Wi-Fi - Vox

Which Vox Internet Option is Best for You this Holiday Season?

Posted on 8 December 20259 December 2025 by Vivienne Fouche

Staying connected as end-of-year down-time arrives

Our summer stories are starting to happen and the end of the year is really here! But even when we’ve packed our suitcases and made sure the pets are taken care of while we move into down-time, we still want (and need) to stay connected this holiday season.

Summer in South Africa means more streaming, online shopping and banking, video calls with family and online gaming – so choosing the right home Internet, and being aware of Internet options offered by your holiday location, can have an impact on your festive connectivity.

The good news is that, just as we all want a variety of ice cream options at the beach, so Vox has a connectivity option – and speed – to suit every home this holiday season. And in the spirit of the holiday season, we’re running some current and ongoing promotions to sweeten the deal even further.

Vox offers a mix of Fibre, Fixed Wireless, LTE/5G and Satellite options, with each option suited to different needs. So here’s a guide to help you pick the best option for your home, do your research on your holiday Connectivity options, and also make the most of current Vox promotions.

Let’s take a look.

Fibre To the Home: Best for Top Speed and Reliability

Fibre to the Home delivers high-speed, low-latency Internet directly into your home (or holiday home).

Benefits include very fast symmetrical speeds, which is excellent for 4K streaming, multiple devices and video calls. Uncapped options are available and performance is consistent.

It’s ideal for large households, heavy streamers, gamers, households with multiple remote workers (if you must work during the holidays! or when the holiday season is over…).
Availability depends on Fibre rollout in your neighbourhood. Installation may take time in new areas.

Current promotions linked to Vox Fibre to the Home include Vox Rewards and Fibre Frenzy!

Vox Rewards is our super-exciting, recently-launched loyalty programme for qualifying Vox customers, offering perks and rewards for staying connected with Vox through home fibre connections. Depending on the tier that you qualify for, you could enjoy a variety of discounts and savings on groceries, fashion, takeaways, tech, travel and more! See vox.co.za/vox-rewards for eligibility and benefits.
Fibre Frenzy is a limited-time campaign on Vox’s Home Fibre packages so do check vox.co.za for current Fibre Frenzy deals and exact terms – you can also click on this link for more information.
For landlords providing Connectivity to guests, check out our Guest Wi-Fi hospitality bundle.

LTE / 5G Mobile Broadband: Flexible and Quick to Set Up

LTE / 5G uses mobile networks (LTE or 5G) to deliver Internet to a home router or portable device.

Benefits include fast setup and mobile flexibility. This option is suitable for temporary needs or where Fibre isn’t available yet. 5G can offer very high speeds in covered areas.

It’s ideal for urban areas with strong 4G/5G coverage as well as short-term stays and holiday homes.
Speed and latency depend on mobile network coverage and local congestion; fairness policies may apply depending on the package.
Vox and Telkom are currently running our Uncapped LTE promotion, starting from R589 per month, and including a pocket router as a R199 once-off – check it out.

Fixed Wireless (Licensed or Unlicensed Spectrum): Dependable Rural and Suburban Option

Fixed Wireless using microwave signals provides a point-to-point or point-to-multipoint radio link between a home-mounted antenna and a local tower. Its benefits include good speeds and stable connections where Fibre isn’t laid, but line-of-sight to a tower exists. It is often faster and provides a lower latency than Satellite.

It’s ideal for suburbs, small towns and rural areas with a Vox radio site nearby.
Fixed Wireless requires a professional site survey and performance depends on line-of-sight availability and network capacity.
You can find out more on Vox Fixed Wireless to the Home.

Satellite: Providing Coverage where Nothing Else Reaches

Internet delivered via Satellite dishes is ideal for remote or rural properties beyond terrestrial networks. Its benefits include coverage that is available almost anywhere, making it perfect for some coastal areas, farms and remote homes, including holiday rentals.

It’s ideal for houses outside Fibre and mobile coverage areas, where connectivity is otherwise unavailable.
Higher latency means that it’s not ideal for competitive gaming. In addition, weather can affect reliability, and costs/data policies may be higher than terrestrial options.
Find out more on Satellite connectivity.

Considerations for the Holidays (and Beyond)

A few factors should be considered as you think about your Connectivity options for the holiday season and even next year, if you want to take advantage of our Vox Rewards programme.

