Vox and the Lions Group – A Case Study

Posted on 2 December 20243 December 2024 by Stefan Pretorius

The Lions Group consists of three entities, namely the Golden Lions Rugby Union, the Lions Rugby Company, and EPS Management. Collectively, the three companies are the custodians of rugby in their region, from grassroots development all the way up to international interprovincial teams. While their primary focus is rugby, the Group has diversified its revenue streams to include various other activities, including concerts, sporting events, commercial rentals, and private functions and conferencing.

Pieter Burger, Manager Director: EPS, explains: “We have a passion for innovation and doing things differently, and consistent improvements in and around our facilities make them not only relevant, but also industry leaders in certain areas. This flexibility in our product offering, combined with innovation, is what distinguishes us from our competitors.”

The Business Challenge

During big games or concerts, stadiums face unique challenges due to their large, dense crowds, and one of these challenges involves providing connectivity to the highest standard.

Excellent connectivity is needed for broadcasting purposes, both within the stadium as well as to external broadcasting channels; financial transactions, including the sales of food and beverages and retail items; and Wi-Fi connectivity for the fans, which is an imperative for any live entertainment experience.

“As with any large sports and entertainment stadium, technology plays an important role in customer experiences at the Emirates Airline Park (Ellis Park Stadium), the home of the Golden Lions rugby team,” notes Stefan Pretorius: Enterprise Key Account Manager at Vox.

“Through Vox’s use of innovative technology, we assist in providing both stadium employees and customers alike with positive experiences during high-profile events. The use of network optimisation techniques can help maintain a high-quality Wi-Fi connection for everyone, but it all starts with sufficient and optimal broadband infrastructure.”

“As part of the entertainment industry, it is critical for the Lions Group to know that innovative technology and leading connectivity are together able to enhance high performance, as well as the consumers’ experience and preferences,” adds Burger. “Connectivity access networks, and their reliable uptime, is key in our industry.”

The Business Solution

Pretorius clarifies that Vox is responsible for supplying all connectivity to Emirates Airline Park, as follows:

Two 1Gbps dedicated Business Fibre links;
One 200Mbps dedicated Business Fibre link to the practice stadium next door;
Firewalls; and
An SD-WAN Solution for load balancing.

“Vox is a strategic partner of the Lions Group,” says Burger, “and we have benefited from our existing partnership with them for some years now. One of these advantages is that, as our technology requirements progressively increase, so we turn to Vox to implement enhancements as required.

“Before signing up with Vox, our main concerns and challenges involved Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Connectivity and cloud solutions. Today, as our infrastructure partner, Vox provides excellent bandwidth and reliable uptime, and takes care of any required upgrades following a needs assessment and consultation. We also enjoy efficient support from Vox very quickly whenever required.”

Overall Experience with Vox

“We never have any concerns or issues with the implementation processes for our chosen solutions, which are always effectively handled by Vox engineers,” comments Burger. “Just like the Lions Group, we know that Vox has a strong entrepreneurial spirit and always strives to improve and enhance its service offering and effectiveness, and we admire and appreciate this shared synergy.

“We believe that Emirates Airline Park has the best bandwidth and reliability of any stadium in South Africa, as was displayed to such good effect during the Springboks versus New Zealand test in August 2024. Our relationship and overall experience with Vox is excellent – we could not ask for a better partner!”

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So, What’s the (Sweet) Deal with Vox Wireless Lite?

Posted on 20 November 20242 December 2024 by Craig Blignaut

Vox Wireless: Just as fast as Fibre, and more widely available

What do Coca Cola and Vox Wireless to the Business (WTTB) each have in common? Besides being leading brands in their arenas, that is.

The answer is in the word Light. Or Lite.

Coca Cola gave the world Coke Light, for those who wanted the same original sweet taste but with zero sugar. Vox Fixed Wireless to the business (WTTB) gives you two options, including Vox Wireless Lite – because we also believe in providing a fantastic product, but with choices available for different requirements.

Wireless Lite is especially good for start-ups and SMEs. It’s also on promotion right now.

Let’s see how well it could work for your business.

A Quick Technology Outline

Fixed Wireless can deliver a Fibre-like experience if the service provider gets it right with regards to capacity and area coverage. This, of course, goes without saying at Vox.

Vox Fixed Wireless is a high-quality, high-speed Fixed Wireless connection, using Microwave technology that can be deployed around South Africa, to ensure that your business is always connected. It’s an excellent alternative when Fibre cables aren’t laid in your area, or as a redundancy option if your Fibre goes down. It’s also a fantastic solution if you need to be connected in a hurry and can’t wait weeks for your Fibre installation.

