentially acting as a middleman between the FNO and the customer. The ISP manages the speed and bandwidth of the Internet coming from the FNO’s cables into your home, offering different Internet packages to cater for different customers’ needs.

 

Help – My Internet Access is Down!

Let’s say you’re watching your current favourite TV show via a streaming service and the screen suddenly goes blank (but the lights are still on). First things first: try to keep your blood pressure under control, and then check that the issue doesn’t lie with the TV. If you can access your show on your phone or laptop, then it’s not Internet access that’s down but rather your smart TV.

On the other hand, if you’re having connectivity issues across multiple devices, you can then assume that something has gone wrong with your Internet access. There could be a few reasons for this.

internet down

  • Check that your Wi-Fi router and/or ONT (modem) isn’t malfunctioning: Your ONT (also known as an Optical Network Terminal) is the box on the wall (originally installed by the FNO) that connects the Fibre cables outside your property to your Wi-Fi router inside. Make sure all cables are connected properly and that none have come loose. If everything seems fine, unplugging and plugging back in, then waiting about 30 seconds for the device to reboot, usually fixes most ONT and / or router problems.

 

Additionally, you might physically be too far away from your Wi-Fi router, or the router itself is in the wrong place. Ideally, your Wi-Fi router should be in a central location in your home, not too close to the floor and away from your kitchen Microwave or other electronic devices that might interfere with the radio signal, such as a baby monitor in a child’s room.

  • The Wi-Fi network might be congested (externally and internally):

While network congestion won’t necessarily knock out your Internet connection completely, it can certainly cause slower speeds. Are other members of your family causing your Internet access to slow because of massive bandwidth consumption via streaming, downloading or gaming?

Besides waiting for the congestion to clear (or bribing your teenagers to stop playing), you can make the most of the speeds you are getting by placing your router in an optimal location (as outlined above), adjusting your Wi-Fi settings or using an Ethernet cable.

wi fi 5438427 1920 | Vox | Playing Detective: Why Do I Have No Internet Access?!!

 

The good news is that usually, ISP outages happen rather seldom and are resolved as quickly as possible; it’s not in the best interests of any ISP to be slack in leaving things unresolved.

  • Is it the FNO? This is where it can get tricky for consumers. Their ISP is usually their first port of call and being told, with apologies, that “It’s not us; it’s the people who provide the Fibre network to your area” can feel like someone is not taking ownership. Having contacted your ISP, you could use your mobile phone data and see if there are any outages reported on Twitter, or perhaps your neighbourhood WhatsApp group. If there’s a number to call, do so – and again, hopefully the problem will be resolved as quickly as possible.

 

Sometimes, Fibre networks go down because of breaks in submarine Fibre cables in the ocean – that’s generally a global issue, and a massive headache for everyone.

  • Power outages: If the power goes out, so does your Wi-Fi router, so we can’t forget about electricity issues, whether they are called load shedding, load reduction or come in a no-name brand packaging. Best practice advice is to support your Wi-Fi connection with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). ONTs and routers use very little electricity, and having access to a UPS could save your Teams meeting – and your sanity.

 

Few things today are more guaranteed to put us instantly into Angry Detective Mode than suddenly losing our Internet access.

 

detective 8619520 1920 | Vox | Playing Detective: Why Do I Have No Internet Access?!!

The most common cause is a problem with your router or modem, or a loose cable, but your Internet can also fail because of a more technical reason. Whenever there’s an issue, you can always contact us and we will gladly be of assistance.

At Vox, our help is available 24 hours a day, throughout the year.

 

When to contact Vox support

If you’ve run the checks above and still have no internet access, contact Vox for assistance:

 

Quick FAQs

Q: My TV lost streaming but my phone works — is the internet down?
A: No – this usually means the smart TV or the app is at fault. Try restarting the TV or app first.

Q: How long do ISP outages usually take to fix?
A: Most ISP issues are resolved quickly; longer outages can occur if there’s damage to the fibre network or major maintenance.

Q: Can broken submarine fibre affect my home connection?
A: Yes. Submarine cable faults can cause wider regional disruptions, which your ISP will report on if affected.

Q: My device shows ‘connected’ but there’s no internet – what now?
A: This often means the device is connected to your router but the router itself has lost upstream connection. Reboot your ONT and router, try a different device, and if multiple devices still have no internet, contact Vox on 087 805 0530.

Q: Can I use my phone’s mobile data as a temporary fix?
A: Yes, you can hotspot your phone to get devices online while you troubleshoot. Remember mobile data may be slower or limited by your cap, so use it for essential tasks until your home connection is restored.

Q: I see a cut or damage to fibre outside my property — who fixes it?
A: Physical fibre repairs are handled by the Fibre Network Operator (FNO). Report the issue to Vox support (087 805 0530 / help@voxtelecom.co.za ) so they can escalate to the FNO and arrange a repair.

Is the future of work remote, hybrid, or both?

Posted on by Vivienne Fouche

Time to Leave Your Business Rental Lease – Or Not?

Employees are collectively one of an organisation’s most valuable assets, and if they’re motivated, your company is more likely to achieve its best possible results. It’s therefore good sense for management to check in periodically on what makes their employees happy – besides salary increases, of course.

According to the latest Cisco Global Hybrid Work Study, skilled South Africans prefer to work remotely at least some of the time, with almost 95 percent of the local respondents (from a global poll of 28,000 participants) wanting to work either in a hybrid or fully remote working model.

It therefore makes good sense to consider the possible benefits of remote or hybrid working arrangements, to both the organisation as well as the workforce. One of the employer advantages could include needing less office space, thereby freeing up significant rental or maintenance costs.

Remote But Not Removed

Employees who enjoy working remotely and are enabled to do so with the correct tools and infrastructure (a decent laptop and a fast and reliable internet connection are key) value a potentially better work-life balance. This includes not having to spend hours commuting every week, and so gaining back time while also reducing stress.

Productivity has been shown to spike because of reasons such as people getting more sleep, having fewer distractions from colleagues, and experiencing improved morale overall. With lengthy commutes out of the equation, attendance should also improve.

Video conferencing platforms such as Microsoft Teams allow geographically dispersed colleagues people to have virtual meetings, conduct presentations, and foster face-to-face interactions. This also allows organisations of all sizes to hire in top employees from a global talent pool, without being bound by location limitations (providing that differences in time zones are managed efficiently).

virtual coworkers 3382503 1920 | Vox | Is the future of work remote, hybrid, or both?