If you stream 4K, game and have many users, Fibre is your best bet.
If you need a quick setup or a temporary solution, LTE/5G works well.
If you’re in a small town or on the fringe of Fibre rollout, Fixed Wireless often gives the best compromise of speed and reliability.
If you’re remote and need coverage regardless of location, Satellite is the reliable fallback.

Practical Tips Before You Switch

Vox usually runs localised or seasonal promotions (discounted installation, bonus data or limited-time bundle savings). Check the Vox website regularly, including the promotions pages, for the most up-to-date specials and Ts and Cs. Here are some tips:

Check coverage: Use the coverage tool on vox.co.za to see what’s available at your address.
Match package to use requirements: Choose speeds that suit your household’s peak usage.
Ask about promos: Promotions can change monthly, so ask a Vox consultant about current offers and how long they run, and you can also check here.

Check coverage and current Fibre Frenzy or Vox Rewards offers at vox.co.za or on the latest deals page, or call Vox Consumer Support on 087 805 0530 for a personalised recommendation.

South Africans work hard and they play hard also, and never more than during our end-of-year summer holiday season! Stay connected with Vox – we have a solution for your location and your needs, no matter what time of year it is.

ice cream 2202605 640 | Vox | Which Vox Internet Option is Best for You this Holiday Season? — You always have choices – and sweet deals! – with Vox!

FAQs

Which Vox option is best for streaming and gaming during the holidays?
Fibre is best for low-latency, high-speed needs like 4K streaming and gaming. If Fibre isn’t available, 5G or fixed Wireless are the next-best options.

What is Vox Rewards and how do I join?
Vox Rewards is a loyalty programme for qualifying customers. Visit vox.co.za/vox-rewards to see eligibility and benefits.

What is Fibre Frenzy?
Fibre Frenzy is Vox’s limited-time promotion on selected Fibre packages. Check the Vox website for exact bundles and promotional periods.

How do I know if Fibre is available at my home?
Use the coverage checker on vox.co.za or contact Vox support to confirm availability for your address.

Is Satellite Internet good for a holiday home?
Yes, Satellite brings connectivity to remote holiday homes, though latency and weather impact should be considered.

Can I use LTE/5G as a permanent home solution?
Yes, in areas with strong coverage LTE/5G can be a permanent solution, especially where Fibre isn’t available, but check data fairness policies.

How long does installation take for Fibre or fixed Wireless?
Installation times vary by location and demand — ask Vox for a projected install date when you sign up.

Can I switch between Vox services if I move or change needs?
Yes. Vox offers different home connectivity products and can advise on switching based on coverage and your new address.

Harnessing Technology’s Power to Transform Lives

Posted on 5 December 202511 March 2026 by Vivienne Fouche

Meet our Experts: Spotlight on Theo van Zyl

At Vox, we value, support and actively engage people with the levels of expertise that we require to keep us moving forward as a company. In this edition of ‘Meet our Experts’, we find out more about Theo van Zyl, who heads up the Wireless Department. Theo reflects on a lifelong relationship with communications technology, his journey into product leadership and his ambitions for extending connectivity across South Africa.

“The thing was called ‘fire’, and it was brought back to the cave by Og the inventor, who said he found it eating a tree. You had to keep it in a little cage of stones, he said.” ~ From ‘How It All Began…’ by Terry Pratchett

Question: What do Theo van Zyl, Head of Wireless at Vox, and Og the Inventor, also known as ‘the first caveman to cultivate fire’ and brought to us by author Terry Pratchett, both have in common?

Answer: They are both obsessed with the latest technology of the day, and how it can be used to help people and improve their lives.

(Editor’s note: You can read the short story of Og and his lifelong quest to master early technology here. Be warned: you will probably laugh out loud.)

Moving onto a more serious note…

People have been fascinated by the technology of the day for as long as we’ve been human, and for Theo, a life-long and highly practical love of technology began when he was still a child. Today, as Vox’s Head of Wireless, he is focused on building nimble teams and customer-first products, as well as bringing affordable connectivity to South Africa’s citizens, no matter where they are in the country.

We speak to Theo and find out more about how technology is front and centre in his life, both at work and at home, on a daily basis.

Telecomms in His Veins

Theo was still in primary school when his passion for electronics and communication began, and he describes fixing radios and building circuits as a child.

