How Internet Access is Changing Life for South Africans

Posted on 11 July 2024 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.

[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.

No 1 in Teams: Unpacking Voice Solutions with Vox and Operator Connect

Posted on 2 July 20241 August 2024 by Vivienne Fouche

A quick and easy way to integrate Voice calling into Teams – no matter where your employees are working from

Using Microsoft Teams has proven itself as an excellent platform for calling, holding meetings and collaborating with colleagues working remotely or from office spaces in different parts of the country. Teams has been proven to keep effective communications going among skilled colleagues no matter where in the country – or the world – they might be based.

Did you know that in addition, with Microsoft Operator Connect, businesses can quickly and easily integrate Voice calling into Teams, saving on costs and enhancing communications and efficiencies further?

As a Microsoft Operator Connect partner, Vox hosts and manages the infrastructure required for VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol, or calls made over the internet) as well as PSTN[1] calling (meaning calls made over landline), using Teams, powered by Microsoft Azure.

By enhancing the integration of Vox’s low-latency, quality-controlled Voice Network with Microsoft Teams, Operator Connect offers streamlined, fully-managed Vox Voice services and radically improved call quality. With Operator Connect, users can make, receive, transfer, forward and put a Voice call on hold from any location via a Teams-enabled computer or smart device.

Vox and Microsoft Operator Connect

Customers can connect their existing phone numbers to Microsoft Teams or obtain new numbers, manage their calling plans, and configure their call routing right from within Microsoft Teams. This is particularly helpful for the IT department – your technicians can quickly assign numbers without needing to go through external providers, and can manage everything from one place.

By subscribing to Operator Connect, Teams users get a telephone number on which they can make and receive calls. Users can call any phone number in the world and receive calls from anyone in turn, from their mobile phone or computer.

With Operator Connect, Teams replaces the company’s old handsets, and users make and receive phone calls directly within Teams.

Benefits of partnering with Vox and Operator Connect include:

Migrate your current Vox Voice services or port numbers from your existing operator quickly and easily (Geographic and Non-Geographic numbers).
Operator Connect is designed to be easy for the IT team to use from the Teams Admin Centre.
The solution is budget-friendly: One of the benefits of Operator Connect is that by enabling Voice calling directly from Microsoft Teams on PC or mobile phone, no other hardware is required.
Vox provides tech support and service level agreements (SLAs) for excellent trouble-shooting and ongoing reliability.
Significant savings: With either Unlimited or Post-Paid Voice packages to choose from, Vox will tailor a calling plan suited to your business needs.
Every customer receives the most secure and value-rich solution as default, with active 24/7/365 fraud monitoring and guaranteed 99.9% uptime, with punitive SLA clauses should we not deliver on our promise.
Quality of service: Your Microsoft Teams and Voice traffic is prioritised above all other traffic travelling across your Fibre connection. This means that your Teams and Voice calls will not be interrupted by other activity happening on your network. This is a proprietary service offered by Vox on your Vox home or business Fibre last mile link.

Teams and Vox: A Winning Combination

Subscribing to Operator Connect is not difficult at all – just click here to enquire, and then a Vox expert will contact you and guide you through the quick and simple subscription process.

Once you accept, we’ll establish a trunk connection for you, assist you to provision users and assign phone numbers directly from the Teams Admin Centre so you can start making calls – it’s friendly on the bottom line, hassle-free, secure and tailored to your unique business requirements.

Simply subscribe to Operator Connect from Vox and leave the rest to us.

[1] The PSTN (Publicly Switched Telephone Network) is the network that carries your voice calls when you call from a landline or cell phone. It refers to the worldwide network of voice-carrying telephone infrastructure, including privately-owned and government-owned infrastructure.

Fibre to the Home: How Fast is Fast Enough?

Posted on 25 June 20249 November 2025 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.

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.

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:

Go to speedtest.net
Go to mybroadbandspeedtest
Download the Nperf App.

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.

Starlink…what’s the deal?

Posted on 29 April 20249 December 2025 by Suhail Dinat

Today, we talk Starlink.