However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that your organisation should immediately terminate its rental lease, or sell a corporate property investment at the first available opportunity – not everything about remote working is advantageous.

Isolation and Other Issues

Going to the office regularly can bring structure and routine to people’s lives, while in contrast, working remotely can be isolating and lonely for some. Managers might worry that their team members are not working as efficiently as they would be in the office, and conversely, some employees can struggle without face-to-face leadership input.

It can also be more challenging for remote employees to find and locate all the information they need. Additionally, remote working can bring decreased collaboration, with fewer opportunities for employees to talk to each other during breaks, thereby cementing workplace friendships and cooperation.

Enter the ‘middle ground’.

Saying ‘Hi’ to Hybrid

A hybrid workplace model mixes in-office and remote work to offer employees flexibility and support. In a hybrid workplace, employees typically enjoy more autonomy and better work-life balance – and are more engaged as a result. Employers benefit by building a more productive and stable workforce, with people more easily able to engage and learn from each other.

husna miskandar FC4z3l4sUYc unsplash happy employees | Vox | Is the future of work remote, hybrid, or both?

Unified digital workplace platforms make it easier for employees to access all their work-related data and applications, while also assisting with effective communications. For example, Microsoft Teams facilitates effective communications among skilled colleagues, no matter where they are based. As a Microsoft Operator Connect partner, Vox can assist your employees to make and receive phone calls directly within Teams, for both landline and mobile phones.

Another option is to have your employees using Vobi, from Vox – our mobile softphone app, that gives users the ability make and receive voice and video calls, including in app texting from their mobile phones using the Vox network. Designed for both home users and businesses, Vobi allows users to benefit from reduced call rates on video and voice calls across all networks. Vobi enables you to route your home phone and/or office phone calls to your mobile phone, ensuring you are always available.

Getting Real with Real Estate Issues

For employers, renting office space – or owning and maintaining it – can be very costly. Remote working can lower costs by reducing the amount of office equipment and space required, potentially allowing your organisation to move into smaller premises – or even forego a physical space entirely.

office 95311 1920 | Vox | Is the future of work remote, hybrid, or both?

Instead, all employees could work remotely, and your company might simply hire meeting rooms or co-working space as and when needed.

If an office premises is owned by a company, selling it outright could put money back into the organisation.

Where to From Here?

We believe the future of work for skilled employees will continue to embrace both hybrid models and fully remote opportunities, with these options being driven by modern technology, increased flexibility, cost savings, a desire for an improved work-life balance, and being able to hire people from a global talent pool.

The Covid-19 pandemic first turned people’s homes into their offices. Now, the aftermath can drive a movement in which unused offices can be turned into homes. Around the world, including in South Africa, property developers are looking at ways to turn empty office buildings into housing solutions. While not every empty office building is suitable for conversion, it offers interesting possibilities.

Africrest Prop Atlas Apollo Sunninghil 744x418 1 | Vox | Is the future of work remote, hybrid, or both?
The Atlas in Sunninghill, the largest office park conversion to a residential complex in SA, according to Africrest Properties.

And so, if your organisation is going to embrace a fully or partially remote solution, do you have a building to sell? It could be an added bonus.

Affordable High-Speed Broadband, Plus Value-Adds, for Every South African

Posted on by Vivienne Fouche

Is that all? The importance of offering ‘more’ in a saturated environment

 

Today’s world is defined by Connectivity in ways that seemed unimaginable when the clock first ticked over into the current millennium. Whether it’s WhatsApp, X, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Facebook, Snapchat or TikTok, people love being connected, and online is here to stay.

Here at Vox, Connectivity lies at the heart of everything we do.

As a leading South African Internet Service Provider (ISP), we are all about connection, communication and conversation – but we also know that we’re not alone. The local telecoms landscape has more than 20 ISPs in operation – you could call it a saturated market.

And so Vox goes above and beyond to offer our customers more than the competition – you definitely won’t hear the phrase: ‘Is that all?’ about any of our offerings! At the heart of our multiple solutions is the goal of being able to offer every South African access to affordable high-speed broadband.

Let’s take a look at how we can get our customers connected.

 

Rocket1 | Vox | Affordable High-Speed Broadband, Plus Value-Adds, for Every South African 

Dealing With Market Saturation

In addition to high-speed broadband, Vox provides many excellent value-adds. As well as lightning-fast Internet, we offer Wi-Fi solutions to keep you connected; cost-effective and quality Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) offerings; energy back-up products for power outages; and even cell boosters to enhance your mobile phone experience – no more ‘dead’ zones in the house!

You can look to Vox for the following:

  • Our connectivity solutions begin with Vox Fibre, which comes with value-added extras upon sign-up, like free installation and a free-to-use router.
  • When Fibre is unavailable, other options are provided:
    • Vox Wireless presents high-speed, fixed Microwave Data Connectivity that uses the most innovative microwave technology on the market. It comes with free installation, meaning more money to invest in your business.
    • Consumers and businesses also have the option of choosing Fixed LTE, 5G, and satellite, depending on factors such as their needs and budget, and geographic location.
  • To ensure that our customers get the most out of their Internet solution, we supply best-of-breed Wi-Fi devices, which allow you to maximise your Wi-Fi experience. We also offer managed Wi-Fi network solutions, which enable remote software, firmware updates and reduced technician callouts with remote troubleshooting and fault remediation. Additionally, our expert advice is always available to enhance your overall network experience.
  • We also provide excellent access to power solutions for those times when the power goes down, to keep your Wi-Fi running even in an energy outage.
  • Vox’s shared Mobile Data offering is an ideal mobile wireless solution for a family with multiple SIM-enabled devices, to keep everyone connected while maintaining control over your mobile data bill using our simple online portal.

 

AdobeStock 478762309 | Vox | Affordable High-Speed Broadband, Plus Value-Adds, for Every South African

What Sets Our Connectivity Options Apart?

Vox offers our clients high network availability and an extensive national footprint, as follows:

  • We have a huge range of subscription and pricing solutions, and our sales agents will help you choose the best package for your needs, rather than upselling you on the most expensive.
  • Vox subscribers, both consumers and businesses, have the option of adding backup Internet solutions to their Fibre packages (like LTE or Wireless) to ensure they stay online all the time.
  • Our Proactive Network Monitoring offers safer, more secure Internet access and lower latency.
  • A 24/7/365 in-house Service Centre is available for troubleshooting and incident response for all our customers, across any product.
  • As far as Voice offerings are concerned, we believe that we’re the number 1 VoIP provider in the country.
    • Individual consumers and SMEs can make use of our Vobi softphone application, which is unique to Vox, and allows customers to make and receive high quality Voice and Video calls over Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G-LTE and 5G on the Vox network.
    • Organisations can make use of our Titanium partnership (the highest status possible) with global cloud PBX leader 3CX, to experience a comprehensive communication platform that includes Live Chat, WhatsApp, Facebook, SMS and Video Conferencing.