“My interest started with the ‘How and Why’ book range, especially electronics,” he explains. “As a child, I built electronic projects that did actually work, and I was always dismantling electronic equipment to understand the underlying processes. As a teenager, I made pocket money by repairing and building electronic circuit boards.”

That early curiosity matured into technical depth across analogue telephony, telex, data modems and later fibre, LTE and satellite. He also studied e‑commerce at Unisa and was involved in early online billing and payment gateway projects. His breadth of experience shows through in his product approach: he is comfortable with legacy systems and keen on combining them with modern ideas.

A Multi-Disciplinary and Empowering Team Leader

With more than three decades’ experience, including some 15 years heading up another ISP, Theo is a veteran of the telecommunications industry.

He explains: “From running around fixing analogue data copper line services, I have also spent time as a lecturer in data communications, mathematics and electronics. I then moved into practical roles in electronic data interchange, IP network design and product management across multiple disciplines – which is what I love the most, and where I’ve now been for around 25 years.”

He says: “Today, my job focus includes defining product strategies and managing the life cycles of products, leading the Wireless product team members, and ensuring that company strategic and financial goals are met. A key piece of the puzzle in delivering an end-to-end product portfolio includes cross-functional collaboration with areas across the business, including systems, marketing, PR, sales, channels, finance, networks and service delivery.”

Theo aims to keep his team at a manageable size so he can stay engaged with each area without losing control. He leads a compact team, organised around specialist areas, as follows: “Craig oversees Wi‑Fi for both consumer and enterprise; Chris and Kaylee look after LTE, 5G and APN products; Kathleen manages satellite services; Nikita handles microwave wireless; and Kolofelo manages manual feasibilities and operational tickets.”

Theo Craig Kathleen CROPPED | Vox | Harnessing Technology’s Power to Transform Lives — L to R: Craig, Theo, Hendrik (Q-Kon account manager for Vox Satellite) and Kathleen

Theo and Chris Boshoff CROPPED 2 | Vox | Harnessing Technology’s Power to Transform Lives — L to R: Chris and Theo

Daily work for Theo is very collaborative. He coaches and empowers his team, preferring to avoid micromanagement, and values bringing the broader team together to get multiple perspectives on a problem: “Micromanagement kills creativity,” he says. “I prefer to give people the freedom to try, possibly fail, and learn. I actively support piloting and experimentation, provided it doesn’t breach regulatory or company policy!”

Vox and Theo: The Perfect Fit

With Theo’s leadership characterised by empowerment, rapid decision‑making and a tolerance for well‑informed risk, he was understandably drawn to Vox’s culture and strategy, which embraces being nimble and cultivating a low‑red‑tape environment that gets things done quickly.

“Here at Vox, if the boss says do it, then you do it because you know you have the go-ahead!” he notes, contrasting Vox with organisations that can take 18 months to bring a product to market.

“This ability to act rapidly, combined with a collaborative culture where colleagues readily help each other, is what I value most. At Vox, things happen fast. I believe we are better positioned than many competitors because we can move quickly, learn speedily from experiments that don’t work, and then try another approach if need be.”

Theo positions product management as an end‑to‑end responsibility: “As our esteemed CEO, Jacques du Toit, is known to clarify, ‘You need to be the CEO of your own product’, meaning end to end, across every cost, every vendor, every customer interaction.

“This means being hands-on across finances, marketing, vendor relationships, costing, sales enablement and customer experience. Customer experience is also a priority: if internal processes let customers down, product teams must own the problem, resolve a customer’s issues, and implement improvements into future workflows.”

Affordable LEO Connectivity for Wider Access

“Technology is teaching us to be human again… the ability to witness and experience the lives of others anywhere around the world, often in real-time, awakens in us our innate empathy for each other.” ~Simon Mainwaring, businessman and author

Theo has a vision of being part of the rollout of affordable connectivity to rural and underserved communities through Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite services. He describes this as being a major personal and professional ambition: getting low‑cost, operational LEO services into South Africa so that rural citizens can access connectivity comparable to urban Fibre or LTE users.

“I believe Vox is uniquely positioned to pursue this and capable of delivering services, with the success of GEO services bearing testimony to this. I am confident that Vox can achieve our goal of bringing connectivity to all rural citizens over time,” he says.