It’s the buzzword of the Nation now that Eskom is behaving. To the average person, it sounds like something Darth Vader would use to destroy the Galaxy (which, depending on who you ask, isn’t that far from the truth anyway). To the rest of us, it was the promise of a future filled with better Connectivity in South Africa. A(nother) South African bringing it home, so to speak. The biggest innovation by one of our own since Chris Barnard, Tyler, Amapiano and the new strain of Covid (yes, we’re aware that one of those is not like the others).

You’d think, with Elon being from Pretoria, we’d have a Plug (pun intended) straight to the top. South Africa is all about connections, right? However, unlike Dricus, this Boet isn’t bringing it home – guess it’s true what they say about the ones who move abroad (sorry, Trevor).

They say Hulle Weet Nie Wat Ons Weet Nie, and right now ons weet dat Starlink nie meer in SA is nie.

But what does the Starlink shutdown in South Africa actually mean for us long-suffering South Africans? Is it the death of satellite connectivity, the beginning of shattered dreams, and ten steps backwards for our Internet landscape?

Today, we’ll unpack it – and the answers may actually surprise you.

What’s Really Going On With Starlink South Africa?

Here’s the simple version:

On the Consumer side of life, Starlink (Elon Musk’s satellite internet service) has officially been pulled out of South Africa.

Now, before you blame the ANC, Bheki Cele, and Andre De Ruyter, the reasoning behind this is (for once) not purely down to us. You see, Starlink operates on a strictly direct-to-market business model – they do not, and will not, operate through a reseller or service provider (such as yours truly).

This is fine if you’re in the land of ‘freedom’, but in South Africa, we have our own set of laws and regulations (who knew?).

You’d never guess it based on a trip to Small Street, but one can’t just set up a business and operate in SA. There are licenses, regulations, and policies to adhere to – and Starlink would need ICASA licensing, comply with BEE requirements, be VAT compliant, pay for permissions, and meet all certification statuses.

In a nutshell, there’s no way for Starlink to meet the very strict criteria set out by ICASA, meaning we’re officially at an impasse. And although a workaround would be to partner with a local reseller which has the necessary permissions, doing so contradicts their business model – so for now, it’s bye-bye Elon and team.

But What About the People Who Already Use Starlink in SA?

Good question. How did they even set it up?

Ah, you see, South Africans are elite-level loopholers – which is why maak ’n plan is an official local proverb.

Many of our forward-thinking enthusiasts, seeking early access to Starlink satellite internet, were able to set up their devices on Starlink Roaming Agreements. This allowed them to enjoy all the benefits of super-fast LEO satellite connectivity and feel very advanced/smug in the process.

The problem, however, is that a roaming product needs a base to set up and occasionally return to. So while users can jump from points B to C for a finite amount of time, they do eventually have to head on “home” – which can get tricky when “home” is not legally allowed to be the country you reside in.

In short: users who set up their Starlink accounts using USA-tethered networks can temporarily enjoy the benefits, but unless they feel like making regular trips past Homeland Security, it doesn’t make sense as a permanent solution.

What Does Starlink’s Exit Mean for SA Connectivity?

Are we back to the Stone Age of Internet and Dial-Up?

The short answer is yes, but also no. Bear with us.

It’s important to remember that Starlink is a Satellite Internet product – meaning your Fibre, LTE, and even Copper cables wouldn’t be affected anyway. For most, it’s service (or non-service if you’re with our competitors) as per normal. This primarily impacts the satellite internet market in South Africa.

While Starlink would have been a great avenue for future growth, it doesn’t technically set us back connectivity-wise as it was never formally launched.

Still, its absence does affect:

Future investment potential
Market innovation in Satellite Internet
Our ability to use cutting-edge LEO technology

The reality is:

Our GEO satellite networks will continue as they always have.
Due to Starlink refusing partnerships, the economic benefit to SA wasn’t going to be significant anyway.

However… the gap in technology is real.