 

Orange woman megaphone resized | Vox | Affordable High-Speed Broadband, Plus Value-Adds, for Every South African

Vox teams are situated in multiple locations across the country, supported by our extensive footprint of over 1 000 business partners to ensure that our customers receive fast, efficient service wherever they are, whenever needed.

Value-Added Service Offerings

We take full responsibility for all our technical implementations and systems, from concept to installation.

  • The Vox Service Centre offers immediate support to all our customers.
  • The Service Centre also continuously monitors all of Vox’s networks and infrastructure, to ensure that quality of service is always maintained.
  • Specialist product managers are assigned to oversee each portfolio, for continuous research and development to ensure each product is always of the highest standard.
  • An extensive team of account managers and technical engineers offers convenient customer service and solution implementation.
  • If you’ve decided to upscale your business with better Connectivity, don’t stop there! Vox can also organise a customised domain and email address for you, to turbocharge your professionalism, as well as taking care of your email archiving needs with the most comprehensive and hassle-free cloud email and compliancy solution on the market.
  • There’s always a good time to sign up with us – you could win with our ‘Refer a friend’ campaign, and there’s always a fabulous promo running that allows you to sign up and save.

Expertise, innovation and superior quality products are at the heart of Vox. Ultimately, we have everything required to meet our customers’ needs at every stage of their journey – both now, and in the future – and that’s how we keep South Africans staying connected together.

With us, there’s always more.

 

AdobeStock 399195503 resized | Vox | Affordable High-Speed Broadband, Plus Value-Adds, for Every South African

The Benefits of Switching to Fibre Optic Internet

Posted on by Vivienne Fouche

Fibre optic Internet uses light through glass Fibres to deliver far higher speeds and steadier performance than copper ADSL, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, remote work and business continuity.

 

Why would you NOT want to make use of the speed of light?

Because let’s face it: nothing in the current known universe is faster.

Except for The Flash, who can apparently run 13 trillion times faster than the speed of light.

81sicgpYcjL. AC UF10001000 QL80 | Vox | The Benefits of Switching to Fibre Optic Internet

The DC Universe aside, the speed of light is an amazing thing. According to Einstein’s theory of relativity, it’s the fastest speed in the universe: 300,000 kilometres per second in optimal circumstances.

It’s even more amazing to think it can be used to power our Internet usage.

But this only happens if your Internet service provider is using Fibre Optic cables. If your service provider is still using copper lines as the (much) older technology, Internet at the speed of light is completely out of the question.

 

How Fast Do You Want to Go?

Internet speed means the speed at which information or Data travels from the web to your connected device. It’s calculated in megabits per second (Mbps) and the downloading speed (getting information from the Internet to your device) is often higher than the uploading speed (the other way around – sending information from your device to the Internet).

In the old days, our Internet connections were only able to run on ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line). ADSL uses telephone lines (Telkom lines) to transmit Data along copper cables from your nearest telephone exchange to your home or office. These are frequently unreliable and heavily shared among users – which slows down the possible speed of your connection.

Two factors slow down ADSL speed significantly:

  • Distance:The further away you are from the exchange, the greater the distance the Data has to travel, and the slower your Internet.
  • Traffic:When copper cables experience more traffic, the wires heat up and the connection slows.

 

It’s a bit like driving on the highway: when you’re the only driver on the road, you can reach a very satisfying speed, but when it gets crowded, traffic slows down. ADSL can provide average speeds of approximately 4Mbps.

In contrast, Fibre Optic technology transmits Data as light impulses along flexible glass Fibres, enabling users to achieve speeds that are about 500 to 1,000 times faster than your average ADSL line. So how does the marvellous invention of Fibre Optic cables use this speed for Internet services?

  • Fun fact: The first actual Fibre Optic cable was invented in 1952 by UK-based Indian-American physicist, Narinder Singh Kapany, who was a pioneer in the field of Fibre Optics and popularised the term.

 

Harnessing the Speed of Light for Communications

Fibre to the Home (FTTH) and Fibre to the Business (FTTB) services use Optical Fibre to deliver high-speed Internet directly to individual buildings. These Fibre Optic cables, composed of strands of glass, transmit Data using light pulses. Users can achieve incredible speeds of up to 1,000Mbps.

 

Fibre optic internet

 

Some of the benefits of Fibre Optics include the following:

  • High speed: Starting with the most obvious point, Fibre Optics brings you the best available speed within the current Internet landscape.
  • Reliability: Lots of ‘hiccups’ take place during transmission in a copper cable Internet, all the time. With Fibre Optic Internet, a smooth and constant flow of Data means this no longer happens.
    • Fun fact: This is important for gamers, where a small blip at the wrong moment can lose the game.
  • No difference between upload and download speeds: Depending on your needs, you can choose an Internet package that gives you symmetrical speeds for both downloading and uploading. With ADSL copper cables, this isn’t possible (it’s in the name, after all: Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line).
  • Connecting multiple devices: The steady signal, with more bandwidth, means you can connect with multiple tablets, laptops, smart TVs and phones at once. Even with different people streaming music and video simultaneously, Fibre Optics can handle the load.
  • Safety and security: Unlike copper wires, Fibre Optic cables have no second-hand value for criminals, which means cables are not usually targeted for theft. They are also much less easy for cybercriminals to hack.
  • Higher quality: Ultra High-Definition TVs pack significantly more pixels into the same area, which makes for better images, but also uses more bandwidth. For Fibre Optic networks, it’s not a problem.
  • Consistent reliability: Fibre Optic cables are less susceptible to interference from weather conditions or other devices, so you’re less likely to experience outages or slow speeds on your network during peak usage times.

 

It’s clear that Fibre Optic networks are capable of much greater speeds and bandwidth than copper-based ADSL. In recent years, prices have also come down substantially.

Why not look into Fibre to the Home from Vox? Just plug in your home address and a map will show you all our Connectivity options available in your area.

What are you waiting for? Move towards the light!