“I am passionate about the amazing possibilities that LEO satellite services could bring to the people of South Africa, bringing excellent connectivity to anyone across the country, no matter how remote they might be. My ambition is to launch an affordable LEO service so that rural South Africans can access connectivity the same way people in towns do.”

Hobbies and Hacking (You Can’t Make This Stuff Up…)

Away from work, Theo is an enthusiastic electronics hobbyist and home automation enthusiast. In the past, he’s also embraced amateur radio activity: he holds a ZR licence and recalls sending data between computers over radio long before dial‑up became widespread.

He has spent the last decade building smart home systems that incorporate voice‑enabled control for gates, lights, pool pumps, alarms and energy monitoring using remote cloud management, and is proficient at integrating different ecosystems such as Alexa and Google. For Theo, it’s not just a hobby but shows his passion for telecommunications in the workplace now brought into the home environment: “Home automation is not a gimmick for me – it’s about integrating ecosystems to make life easier and more efficient.”

He’s walking the talk, in other words. He’s also been known to carry out at least one ethical hack in his time….

Theo once accessed a public Wi‑Fi system that was not secure when he was eating out at a restaurant in Brooklyn, Pretoria. Realising that their Wi-Fi was vulnerable, and being a regular at the restaurant, he quickly hacked into their system while browsing through the menu: “I printed a warning on the restaurant’s printer and alerted the waiter at my table about the need to separate their guest and internal networks…”

(Editor’s note: So, not your average customer when waiting tables then!)

professional caterer writing clients orders notepad bill 1 | Vox | Harnessing Technology’s Power to Transform Lives — “Excuse me, but I think you just said that you hacked the restaurant’s Wi-Fi system, did I hear you correctly?”

The astonished waiter alerted the manager on duty and needless to say, the next time Theo went to eat there, the Wi-Fi network was significantly upgraded and stronger – although knowing Theo, he could probably have got in again if he’d really wanted to…

The incident underscores his practical focus on security and the real risks of poorly configured public Wi‑Fi.

It also underscores the fact that Theo really does know what he’s talking about – he combines deep technical knowledge with a pragmatic, people‑centred and fundamentally caring approach to launching and scaling services in a rapidly evolving connectivity landscape.

“I am grateful that my experience in the industry, starting with analogue telephones, telex machines, data modems and growing into today’s technology gave me exposure to areas that I never thought I would ever be involved in,” he says. “At Vox I can leverage on that experience and influence and create products that are customer centric and deliver real value, to help change and improve people’s lives.”

And just like the short story mentioned at the beginning: Isn’t technology and progress amazing?! Here at Vox, we are grateful for people like Theo who help us to keep moving forward. Never change, Theo!

“…several up-and-coming young apemen had got the idea and they invented Civilisation – eventually. The village grew. Some of the open plain was turned into fields. Pretty soon hunters like Hal were beginning to look a bit foolish. That’s how it all began.” ~ From ‘How It All Began…’ by Terry Pratchett

Working to Identify and Protect SA’s Heritage Resources

Posted on 11 November 202511 November 2025 by Natalie van der Merwe

Vox partnered with the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) to deliver an integrated programme of connectivity, voice and network security, demonstrating how SAHRA connectivity and SD‑WAN for heritage sites can safeguard archives, improve communication and reduce costs. SAHRA requires a modern, secure and resilient IT environment to protect national heritage records and support remote working.

Planning SAHRA’s Connectivity and SD-WAN for SA’s Heritage Sites

The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) is an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture – formerly known until 2000 as the National Monuments Council – which is tasked with an overall legislative mandate to identify, assess, manage, protect and promote heritage resources in South Africa, and to protect them for future generations.

National heritage sites need to be protected and safeguarded from damage or alteration, and it’s important to prevent development that could endanger their existence. As a national agency with additional provincial authorities, SAHRA works with local communities to identify heritage resources and record their oral and living histories, as well as increase public involvement in the preservation of heritage resources.

“South Africa has a very rich heritage,” says Stephen Muller, SAHRA ICT Manager, “and SAHRA works across a number of business units – including Heritage Properties, Burial Grounds and Graves, the Built Environment and Heritage Protection – to identify and protect heritage resources in South Africa.

“We have a very valuable registry in the form of our internal archives, encompassing a vast amount of heritage documents including old papers, plans, maps, information about graves…. information from the past that it’s important to protect and preserve.