The Starlink Satellite services fall within the Leo Sphere above (which explains why you can see them from the ground) – meaning less distance for your Data to travel and faster speeds. Vox, and any other consumer Satellite supplier, fall within the GEO space, meaning a distance of up to 70 000km before you have Internet (with landing stations also falling in Europe) – resulting occasional delays and, naturally, slower Internet.

The reality is that our current GEO Services, whilst perfectly serviceable under controlled conditions, are not wholly suited to meet the next generation of consumer demands. As the market shifts towards a Cloud-heavy landscape, it requires higher upload/download speeds, more bandwidth, and an increased amount of pressure on service/Satellite providers.

It’s not all doom-and-gloom, however – because the sky certainly isn’t falling.

There are workarounds to manage your usage and ensure smooth, speedy, and streamlined Satellite services. When done correctly, our existing geo-infrastructure is perfectly serviceable, and your service provider should be more than able to guide you through this process.

This is where Vox comes in.

Many customers across the nation do require Satellite Connectivity. In a landscape with so many remotely situated users, a lack of infrastructure, and often limited access to conventional forms of Internet, Satellite is an easy-to-access alternative.
Yes, it’s true, Starlink would have been the ideal solution, as they’re the benchmark in every metric from speed to security, reliability and beyond. However, our local service providers are no slackers either – and they also leverage off an advanced understanding of our landscape, know our unique South African needs, and offer all the support, insight, and guidance relevant to our environment.

You’ll also save a pretty packet on startup costs, skip the huge equipment/import fees, and enjoy easy cancellation, quick support, and speedy response times.

Imagine being a Starlink “user” and now facing a mountain of redundant equipment – good luck trying to return (or get refunded) from halfway across the pond. Local ISP’s (such as Vox) mean peace of mind – and we’re here to help.

By signing up for Vox Satellite, we’ll fill the void left by Starlink for good. We’re here, we’re on the ground, we’re approachable, and we’re willing to service our users in even the most remote areas from as little as R760PM*.

And, if all of that wasn’t enough to bring it home, always remember another famous South African proverb (no, it’s not “our system is offline”).

Local is Lekker.

And that’s a fact proudly endorsed by Vox.

What Does Starlink’s Exit Mean for SA Connectivity?

Are we back to the Stone Age of Internet and Dial-Up?

The short answer is yes, but also no. Bear with us.

While Starlink would have been a great avenue for future growth, it doesn’t technically set us back connectivity-wise as it was never formally launched.

Still, its absence does affect:

Future investment potential
Market innovation in Satellite Internet
Our ability to use cutting-edge LEO technology

The reality is:

Our GEO satellite networks will continue as they always have.
Due to Starlink refusing partnerships, the economic benefit to SA wasn’t going to be significant anyway.

However… the gap in technology is real.

Is Fast Fibre to the Home Still Relevant?

Posted on 19 March 202413 November 2025 by Vivienne Fouche

You’re back in the office: the daily commute is real again and working from home has mostly gone. So: is Fibre to the home still relevant in a non‑WFH world? The short answer is yes. Fast home fibre remains a smart household investment in South Africa, for security, entertainment, study, gaming and futureproofing, even when most people spend weekdays at the office.

So there you are, heading back to work in the morning traffic.

Life (perhaps via a Company Policy, or otherwise loadshedding?) has made the decision for you – working from home is over, and it’s now back to the office, like it or not.

Which is making you wonder whether you really need that fast Fibre to the Home (FTTH) now, after all.

As you dodge those special drivers who mistakenly believe that they own the road, your thoughts turn back to those pleasant days of WFH for almost everyone, when the main part of the daily commute to your desk involved just a short walk, and perhaps a change out of your night clothes (optional for some).

Then, of course, fast Fibre was as necessary for our collective well-being in the home as access to water and electricity. It was also – when boosted by an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) – arguably more reliable.

So this begs the question: if you’re back in the office for most or all of the working week, do you still need that amazing Fibre to the Home? Is fast FTTH still relevant in a non-WFH world?

After wading through the acronyms, the answer should surely be an emphatic ‘Yes, it is!’