 

FAQs

Q: How fast is Fibre compared to ADSL?
A: Fibre commonly delivers speeds up to 1 000Mbps and can provide symmetrical upload/download rates; ADSL typically delivers much lower, asymmetric speeds that decline with distance from the exchange.

Q: Can Fibre handle multiple devices streaming at once?
A: Yes, Fibre offers greater bandwidth and steadier throughput, so multiple users can stream, game and work simultaneously without noticeable slowdowns.

Q: Is Fibre more secure than copper?
A: Fibre is harder to tap and has little resale value for thieves, making it more secure physically. It also supports network configurations (VLANs) that improve data separation and security.

Q: What’s the difference between Vox Fibre to the Home and Vox Fibre to the Business?
A: Vox Fibre to the Home targets residential customers with high‑speed packages for streaming and everyday use. Vox Fibre to the Business offers dedicated options, lower contention ratios, VLANs and support packages tailored to commercial needs.

Q: How do I check if Vox Fibre is available in my area?
A: Plug in your home address on the Vox availability page and select ‘Connect me’ to check availability and see current connectivity options for your location.

 

Fibre optic internet

Cyber Space? No, Cyber Oceans…

Posted on by Vivienne Fouche

How the Internet is powered in the depths of the sea

Subsea cables, which are bundles of fragile glass Fibre protected by heavy armour, carry roughly 98% of international internet traffic, linking continents via light pulses and landing stations that connect to national Fibre networks.

Did you ever wonder how the Internet reaches across oceans so that we can communicate – via Email, social media or Internet Voice functionality – between South Africa and the rest of the world? And how is it that, in the blink of an eye, a local gamer can execute a tactical manoeuvre with a team-mate in England to annihilate an ‘enemy’ in Australia? And what enables us to download American-made YouTube videos and watch X rants in real time from Donald Trump?

The Internet is able to reach across oceans like this because a huge chunk of it is actually placed in the oceans. Many people don’t realise that around 98 percent of international Internet traffic is carried around the world by subsea cables.

Let’s take a look.

The Hidden Deep-Sea Internet Highway

The Internet ‘superhighway’ joins continents and countries through both subsea as well as terrestrial cables. The data wires in this interconnected web bring high-speed Internet access to all parts of the globe, through around 1.5 million kilometres of cable criss-crossing the ocean floor.

These cables are laid on the seabed at an average depth of 3,600 metres. Today, there are about 500 subsea cables that are either live or under construction, and if their total lengths were combined, they could stretch – roughly – from the Earth to the moon, about three times over.

 

TeleGeography submarine cable map headline | Vox | Cyber Space? No, Cyber Oceans…
Image courtesy of https://www.submarinecablemap.com/

 

The cables are typically funded by the telecom industry, sovereign nations and technology companies such as Facebook and Google. So the reality is that the backbone of the planet’s Fibre cables are deep in the sea, quietly linking people and businesses to each other, all the time (except when something happens, but that’s a different story).

Thin Cables, Extraordinary Power

Fibre Optic cables transfer data across the world in the blink of an eye via light pulses, which travel through fragile wires just thicker than a needle. Fibre Optic cables are tiny tubes made of glass or plastic, which are in turn protected by multiple layers of hard materials like metal and rubber.

 

cabo submarino | Vox | Cyber Space? No, Cyber Oceans…

 

A single Fibre Optic can transmit 100 gigabits of data a second, with new cables able to transmit around 400 gigabytes per second. Thousands of Fibre Optics get bundled together and insulated, making one Fibre cable.

Subsea cables typically include a protective jelly around Fibre Optic cables and are also contained within multiple layers of plastic and copper wires. Under the water, ‘repeaters’ are connected at certain points. They amplify the signal and boost signal strength over long distances. The copper wires contained within the cable casing carry around 10 000 volts of electricity to power these repeaters.

The bottom line (pardon the pun) is that both within the sea and on land, the fine tubes that carry data packets at the speed of light need to be protected, which makes the cable overall – once properly wrapped up and protected – look much bigger than the thin part that actually does all the work.

 

underseacable | Vox | Cyber Space? No, Cyber Oceans…

 

From Sea to Land

When subsea cables under the world’s oceans reach the shore, they are then connected to landing stations, which are an essential part of the Fibre network infrastructure – they distribute the data carried on the networks, joining the submarine cables to terrestrial cables.

For example, there’s a landing station in Mtunzini in KwaZulu-Natal, where the SEACOM cable reaches South African shores. This cable connects the subsea cable directly to a data centre in Midrand, Johannesburg.

Once plugged into the landing stations on shore, the cables take on their overland mutation and are distributed by FNOs (Fibre network operators). The FNOs are responsible for deploying, managing and maintaining Fibre Optic networks – their role is the physical infrastructure, or, in short, running the cables under and next to roads and buildings.

Be Connected with Vox

As an Internet Service Provider (ISP), here at Vox we don’t physically lay the cables ourselves, but instead partner with a number of FNOs around the country to bring South Africans high-speed Fibre to the Home (FTTB) and Fibre to the Home (FTTH) offerings. Some of our local FNO partners include Openserve, Vumatel, Frogfoot, Metrofiber Networx and Octotel (you can find out more here).

An ISP – like Vox – provides Internet access to businesses or residential customers. An ISP’s role is to operate on top of the existing network infrastructure and manage services by offering different plans and packages based on speed and other features.

So next time someone talks about cyber ‘space’, you can point them in the right direction – that it’s mostly all about the ‘cyber oceans’. Except, of course, when it comes to a small section of Internet connectivity that’s powered by Satellite in outer space (just to talk about actual space here for a second).

 

Featured Image Content Hub Vox launches high speed uncapped data and voice satellite plans | Vox | Cyber Space? No, Cyber Oceans…

 

Satellite really comes into its own in regions where Fibre cables can’t be laid, perhaps because of rough terrain (like mountains) or because the area is just too remote. Vox also offers Satellite services – because as modern life becomes increasingly dependent on the Internet, reliable connectivity is more important than ever before.

Whether it’s for following the news, being connected for work, gaming, staying in touch with friends and family, or streaming shows and movies in your down-time, it’s great to live in today’s connected world. Whatever your needs, Vox will get you connected and keep you in the conversation.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are subsea (submarine) cables and why do they matter?
Subsea cables are bundles of Fibre optic strands laid on the ocean floor that carry roughly 98% of international internet traffic. They form the global backbone that determines international speed, latency and reliability for streaming, gaming and global business traffic.