“Overall, our outlook for the future is to become significantly more digitalised, including with our registry and archives, and also as an organisation overall. The work done by SAHRA is valuable and it’s important that it’s assisted in the digital realm, to protect South Africa’s Heritage Sites in the physical realm.”

South Africa has eight World Heritage Sites, as follows: Robben Island (Western Cape), iSimangaliso Wetland Park (formerly known as the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park in Kwa-Zulu/Natal); the Cradle of Humankind (Gauteng), Maloti Drakensberg Park (Kwa-Zulu/Natal), Mapungubwe Heritage Site (in Limpopo province, located at the border of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana), the Cape Floral Kingdom (Western Cape), the Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape (in the Northern Cape, along the Orange River border with Namibia) and the Vredefort Dome (Free State).

In addition, there are also several heritage sites declared by SAHRA, which include the Castle of Good Hope, the Bushmanskloof Rock Painting Landscape, the Daljosafat Cultural Landscape, the SS Mendi Memorial, the South African Astronomical Observatory, Liliesleaf Farm and the West Coast Fossil Park, among others.

4 1080 5 1080x720 1 | Vox | Working to Identify and Protect SA's Heritage Resources — SS Mendi Memorial

The Business Challenge

“It’s our intention to have a proper electronic document records management system in place so that we can get all our information, including our records and administrative systems, more digital,” explains Muller.

“We are moving forward in this regard; for example we have a YouTube channel and we use it to broadcast on pertinent issues, including a webinar in September – which is Heritage Month in South Africa – which is geared towards allowing the public to share in the conversation. I like to say that even though we’re a heritage organisation, it doesn’t mean that our technology or infrastructure needs to be heritage as well!”

In the quest to keep SAHRA’s digital processes and communications systems modern and not ‘vintage’, the organisation has carried out a significant number of implementations or upgrades in the past 10 years or so. These include such important technology elements as:

Business Fibre connectivity;
Voice and Telephony solutions;
Backup of data;
Foundational network security; and
The implementation of an SD-WAN solution.

Some of these implementations have been carried out at SAHRA’s head office in the Western Cape, and others have been at regional offices. SAHRA operates across four sites around the country. Muller clarifies that there have been some challenges previously with getting all the sites connected with fast connectivity, including the use of a slow ADSL line at one of the regional offices.

“Our concerns were around data security and service continuity, as well as site integrations that were required to interlink all our colleagues and allow them to interact and integrate with our existing systems and offices. Vox was able to address these requirements through well detailed bids,” he explains.

The Business Solution

As a government entity, SAHRA is required to follow strict bidding / tender procedures each time a new project or upgrade over a particular Rand value is required. Muller explains: “Being a government entity, we have to follow a formal public procurement process and that’s always done by a means of competitive bidding. SAHRA’s relationship with Vox began when we had to shift our existing voice solution, and then we also added in the Internet connectivity as well. Later on, we found the need to include managed firewall services and most recently we have had a requirement for an SD-WAN solution.

“On each of these occasions, Vox has submitted separate tender documentation in response to the advertised tenders. In summary, Vox has helped SAHRA to improve on our operational efficiency, including the enhancement of our remote working capabilities. Additionally, Vox has helped us to strengthen our cybersecurity posture, while also reducing infrastructure costs over time.”

Vox was the successful winner of a number of tender processes for SAHRA in recent years, as follows:

2018/2019: Hosted Digital Communication System

Fibre connectivity
Verto Hosted PBX and Yealink handsets
Uncapped Voice
Communications Manager (TMS)
Network Cabling
Chrome Air (Voice over LTE)
Number porting

2020: Poly Studio VC Solution

2021: Veeam Backup & Replication Enterprise Plus

2022: Connectivity and Voice and Network security

Primary and failover connectivity at five sites
- Consists of fibre, wireless and LTE
Moved from Verto Supreme to 3CX Cloud for PBX, Unified Communication and mobility services
Uncapped Voice
Fortigate Firewall at five sites

2024: Connectivity and Voice and Network security / SD-WAN

Provision of two stand-alone internet links at four sites
- Consists of fibre, wireless and LTE
Moved from Verto Supreme to 3CX Cloud for PBX, Unified Communication and mobility services
Uncapped Voice
Fortigate Firewall at five sites with SD-WAN for WAN resiliency

René Minnie, Key Account Manager at Vox, clarifies that the most recent 2024 upgrades are of particular interest and significance for SAHRA, involving upgrades to the entity’s connectivity, voice and network security. She says: “When we look at the migration from Verto Supreme to 3CX Cloud, we see that Vox is providing SAHRA with a solution that is future-proof and rich in functionality, and which allows more control. With regards to the implementation of an SD-WAN solution, it is important to note that Vox has provisioned for the ability to use both links at each site.