Why Fibre Comes First

As a company, Vox supports the upliftment of South Africans at both the Macro-Economic level as well as for individuals.

Economic growth depends on reliable and high-speed digital infrastructure – as a country, we need to work towards a digital future for everyone. Fibre lines use light, not electricity, to transfer data, offering significantly higher bandwidth speeds and capacity – the amount of information that your internet connection can handle at a given time – when compared to other internet solutions. (Short science lesson: this is because nothing yet discovered is as fast as the speed of light, which is quite literally what your data is being carried on.)

Currently, too many South Africans still have to rely on mobile data for their home internet communications, or even on copper-based ADSL lines. Neither of these internet options is steadily reliable, and they don’t offer the same high-speed connection as Fibre.

ADSL’s copper wires are unfortunately stolen regularly and, even when left undisturbed, have both a limited capacity and lifespan – not to mention that they are also susceptible to lightning strikes. Not unsurprisingly, and following in other global footsteps, ADSL is being phased out in South Africa and replaced with more modern technology wherever the opportunity arises.

Mobile data also does not offer South Africans the digital future we all deserve. With regular power outages and load-shedding, network towers can’t provide a stable connection. Fibre towers, on the other hand, often operate on solar energy, and users can back up their Fibre routers with UPS systems.

Despite all these advantages presented by Fibre, some people might feel that, if they are no longer working from home, they could downgrade their Fibre line speed to save some money. Below, we’ll unpack why you might want to think twice about this option.

Taking It Personally

Let’s look at how fast Fibre to the Home benefits you and your family members – even when you’re at work.
FTTH on your property is able to do the following:

Improve security: Beyond enabling a more digital-friendly lifestyle, Fibre contributes to good security such as channelling CCTV feeds through always-on internet access. Fibre-optic networks also offer improved security compared to traditional copper cable networks – they are difficult to tap into or intercept, making them a secure choice for transmitting sensitive data. (In comparison, copper cables are vulnerable to physical tampering, as they can be easily accessed and spliced into, leaving them open to data interception and manipulation.)
Provide entertainment: In the old days we would channel-hop. Today, the streaming options just keep on coming for those who like their entertainment in passive format. Stream shows and download movies faster, and enjoy your current-favourite shows with less buffering, or better yet none at all.
Gamers unite: Download and play games faster – gamers need the highest speed internet with minimal lag. Fibre has lower latency – the millisecond delay when data travels from your device to the game hosting server – and it should be low to prevent in-game lagging.
Facilitate studies: You might be at work in the afternoons again, but the chances are that your children will be at home (at least the older ones). Being able to use the internet for their homework and to research projects is critical. Give them the benefit of proper Fibre speeds and enable them to finish their projects faster and better, whether they’re at school or tertiary level. It’s all about enabling their future.
Futureproofing your home: And speaking of the future – connecting your home to high-speed Fibre will ensure your household’s digital activities can continue at future speeds without replacing the cabling in a few years’ time, because a Fibre network, once installed, does not require an imminent future change. Because the fibre-optic cabling infrastructure has unlimited bandwidth and can cover long distances, it will be able to handle future technological inventions. (Some of them, actually, like smart fridges, smart sensors and other appliances connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) are already here – but that’s a different story.)

Why downgrading can cost you more

If you’re considering a cheaper, slower package because you no longer work from home, consider the hidden costs: slower downloads, more buffering, weaker CCTV feeds, and less headroom for multiple devices.

A small upgrade in monthly spend can deliver a markedly better experience and protect the value of smart devices and services you use at home.

Going Home

So, there you are. The working day is over and you’re back in traffic, now on the evening run and driving home.

You have the satisfaction of knowing that your house – and most importantly, your family – is secured by a good security system channelled by CCTV feeds.

Your older kids are busy with their educational projects before putting away their homework and enjoying some well-deserved YouTube or gaming moments.

And for the adults, there is the latest streaming programme to look forward to as you prepare to wind down the day.

Before that, you might do a spot of quick banking, messaging or online shopping using your phone apps – with the emphasis being on quick, because it’s all enabled by super-fast Fibre to the Home.