Coca Cola never officially reveals its recipes, but here at Vox we believe in being transparent, so let’s take a look at how WTTB works.

It’s pretty simple.

A device is pointed at a tower, which services the area in which your business is situated.
The device provides a high-speed Internet connection using Microwave technology, whose access towers are served and connected to Fibre lines as the ‘backhaul’.
Because the station is close to and in view of the premises, a Fixed Wireless connection can deliver a very fast Internet experience with low latency.

Vox Wireless Lite

Vox Wireless Lite is one of two different Fixed Wireless offerings for businesses that we offer, with the other being Vox Wireless.

Vox Wireless Lite – Licensed is a more cost-effective service than Vox Wireless, without compromising on quality. This service is available as a Broadband Primary service but will also make an excellent Failover solution to cater for all your business needs.

We offer a Symmetrical service (same upload and download speeds) of 10 Mbps and 20Mbps, and an Asymmetrical service of 50Mbps and 100 Mbps.

Vox also offers Vox Wireless Lite – Unlicensed, in which different speed profiles are once again offered, but with this option, all speeds are Asymmetrical.

With Vox Wireless Lite, just like Coke Lite, we leave out one ingredient, so where the beverage is minus the sugar, we help you streamline your costs by leaving off the Voice offering that comes with Vox Wireless, which includes a Voice VLAN to streamline your VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) communication.

But don’t worry – if your business grows, you can add more ‘sugar’ later – it’s simple to change options.

Something for Every Business with Vox Fixed Wireless Options

The famous beverage company has a range of refreshing drinks available in several varieties and sizes to suit different lifestyle, and in the same way, Vox Wireless to the Business is able to cater to your different needs and speeds.

All Vox Wireless packages include data and line rental, and speeds can range from 5Mbps to 1Gbps – the flexibility and choice of packages is a real value-add, allowing you to match your speeds to your business needs.

The main features and benefits of Fixed WTTB are as follows:

Quick to deploy in feasible areas: If your business has a remote site where no fixed-line connectivity is possible, Vox Fixed Wireless options are an ideal alternative. They are also generally quicker than Fibre to install.
Duplex Service enables you to transmit and receive data at the same time, giving you dual efficiency.
Managed Service 365/24/7 Support ensures that we’re there when your business needs us the most.
Scalable: It’s easy to upgrade your link to grow with your business.
Business continuity: Can be deployed as a primary or failover service to ensure you are always connected.

Depending on the area and requirement, Vox Wireless works with the following Wireless connectivity providers: Comsol, Easyweb, Kliq. MTN, Rapidnet, Tech5 and VO Connect.

Sweet Offerings to Refresh Your Business

Vox Wireless offers speeds comparable to Fibre, but is more widely available. With quick deployment and low latency, it’s geared to help your business stay connected. Whether you’re in the city centre or out in the country, Vox Wireless ensures your business stays connected, competitive, and ready to grow.

For high speeds and the most innovative, cutting-edge microwave technology on the market, you can’t go wrong with Fixed Wireless to the Business from Vox. Whether it’s Vox Wireless or Vox Wireless Lite, we’ve got you covered with great options.

And we think that’s a pretty sweet and refreshing deal.

Great Internet Plan, Problem Router?

Posted on 1 November 20247 November 2024 by Vivienne Fouche

It’s weekend at last – but Internet access has slowed to a crawl…

Picture the scene, in this non-Vox household. (You’ll see why that’s important later in the story.)

Dad’s watching the Premier League on a streaming service; Mom’s chatting online to her friend overseas; Teenager is doing the initial download of a long-awaited new game, and Tween is on YouTube. Everyone is happy – and then the dreaded buffering starts. Everyone is instantly much less happy, and more bandwidth is clearly required.

“But wait!” says a lone voice, “we upgraded to a new home Internet plan last week and our new download speed is supposed to be blazing fast – so why is it not working?!!!”

The answer could lie with the router.

New Plan, Old Router?

Wi-Fi, as an enabler, carries most of the Internet traffic in a connected home. Your Wi-Fi router converts the Internet data received via the Fibre Optic cables in your neighbourhood into radio signals, to create your home Wi-Fi network and provide all the devices on it with Internet access, using built-in antennas.

Untitled design 2024 08 13T154659.142 | Vox | Great Internet Plan, Problem Router?

If you have a Fibre to the Home (FTTH) Internet plan that supports a download speed of say 25Mbps, an older router (and fewer users) is unlikely to cause a bottleneck in your connections.