Q: Does Vox lay subsea cables?
No, Vox does not lay subsea cables. Instead, we partner with Fibre Network Operators (FNOs) and make use of landing‑station capacity so we can deliver international bandwidth into South Africa and on into local networks.

Q: How do subsea cables affect my home or business connection?
Subsea capacity affects international latency and throughput. Good access to landing stations and local distribution networks means smoother streaming, faster international downloads and better performance for cloud apps and gaming.

Q: How can I check if Vox Fibre is available at my address?
Plug in your home address on the Vox availability tool and select ‘Connect me’ to see whether Vox Fibre to the Home is offered at your location.

Q: What if Fibre isn’t available where I live?
Where Fibre is not yet available, for example in very remote or rugged areas, Vox offers Satellite services as an alternative to keep you connected.

Q: What support and contract options does Vox offer for business and residential Fibre?
Vox provides 24 / 7 / 365 support at no extra monthly cost and a range of contract terms to suit different needs. Business Fibre can include dedicated options, static IPs and VLANs; residential plans may offer zero upfront fees on qualifying 36‑month contracts. Contact Vox for package details and tailored service options.

Sustainability and Telecom Businesses: Why Green is the Way to Go

Posted on by Vivienne Fouche

Business Benefits for Organisations Aiming to Reduce their Carbon Footprint

We are living in interesting times.

A number of local events so far are all pointing to this year going down in history as being a big one. To name just a few, this includes the 2024 local national elections resulting in a Government of National Unity (GNU); the recent floods in parts of the country, including the Western and Eastern Cape areas and KZN; and an actual tornado in the Durban area.

This year’s local historic events also include the 2024 Springbok Home Fixtures Rugby series, which is truly juicy (and did you know that you could win double tickets with Vox?).

So it’s a big year for South Africans.

But if we circle back to those extreme weather incidents, it reminds us that the planet seems to be fighting back against humanity’s eco-unfriendly practices – and let’s face it, no one wants a tornado to hit one of those big rugby games.

 

Durban Tornado 2024 | Vox | Sustainability and Telecom Businesses: Why Green is the Way to Go
Tornado near Tongaat, Durban, in June 2024 (Image courtesy of The Witness)

 

More seriously: the call to action for businesses and consumers alike must therefore be: Embrace Sustainability.

(And the same goes for the GNU also, of course, but that’s a ‘wilde-beast’ of a story all on its own.)

 

For the Planet – And Future Generations

Most people today agree that people – individuals, organisations, countries – MUST become more environmentally sustainable. We all rely on the Earth’s resources for the air that we breathe; water to drink; plants and animals for food; wood and metals for construction; and fuels, whether fossil or renewable, for energy resources.

If we use them up too fast, and if we burn energy unsustainably so that it over-heats the planet, these resources won’t be there fore future generations. We must bring our consumption in line with what our planet can support.

 

Spotlight On the Telecommunications Industry

businessman 2682712 1920 geralt Pixabay | Vox | Sustainability and Telecom Businesses: Why Green is the Way to Go

 

The telecoms industry is vital for allowing our world to remain connected – but it also has a considerable negative impact on the environment.

Data centres on their own account for about one percent of the world’s electricity use, and the telecom industry overall produces about three to four percent of global CO2 emissions. To put this into perspective, it is twice as much as the civil aviation industry[1].

This is quite a significant amount to come from an industry that at first glance doesn’t seem to be directly associated with environmental concerns.

In addition, the telecoms sector also contributes to electronic waste through rapid device turnover, when outdated cell phones, modems and routers often end up in landfills, creating an additional environmental challenge.

With the growing concern over climate change, the telecoms sector is now embracing more sustainable practices, aiming to reduce its carbon footprint significantly.

Solutions to reduce carbon footprint in the telecommunications industry include the following:

  • Embracing renewable energy: In moving towards reduced carbon emissions, it makes sense to shift towards renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power to run data centres and network operations.
  • Smart energy management in operations: Energy consumption and in turn operational costs can be reduced by upgrading equipment to more energy-efficient models, optimising network operations, and implementing smart cooling systems in data centres.
  • Equipment sustainability: Manufacturers can design more durable devices that are easy to repair and upgrade, which will extend their lifespans.
  • Creating a circular economy: Programmes for the recovery and recycling of electronic equipment contribute to reducing electronic waste overall.
  • Eco-friendly infrastructure development: Adopting eco-friendly design and construction practices for new infrastructure sites includes using sustainable materials, minimising land use, and ensuring that new projects have a low environmental impact.

 

The carbon footprint of telecommunications presents significant environmental challenges, but there is hope. Through initiatives like renewable energy usage, equipment sustainability, and consumer and business awareness, real progress can be made in reducing its impact.

At the same time, extreme weather conditions such as flooding, storms, a lack of water, and wildfires have potentially disastrous consequences for telecommunications, causing damage to infrastructure and essential equipment, as well as business- and supply-chain interruption. If the world as a whole embraces sustainability issues, we can hope to reduce these natural disasters.

 

Business Benefits for Telcos in Going Green

As far back as 2022, multinational professional services experts Ernst and Young (EY) urged South African businesses to embrace sustainability issues voluntarily before they were made essentially compulsory for all. However, never mind being forced to embrace global trends: there are actually intrinsic business benefits for telcos around the world, including locally, in ‘going green’ anyway.

  • Energy cost reduction feeds into improved OPEX: In 2023 the GSMA, the global technology standards organisation for mobile operators from over 100 countries, published a report entitled: “Green is good for business: making the financial case in telecoms”.

According to the report, mobile telecom operators can potentially reduce operational expenses (OPEX) by 4% through a 20% reduction in energy costs, achieved by implementing power-saving technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), and lithium-ion batteries.

  • New customers: Additionally, the report notes that customers worldwide are willing to support telecom operators that invest in sustainability. The study reveals that 30 to 60 percent of telco subscribers surveyed in 16 countries would be willing to pay more for mobile airtime tariffs certified as carbon neutral.
  • Reputational wins: In a follow-up report entitled: “Green is good for business: the reputational in telecoms”, the GSMA notes: “The reputational impact of corporate green credentials and actions extends to brand perception and purchasing decisions. …Analysis of data from a recent GSMA Intelligence survey indicates that 60 percent of people, on average across 16 countries studied, consider climate or sustainability criteria an active part of product purchasing.”