And it makes your home just that bit more comfortable – and secure – all round than if you’d decided to downgrade to a slower Fibre package.

So yes. In a non-WFH world, super-fast FTTH is definitely still relevant.

Learn more about Vox Fibre to the Home options and find the right package for your household. Explore Vox Fibre packages at vox.co.za or Call 087 805 5050 to speak to an advisor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still need fast Home Fibre if I don’t work from home?
Yes. Fast Home Fibre supports home security, streaming, gaming and multiple devices, which are benefits that remain even if you’re primarily office‑based.

How does Fibre compare to ADSL or mobile data?
Fibre offers higher speeds, lower latency and better stability than ADSL or mobile data. ADSL is being phased out and mobile can be affected by load‑shedding and tower congestion.

Will Fibre keep working during load‑shedding?
Fibre itself is resilient; many users back up their home router with a UPS. This keeps internet and home security systems running during power outages.

Is Fibre worth it for gamers?
Definitely. Fast Home Fibre lowers latency and provides consistent speeds needed for online gaming and quick downloads.

Can Fibre improve home security?
Yes. Constant high‑speed connectivity makes CCTV feeds and smart‑home alerts more reliable and secure compared with copper or mobile solutions.

If I downgrade my Fibre package, what could I lose?
You may experience slower downloads, more buffering, longer game update times and reduced performance when multiple devices are online simultaneously.

How do I sign up for Vox Fibre?
Visit vox.co.za to view available Home Fibre packages or Call 087 805 5050 to speak to a Vox advisor.

Does fibre futureproof my home?
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Vox Announces IoT Network Partnership with Sqwidnet

Posted on 16 October 2017 by Duo Marketing

Vox has partnered with local network provider Sqwidnet, to provide individual consumers and enterprise customers with connectivity, data analytics and reporting for Internet of Things (IoT) applications in the near future.

An IoT network consists of three parts: the devices that collect information, the network that connects everything, and the data analytics capabilities that allow companies to turn the volumes of data into actionable business intelligence.

“One of the reasons we partnered with Sqwidnet is that they are the sole Sigfox operator in South Africa. As an international IoT network with a presence in over 30 countries, using Sigfox means that you can use compliant devices on their network across the country and beyond,” says Vox CEO, Jacques du Toit.

Sqwidnet plans to have nationwide IoT network coverage by 2018, allowing for millions of sensors and devices across the country to transmit data to a centralised location for analysis, immediate action, and record keeping.

Vox’s integration and consultancy subsidiary, Braintree, will be used to provide customers with analytical capabilities, reporting, and dashboards to monitor and manage their IoT networks.

While the simpler consumer model will enable individuals to purchase compliant devices and register them via Vox in order to get notifications, enterprise customers stand to benefit from custom built solutions with specialised notifications, reporting, dashboards, workflows, and other advanced features

IoT Market Growth

Research by Africa Analysis shows that the IoT market is a growing segment in the local ICT industry, with the South African market being valued at $485-million – accounting for approximately 25% of total revenue in Africa – and projected to grow by 9% per annum by 2022.

One of the main contributors to this growth being a significant decline in the price of the chips that power these IoT devices, with prices having fallen from over $9 in 2016 to an expected price of 20c by 2018. Usage of narrow-band communication over a low-power wide area network brings down energy consumption on connected devices, further bringing down costs and broadening access to IoT technology.

However, unlike developed countries where there has been a huge focus on smart home and smart city deployments, users in South Africa are looking for cost savings and adding value, and the increasing trend is to leverage IoT applications for agriculture, utilities and manufacturing and industrial processes.

Vox is in discussions with a wide variety of industry players over enterprise IoT applications, with examples including a smart geyser application for the insurance industry that enables remote monitoring and preventative maintenance.

“IoT is going to provide a huge area for growth in South Africa, especially in the area of integration. The network and devices are going to accrue for a small percentage of revenue generated from IoT; the value is in the integration and the analytics that we get out of all the data being collected – and that’s where Vox comes in,” says Du Toit.

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IoT Market Growth

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