However, if you then upgrade to a new 300Mbps plan (because of Teenagers / Tweens / the Premier League), but your previous router supports only 25Mbps wired, your Wi-Fi won’t be able to live up to the connectivity promise if your Internet Service Provider (ISP) doesn’t supply you with a newer model.

Connect With Vox

Vox connects you to the Internet and thereafter continues to manage your connection. When you sign up with Vox, we will furnish you with a suitable free-to-use Wi-Fi router based on your chosen package. We don’t charge a delivery fee for the router, or even a monthly fee for its usage – this is included as part of your bundle.

As a premium ISP, Vox ensures that, for standard installations, your Vox free-to-use Wi-Fi router is installed by a dedicated Vox engineer. Alternatively, our Self-Install process allows you to install your free-to-use Wi-Fi router, by following an easy step-by-step guide.

- Fun fact: Different Wi-Fi devices work according to varying frequency bands. Older routers work on the 2.4 Ghz frequency, while newer phones and laptops use the more stable 5Ghz range. A dual-band device that supports both frequencies is ideal.

Not all routers over a few years old are necessarily bad, but if you’ve upgraded your Internet plan or added more devices to your network, an older router might have a harder time juggling the extra work than a newer model.

Signs that you might need a Wi-Fi router upgrade include the following: slow speeds; a weak connection; malfunctioning equipment; incompatibility with new devices and even overheating.

- Fun Fact: Old smartphones, tablets, and other devices can slow also down your Internet access, even if you have a new, fast router and an upgraded Internet plan.

jonathan kemper ff96HE413W0 unsplash | Vox | Great Internet Plan, Problem Router?

At Home with Vox

The moral of the story is that new tech needs to meet its match – in other words, more new tech.

As outlined, older routers and network equipment can affect the household’s Wi-Fi speeds, especially when there are multiple users. We believe the issue of having the wrong Wi-Fi router for an upgraded Internet plan with Vox is highly unlikely, because we take care of that level of detail, and the responsibility, for you.

For Customer Service and General Queries, our Vox teams are on hand from 08:00 to 17:00, Monday through Friday, and from 08:00 to 14:00 on Saturdays and non-religious public holidays. You can reach us at help@voxtelecom.co.za or call 087 805 0530.

With Vox, upgrading your FTTH Internet usage plan is a straightforward process, and our Technical Support team is always able and willing to help you. We have a Wi-Fi solution for every need.

Sign up with our Fibre to the Home offerings and say goodbye to buffering and hello to hassle-free, connected weekends – for the whole family.

AdobeStock 478762309 1 | Vox | Great Internet Plan, Problem Router?

Internet, Unplugged: The Convenience of Wi-Fi

Posted on 23 October 20247 November 2024 by Craig Blignaut

(‘The Internet’ and ‘Wi-Fi’ Are Not the Same)

“Hi, can I please use your Internet?”

“No, but you are welcome to access my Wi-Fi – let me give you the password.”

The Internet and Wi-Fi are not the same. Nobody owns the global Internet, but people pay for their connectivity and Wi-Fi services (to the home or office) to access the Internet. Knowing the difference makes for clearer understanding and communication.

And just as it’s the nature of water to flow freely through a well-built system, so does information on the internet when it’s enabled by the correct infrastructure. Wi-Fi enables us to access this information without having to plug in our devices through a cable – let’s take a look.

The Internet of Possibilities

Back in its earliest days, people had to plug their devices into an ethernet cable (or before that, an ADSL connection, which was essentially a Telkom landline) to connect to the Internet.

That’s why people talked about ‘Being online’ – because you were ON the internet, but only because you were connected to a LINE (i.e. the cable).

Today, most people connect to the Internet in their homes (or at their office premises) through a wireless connection, in other words through Wi-Fi access. It’s a huge step up from having to have your device constantly plugged in to remain connected.

So how does Wi-Fi access enable wireless connectivity?

From Fibre Outside to Wireless Inside

Your home Wi-Fi network begins with Fibre Optic cables that are laid outside your property within the neighbourhood by the fibre network operators (FNOs). Through these Fibre Optic cables, Internet data is transmitted at the speed of light.

When you sign up for a Wi-Fi service, an internet service provider (ISP) – like Vox – then takes over. The ISP links the FNO Fibre box outside your property boundary with a separate (shorter) Fibre Optic cable to an optical network terminal (ONT) inside your home.

The ONT is linked with one last short cable into your Wi-Fi router, which then ‘converts’ Internet data received via the Fibre optics into radio signals, to create your home Wi-Fi network.