 

The lesson is clear: by investing in sustainable practices and driving the adoption of digital solutions, telecom operators can contribute to their own financial success through reduced energy and operating costs, a potential increase in eco-friendly customers, and reputational and branding wins, while simultaneously supporting global sustainability efforts within the industry overall.

 

Proudly Green

The journey towards a smaller carbon footprint in the telecom industry is complex and requires a multi-faceted approach. This commitment benefits the environment and also sets a new standard for responsible business practices in the digital age.

Overall, reduced energy consumption, the adoption of renewable energy sources and the implementation of a carbon reduction strategy are the three vital elements that must work in tandem for a telco to be considered green.

Vox is always proud to work with telecommunications partners that are committed to environmental sustainability issues, for the overall benefit of the country and the planet in turn. After all, you just have to look at our own branding to know that our blood runs green (and gold).

 

 

[1] https://explore.intellias.com/hubfs/Whitepapers/Intellias_Sustainability_In_Telecom_Whitepaper.pdf  page 4

How Internet Access is Changing Life for South Africans

Posted on by Vivienne Fouche

Working together to build inclusive internet access can improve people’s lives.

 

Connectivity through the internet brings many benefits, but while internet access is something that many of us take for granted, accessing its benefits is still a challenge for many South Africans.

Greater connectivity allows people to learn new skills and advance their abilities. It also allows employers and businesses to create opportunities that will unlock future jobs and drive our economy forward.

The internet, you could say, opens up the highway to the future, providing tools, skills, benefits and opportunities. Like access to regular and efficient electricity and water supplies, reliable internet access should be part of modern life for everyone.

 

A New Basic Necessity

According to the World Bank[1], high-speed internet access is not a luxury, but a basic necessity for economic and human development in both developed and developing countries.

The World Bank clarifies: “(The internet) is a powerful tool for the delivery of essential services such as education and healthcare, offers increased opportunities for women’s empowerment and environmental sustainability, and contributes to enhanced government transparency and accountability. It also helps foster the social development of communities, including within the broader global context.”

The World Bank adds that the challenge is to expand broadband access to all, noting that: “Only about 35 percent of the population in developing countries has access to the Internet (versus about 80 percent in advanced economies).”

So where does that leave South Africa?

 

Spotlight on SA

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) says: “As of October 2022, some 78% of South African households had access to or had used the Internet in some form or another. This includes access at home, at work, at their place of study, via an Internet café, or at a public hot spot. This represents a dramatic increase from the national average of a mere 28% from ten years ago.”

At almost 80% access, this is a surprisingly hopeful statistic. We could argue that, even if not everyone in the home is internet-savvy, having just one person in the household who is able to access the Internet is beneficial in some form or another.

However, ICASA also goes on to add the following warning: “Worrying though, Internet access at home (largely by means of a device such as a laptop computer or tablet) continues to languish at around a mere 10% of households.”

In other words, those in South Africa who actually have access to the internet at home through a laptop or tablet computer – and not only via a smart phone – number only about one in 10 households.

As ICASA points out: “…substantial and active steps remain necessary to address South Africa’s digital divide, a divide that separates urban and rural, rich and poor, men and women, and that prevents far too many of our people from exercising their fundamental human rights. Indeed, access to the Internet is now widely accepted as a fundamental human right in its very self.”

Internet access has the capacity to change and improve the lives of our citizens, from those in rural areas and small towns to metropolitan hubs. No matter where in the country we are, the internet brings new possibilities – provided, of course, that our citizens have access to it.

 

Benefits of Internet Access

The benefits of internet connectivity include the following: access to information; communication possibilities over various online platforms; educational opportunities; remote working possibilities; entertainment via online streaming, gaming, YouTube, TikTok and more; online shopping; banking and investment applications; and security through CCTV access – to name just a few.

Let’s unpack a few of the ways in which internet access has changed – or is changing – people’s lives in South Africa.

  • Information Access: The Internet democratises information access and makes it possible to communicate with people all over the country, in real time. Email, instant messaging, and social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram have made it possible to share news, views and opinions, and join in conversations – without needing to wait for the ‘official’ news to break the story.
  • Lower Communication Costs: Using an internet-enabled app on your smartphone is generally cheaper than a landline or normal mobile call (check out Vox’s Vobi app for smartphones here).
  • Online Banking and eWallets: Mobile banking allows users to access and manage their bank accounts and financial information without needing to physically go to the bank all the time. In addition, eWallets are instant, easy and secure, and are offered by all the big banks, as well as some other services, bringing consumers an instant, easy and affordable money transfer service that allows anyone to send money to anyone else.
  • ICT-Related Jobs: The rolling out of internet infrastructure, such as fibre or wireless technology, brings employment opportunities to people across communities, including fibre installation, route surveying, network design and service provisioning. Here at Vox, our journey first began in 1998 with around 20 employees. Today, we employee almost 2,000 employees and interact with several business partners, while our numbers continue growing every month – we are proud to play our role in facilitating employment growth in South Africa. If you’re interested, view our job opportunities here.

 

On the flip side, the rise of internet connectivity has also enabled e-hailing – giving rise to fleets of drivers for apps like Uber, Bolt and others – while online shopping for groceries and takeaways has brought a new dynamic to our city roads in the form of death-defying motorbike riders bringing groceries and foods to households as fast as is humanly possible.

  • Satellite Connectivity in Remote Areas: Satellite Internet has become a game-changer for those living in rural or outlying areas, where Fibre and Wireless Internet options aren’t available. Check out our Vox Satellite options – we offer high-speed Internet, independent of conventional cabling, across the country. And unlike some others, we’re here to stay – we’ll never pull out of SA Inc.
  • Access to Weather Updates: Just for fun but still important: Vox Weather brings you the weather details through the internet. It’s a fantastic service for anyone whose job requires knowing whether thunderstorms or snow are on the horizon, as well as for the rest of us who just want to know how to dress for the day.

 

ICASA Assists in Democratising Broadband Access

The digital divide in South Africa is multi-faceted, encompassing not only the availability of technology but also access.

According to ICASA, the successful 2023 auction – after years of waiting for finality – of broadband radio frequencies that enable the implementation of 4G and 5G radio waves, will bring the country a significant step closer to achieving universal access and service.

ICASA gave six companies licences to acquire a large amount of additional spectrum that is suitable for providing voice and data services in both urban and rural areas. Consumers can expect greater levels of access and enhanced quality of service, giving them faster download speeds, lower latency, more capacity and connectivity for millions of connected devices. This in turn will pave the way for far better access to online information and content.