And voila! You and your devices have access to wireless Internet access in your home.

Internet Like Water

Much like water, the Internet, with its constant access to information and services, has become fundamental to modern life today. So you could also think of the process like this:

Firstly, the Internet is the water that is constantly flowing.
The Fibre cables are your hosepipe – the actual infrastructure that carries the Internet to you.
Your Wi-Fi router is the primary sprinkler that makes the Internet easily accessible. Wi-Fi lets you access the Internet without having to literally plug in your device.
Finally, mesh units or access points placed strategically within your home further sprinkle your Wi-Fi everywhere it’s needed, allowing for the freest possible flow of the Internet and the information it allows us to share.

From the way we communicate and work, to how we shop, bank and entertain ourselves, the Internet has revolutionised multiple aspects of our lives.

Vox can assist you with all of your connectivity needs, from infrastructure to Wi-Fi, with a host of additional options to quench your thirst for fully-enabled communications.

We’re proud to say that there’s no obstacle to free-flowing communications that we can’t solve for you.

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

Posted on 11 October 2024 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.

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.

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.

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.

The Benefits of Switching to Fibre Optic Internet

Posted on 20 September 20249 November 2025 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.

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.

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.

Cyber Space? No, Cyber Oceans…

Posted on 16 September 20249 November 2025 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.

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.

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).

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.

How 5G Networks Can Strengthen Your Business Cybersecurity

Posted on 29 August 202411 November 2025 by Chris Boshoff

The rollout of 5G technology is revolutionising more than just network speeds—it’s reshaping enterprise cybersecurity. With stronger encryption, smarter authentication, real-time monitoring, and network segmentation, 5G delivers an advanced security framework that helps businesses proactively defend against cyber threats.

Below, we explore how 5G enhances cybersecurity and strengthens your company’s digital resilience.

Key Cybersecurity Benefits of 5G Networks

Enhanced data encryption
Stronger privacy protection
Network slicing for isolated security zones
Multi-layered authentication
Real-time threat monitoring and anomaly detection
Edge computing security advantages
Automated security responses
Secure connectivity for large device ecosystems
AI and machine learning-driven threat prevention
Improved global roaming security

Let’s unpack how these 5G capabilities work to secure your business.

1. Enterprise-Grade Data Encryption

5G introduces next-generation encryption, including 256-bit encryption standards and advanced cryptographic algorithms—future-proofing networks, even against emerging quantum computing threats.

Why this matters:
Sensitive business data is significantly harder to intercept or decrypt, drastically reducing exposure to cybercrime.

2. Stronger Privacy & Identity Protection

Unlike 4G, 5G masks user identities using a Subscriber Concealed Identity (SUCI) instead of transmitting personal identifiers in plain text.

What this means for business:
Better protection for confidential internal data, customer profiles, and proprietary information.

3. Network Slicing: Custom Security Zones for Your Business

5G allows multiple isolated virtual networks to run on the same infrastructure. Each can have tailored security controls, access rules, and monitoring.

Security advantage:
If a breach occurs in one slice, it can be instantly quarantined—leaving the rest of the network untouched.

4. More Secure Authentication

5G strengthens access control through:

Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Secure device verification
Asymmetric encryption-based identity validation

Result:
Fewer risk points, less impersonation, and tighter access control across networks and connected devices.

5. Real-Time Threat Monitoring and Detection

Powered by machine learning analytics, 5G monitors networks in real time to detect unusual activity and security anomalies at internet scale.

Security outcome:
Faster detection = faster response = fewer breaches.

6. Edge Computing for Reduced Attack Surfaces

5G can process data closer to its origin rather than routing everything through central servers.

Benefits include:

Lower risk of data exposure
Faster incident response
Fewer network choke points for attackers

7. Automated Cybersecurity Response

5G networks can support self-automated threat detection and mitigation, reducing reliance on manual intervention.

Impact on business:
Shorter vulnerability windows, fewer successful exploits, and less operational downtime.

8. High-Volume Device Security

With capacity for up to 1 million connected devices per square kilometre, 5G delivers scalable, secure support for large device ecosystems.

Security benefit:
Centralised security oversight, real-time monitoring, and stronger endpoint protection across massive connected environments.

9. AI-Driven Cyber Defence

The ultra-low latency and high throughput of 5G allows AI and machine learning security models to respond instantly to emerging threats.

Bottom line:
Cybersecurity becomes predictive, not reactive.