In addition, which is probably less universally realised and a Really Good Thing, ICASA has imposed a number of service obligations on the companies that bought spectrum in the auction. These obligations are aimed at increasing the pace of network rollout in previously under-served areas, and include providing connectivity to public institutions.

The licence-holders are required to connect over 18,000 government schools, over 3 900 government clinics, more than 1 700 government hospitals, over 550 police stations, and 8 200 traditional authorities (tribal offices), as well as providing zero-rated access to a range of public benefit websites, including .gov.za websites.

At Vox, we look forward to hearing positive news of this ICASA rollout, as it will move the country closer to having all its citizens able to enjoy their human rights through connectivity.

 

The Final Word

Between laptops, tablets and mobile phones, internet access is now enabled on the move in today’s world. Even if a smartphone is the only electronic communication device that an individual has, it is capable of giving full and widespread access to the internet in a way that was unheard of just 15 years ago.

There are other ways in which the future is already here. Smartphones today can also understand complex spoken commands; make reservations for entertainment or eating out options; control a smart home; be used to play a sophisticated video game; and stream 4K video.

But that’s a different story – a sequel maybe? Watch this space.

john mark arnold soMvIOHmdgM unsplash | Vox | How Internet Access is Changing Life for South Africans

 

[1] The World Bank is an international development organisation owned by 187 countries. It provides loans and grants to the governments of low- and middle-income countries to help them pursue project to improve their economies and also improve the standard of living of their citizens.

Fibre to the Home: How Fast is Fast Enough?

Posted on by Vivienne Fouche

Slow internet isn’t just annoying; it also costs time and productivity. Whether you’re joining an important Teams call, uploading large work files, streaming 4K video or gaming online, insufficient speed creates delays, buffering and poor call quality. Choosing the right Fibre to the Home plan reduces interruptions and keeps your household or small business running smoothly.

 

Nobody wants to look like a zombie in a bad freeze-frame moment.

So there you are: working from home, and one minute away from joining the most important conference call of the week.

Your outfit, hair and outward demeanour are all on point. You have great input to share when it’s your five minutes in the spotlight.

And then your Internet speed lets you down.

You are hit with the dreaded freeze-frame scenario in which your eyes are closed – but only halfway – giving you the dreaded Undead-Look-of-the-Day.

Never mind the hair and outfit: perhaps it’s time to upgrade your Internet speed.

 

When Good Internet Goes Bad

Slow internet can have clearly negative effects on people’s lives, including detrimental results on efficiency, communication, and access to information and opportunities. For example, slow internet can:

  • Reduce productivity: Slowing down work processes and making it harder to access and share information.
  • Have a negative effect on communication: Causing delays and disruptions in online conversations and video calls.
  • Limit access to online resources and opportunities: Certain websites and services may not load or function properly.
  • Affect your leisure time: Slowing down your streaming and gaming down-time.

 

From faster file downloads to interruption-free video and music streaming, you don’t have to be an IT expert to appreciate the benefits of high-speed internet service.

internet speed for gaming

How Fast is Fast Enough?

Your internet speed sets the framework for what you can do online, so it needs to be able to support your daily internet usage.

Ranging from less than 1 Mbps (very slow) to 5,000 Mbps (really fast), you can choose an internet plan to suit your needs. We recommend that a good download speed is at least 100 Mbps, while a good upload speed is at least 10 Mbps.

Let’s take a look at understanding the parameters of your internet speed in relation to your devices and usage.

  • Number of devices: If you have multiple devices (for example computers, smartphones, smart TVs, gaming consoles, etc.), you’ll want a higher speed to accommodate simultaneous usage without slowdowns.
  • Consider your specific needs: For basic web browsing, email and social media, a moderate speed should be fine. However, if you work from home and need to be online on platforms such as Teams, or else you enjoy streaming high-definition videos or participating in online gaming, you’ll benefit from faster speeds.
  • Upload versus download speed: Internet speeds are often quoted in terms of both download and upload speeds. The first number is the download speed and the second is the upload speed. If you frequently upload large files (such as videos or photos), prioritise a good upload speed.
  • Future proofing: As technology evolves and your own needs change, having a faster connection can prevent the need for upgrades later – so it’s wise to choose a speed that allows for future growth.

 

The table below shows how you can match your needs to your speeds, and you can check out some of our current offerings here.

 

What internet speed do I need

How About a Speed Test?

Higher internet speeds results in faster downloads and uploads – so you could notice that your internet searches are bringing up results faster, while your movie and audio downloads take just seconds.

On the flip side, if there are too many devices or users trying to use the internet connection at the same time, you’ll notice a lag, which is known as latency.

To conduct a speed test, you can:

 

For a more accurate speed test:

  • Connect a LAN cable directly from the router to your computer or laptop.
  • Perform the broadband test from the ONT/CPE to your device.

 

The bottom line: Why live with a situation in which slow internet causes tasks that should be quick and easy to become time-consuming and difficult?

At Vox, we have multiple solutions for your every speed requirement. We like to call it ‘The Vox Factor’.

 

FAQs

Q: What internet speed do I need for remote work and video calls?
For reliable remote work and multi‑participant video calls, aim for at least 100–200Mbps download with 10+ Mbps upload. If multiple people work from home simultaneously, choose higher tiers or symmetrical options.

Q Is 100Mbps enough for a typical family?
Yes, 100Mbps is a strong baseline for a family streaming HD video on several devices, browsing and video calling. Heavy 4K streaming or multiple simultaneous uploads may need higher speeds.

Q:What is symmetrical fibre and do I need it?
Symmetrical fibre provides the same upload and download speeds. It’s useful for content creators, frequent file uploaders, and businesses that require reliable two‑way performance.

Q How can I get the most accurate speed test results?
Use a wired connection from your ONT/CPE to a computer, close other apps and test at different times (peak and off‑peak). Use reliable tools like Speedtest.net or Nperf.

Q: What if fibre isn’t available at my address?
If Fibre to the Home isn’t yet available, Vox offers LTE and 5G, Wireless and Satellite options and works with FNO partners to expand coverage. Use the availability tool to see current options and timelines.

Q: Does a higher Mbps plan reduce latency?
Higher Mbps improves throughput but doesn’t always lower latency. Latency depends on network routing and congestion; however, better plans and lower contention ratios typically give a more responsive experience.

Q: How many devices can a 200Mbps plan support?
A 200Mbps plan comfortably supports multiple simultaneous 4K streams, several online gamers and multiple work‑from‑home users. Exact performance depends on device usage patterns.

Q: Are there cost‑effective ways to future‑proof my connection?
Choose slightly higher tiers than your current need, opt for symmetrical plans if you upload often, and check for bundle or contract options that include upgraded equipment and support.

On the Couch or in a Different Country: Unlocking the Future of Work

Posted on by Vivienne Fouche

Companies can at last dip their toes into a truly global talent pool without necessarily having to ask a potential new employee to change cities or countries.

 

While the office premises will always be a feature of working life for most companies, it seems now that the future of work has arrived and is with us today. Work is no longer something that can only – or mostly – take place in a traditional office space.

Advancements in technology, combined with more flexible attitudes, mean that remote and hybrid work models are being offered by many more organisations today, giving employees greater independence and control over their work environments.

And as with most things in life, these new parameters bring their own sets of challenges and advantages.

 

On the Positive Side

Remote and hybrid work models allow organisations to tap into a significantly broader talent pool. When remote and / or hybrid arrangements are put on the table, companies can employ people who live a significant distance away from the office – even in another part of the country or the world.

This type of flexible employer/employee relationship was much scarcer in the past, and arguably even impossible for most companies.

So you want to employ an expert in their field who lives in the UK, or the UAE, or even Upington, but your head office is in Sandton? No problem – the time zones here are all similar, so it’s all Under Control. Remote working means it’s possible to hire in the person you really want to strengthen your team.

Looking at people in the US and Australia – Down Under – is of course a different story when it comes to time zones, but depending on the type of work required, tapping into a truly global office is no longer impossible – it just takes organisational skills and a flexible outlook.

Companies can at last dip their toes into a truly global talent pool without necessarily having to ask a potential new employee to change cities or countries.

From the employees’ perspective, they can avoid arduous daily commutes to and from work, and gain back more quality time for their personal lives, as well as working in a more flexible home space than occurs in your average office (the couch springs to mind).

And for the employer, once again, happy employees tend to be more productive employees who are more inclined to stay with a company that is more flexible – so this means less employee turnover.

There are many ways in which these positives feed into a virtuous cycle: employees who are happy because they have a flexible work arrangement tend to work harder and are more productive. This in turn pleases the employer, who is then more inclined to continue with flexible arrangements. On the surface, it seems like a great recipe for success.

 

Disadvantages to Remote or Hybrid Work

However, there are also challenges to contend with. Communication and collaboration can become more complex in remote and hybrid settings, especially when team members are scattered across different locations and time zones.

In addition, building and maintaining a solid company culture in a virtual environment can be difficult without regular face-to-face interaction.

It also needs to be noted that not everyone wants to work from home, at least all the time: some employees may struggle with feelings of isolation, which can actually lower their levels of engagement and productivity. Alternatively, there might be too many distractions at home preventing them from doing their best work (other people, a noisy environment outside the home, easy access to their favourite shows – there’s the couch again…).

In South Africa, of course, we also have regular load shedding to contend with, which can add in further permutations around working from home for employees – not everyone can afford a UPS to keep their devices switched on and connected when the power goes off.

 

Being Proactive

To thrive in this new reality, organisations are well-advised to prioritise their employees’ work experience. This has always been common sense for any company that wants to avoid a high staff turnover, but as the UK and the US found out after Covid during the ‘Great Resignation’ period, many employees got used to working from home, and then voted with their boots when they were given ultimatums to return to the office.

As noted in this online HR article: ‘The pandemic changed many people’s expectations of work – and many were prepared to quit if their employer wasn’t ready to meet those expectations.’

In South Africa, of course, we have different scenarios playing out, including the ever-present threat of load shedding as well as high unemployment rates, and so perhaps we didn’t experience the Great Resignation quite as much as in other parts of the globe. By and large, we could assume that the so-called Great Resignation in South Africa is ‘ring-fenced in the professional and specialist roles that are scarce skills in the market’.

But it still provides food for thought: namely, that keeping your employees happy – or at least showing that you are trying to listen to their concerns – can help to keep your staff numbers stable. This would involve trying to address the specific needs and preferences of remote and hybrid workers, while also ensuring that they feel valued and connected to the organisation’s mission and culture. A proactive approach to communication, performance assessment and technology is vital.

From a technology perspective, Vox can help with your connectivity and power requirements, through our vast range of solutions including fibre, voice, failover and UPS offerings.

As the future of work continues to evolve in the present, Long Live Working From The Couch.

At least sometimes.

Vox Launches LTE-A Packages with Rain

Posted on by Duo Marketing

Vox is expanding its wireless portfolio through the introduction of several broadband internet packages using Rain’s Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A) network, with prices starting at R549 per month.

Rain, previously Wireless Business Solutions, recently announced the rollout of over 1500 LTE-A base stations across the country, with the intention of expanding coverage to a total of 2 000 sites by the end of 2017 and 4000 by the end of 2018.

The LTE-A package is an easy to use, SIM card based service running over a more robust network that offers end users with higher throughputs of up to 50Mbps – speeds that are more associated with fibre links.

“With the introduction of these packages, customers now have a wider range of choice when it comes to selecting a broadband connectivity provider. We further simplify the process by delivering the SIM and Huawei router right to the customer’s doorstep and ensuring that they are RICA compliant,” says Phiana de Villiers, product manager for wireless at Vox.

Vox will initially offer five LTE-A packages: a Basic Plan with 55GB of data, an Advanced Plan with 85GB of data an Ultimate Plan with 120GB, and 220GB Plan and a 330GB plan. The roll out is supported by a double data promotion through which the customer will receive double their data allowance at no additional cost.  In addition, customers will be able to purchase top-up data vouchers ranging from 1GB to 20GB via the company website, ranging from R10 to R200. 

Adds De Villiers, “It is a capped service, which gives customers control over their spending and ensures that there is no bill shock at the end of the month.”

Customers have the option of entering into a long-term contract where the cost of the router is built into the monthly subscription, or by buying the router upfront and paying for their data plan on a monthly basis. Customers can use the map on Rain’s website (http://www.rain.co.za) to determine if they have LTE-A coverage in their area.

“In order to provide customers with an even better internet experience, we will in the near future introduce packages that include a router with an external antenna which will be  delivered and installed at the customer’s premises,” says De Villiers.

The new product offering strengthens Vox’s portfolio of wireless connectivity solutions, which already includes microwave, satellite and 3G services.

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