10. Safer Global Roaming & Network-to-Network Security

5G replaces outdated roaming protocols like SS7 and Diameter with the Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP)—creating a unified, encrypted communication layer between global networks.

Advantage:
Improved protection for businesses operating across borders, especially those with mobile or roaming workforces.

5G Is a Major Leap Forward for Business Security

5G is no longer just about faster internet—it is a cybersecurity enabler that provides:

Stronger encryption
Smarter authentication
Intelligent threat monitoring
Network isolation and control
Faster automated responses

For businesses navigating an increasingly unpredictable digital threat landscape, 5G delivers a future-ready security foundation.

🔐 Secure Your Business with 5G-Enabled Cyber Protection

The companies that adopt 5G aren’t just upgrading their networks—they’re upgrading their security strategy.

Want to explore how 5G can protect and enable your business? Get in touch with Vox to future-proof your organisation today.

5G’s Role in Enhancing Business Communications and Operations

Posted on 26 August 202424 November 2025 by Chris Boshoff

Not Just Entertainment: The Future of 5G in Business Communications

5G was developed to handle the growing demand for data and deliver faster, more efficient mobile networks. In doing so, it brings major improvements to how we connect, work, and communicate. While most people get excited about 5G for entertainment — lightning-fast downloads or smoother gaming — the real game-changer lies in what 5G can do for business communications and business operations.

Why Effective Communication Still Decides Business Success

Business communication — internal and external — is the backbone of operational success. When communication is strong, companies see higher productivity, quicker problem-solving, better relationships, and healthier company culture.

DecisionWise, a global consulting firm, found:

Companies with low employee engagement earn 32.7% less in operating income compared to engaged companies.
Companies with a highly engaged workforce see operating income rise by 19.2% within 12 months.

The message is simple: when communication improves, engagement improves, and the bottom line follows.

How 5G Transforms Business Communications

5G theoretically delivers up to 20Gbps download speeds, 10Gbps uploads, and latency as low as 4ms. Tests in South Africa reached average speeds around 250Mbps, equivalent to high-end fibre.

Its biggest strengths — speed, latency, bandwidth and efficiency — directly improve how companies communicate, collaborate, and operate.

1. Faster Speeds for Instant Collaboration

5G can reach speeds up to 100x faster than 4G LTE.
This means:

Faster file transfers
Smoother video calls with clients and teams
Instant software updates
Faster access to cloud platforms and business tools

For fast-paced businesses, speed equals efficiency.

2. Ultra-Low Latency for Real-Time Performance

Latency is the time it takes data to travel from point A to point B. With 5G, latency drops to 1 millisecond — compared to 30–50ms on 4G.

Ultra-low latency benefits:

Real-time communication tools
Live collaboration
AI-driven decision-making
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications
Data-heavy IoT devices

Web pages load faster, systems respond instantly, and real-time technologies finally work the way they’re supposed to.

3. More Bandwidth for More Devices

Modern workplaces rely on multiple connected devices. 5G’s increased bandwidth allows:

More IoT devices operating at once
More users connected without slowdowns
Better performance in high-density environments
Reliable smart office automation

As businesses add more tools, sensors, and platforms, bandwidth becomes non-negotiable.

4. Improved Network Efficiency and Reliability

5G introduces technologies like:

Dynamic spectrum sharing
Network slicing

Both ensure users get the network resources they need without interruptions — even during peak usage.

This allows businesses to:

Automate processes
Host high-quality web conferencing
Enjoy consistent, reliable connectivity
Reduce downtime and performance bottlenecks

Reliable networks aren’t a luxury. They’re a requirement.

The Future: 5G Unlocks the Next Wave of Innovation

5G doesn’t just improve communication — it enables entirely new business models and capabilities.

5G supports advanced technologies such as:

Internet of Things (IoT)
Artificial intelligence (AI)
Augmented reality (AR)
Virtual reality (VR)

These aren’t new concepts, but 5G finally gives them the infrastructure to scale.

For example, VR in education and training is already accelerating. Forbes projects the global VR education market to reach US$13 billion by 2026.

With 5G, innovations like VR classrooms, remote diagnostics, AR-assisted engineering, and predictive automation move from “future tech” to daily reality.

Bring Your Business Comms Into the Future with 5G

The advantages of 5G — speed, low latency, bandwidth, and efficiency — make it a powerful upgrade for any organisation looking to improve productivity and communication.

If you’re ready to modernise how your business connects, collaborates, and operates, explore the 5G offerings from Vox.

The future of business communication is already here. 5G just makes it faster, smarter, and more capable.

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

Posted on 2 August 2024 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.

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

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