“As for the benefits of SD-WAN, it’s a modern networking solution that simplifies the management and operation of a wide area network (WAN) by decoupling the network hardware from its control mechanism, with key benefits including improved network performance, cost efficiency, enhanced security, simplified management, and scalability and flexibility.”

More details on the benefits of SD-WAN are as follows:

Improved Performance: SD-WAN intelligently routes traffic across the most efficient paths, reducing latency and improving application performance, especially for cloud-based services.
Cost Efficiency: SD-WAN allows businesses to use lower-cost internet connections (like broadband) alongside or instead of expensive MPLS links, significantly reducing WAN costs.
Enhanced Security: Built-in encryption, firewall capabilities and centralised security policies help protect data across all network endpoints.
Simplified Management: Centralised control makes it easier to configure, monitor and manage the network, reducing the need for manual intervention and on-site IT support.
Scalability and Flexibility: SD-WAN supports rapid deployment across multiple locations and adapts easily to changing business needs, making it ideal for growing organisations.

A Strategic Partner Towards the SAHRA IT Unit

Muller says he has been very happy with both the service and the products received from Vox overall, and enjoys an extremely positive relationship with Vox. He clarifies: “The service levels have always been consistently high, and in fact have always exceeded what we at SAHRA have requested. We also very much appreciate the scalability of the available offerings.

“You could say that Vox has essentially become a strategic partner towards the SAHRA IT unit, and as a company, its employees and divisions are very good at communicating the available offerings, both for a present requirement as well as for future possibilities and planning – I find Vox to be well-structured and transparent.”

Muller also praises the quality of Vox’s tender documents, which, he says, are unfailingly of a high quality and provide all the information – and sometimes more – than actually required.

“Usually, we look to see that the potential service providers are able to meet or even exceed our minimum requirements,” he explains. “Then we look at proven reliability and uptime, scalability, security and compliance. Cost-effectiveness plays a vital role as well, and we also look at strong support and after-sales service.

“Vox scores consistently highly across all these categories, including with excellent service and competitive pricing across all its products. The type of bid received from Vox overall is always excellent. No matter big or small, there’s always enough information. If it’s a specific brand or model mentioned, there will be a specification sheet that paints a clear picture.”

Minnie adds that the interactions with Muller and the rest of his team at SAHRA have always been most pleasant: “As a company, people across a number of divisions at Vox appreciate SAHRA’s business relationship, which is based on mutual politeness and respect. Our two companies work extremely well together, and we look forward to continuing to be of assistance to SAHRA for many years into the future,” she says.

“I believe that in Vox, SAHRA has found an excellent partner and over the years, we have met regularly and enjoyed smooth operations overall. And so if I could sum it up, Vox’s offerings are a clear commitment to a partnership with long-term value overall, because of the scalability and expansions that are offered by Vox,” concludes Muller.

Download Case Study

FAQs

What is SD‑WAN and why is it important for heritage institutions?
SD‑WAN is a modern WAN architecture that intelligently routes traffic across multiple links. It improves performance, resilience and security, which is critical for institutions needing reliable access to cloud archives and remote collaboration.

Which Vox products were implemented at SAHRA?
Vox implemented Business Fibre, voice platforms (Verto Hosted PBX historically and migration to 3CX Cloud), Yealink handsets, Fortigate firewalls, Veeam backup and Poly Studio VC, plus wireless/LTE failover.

How does SD‑WAN improve security?
SD‑WAN supports centralised security policies, encryption of WAN links and integration with managed firewalls, reducing exposure for distributed sites and sensitive data.

Can SD‑WAN reduce costs for government agencies?
Yes. By enabling the use of lower‑cost broadband and LTE alongside fibre, SD‑WAN can lower WAN expenses while maintaining performance and resilience.

How did Vox ensure compliance with SAHRA’s procurement rules?
All implementations were awarded through formal competitive tenders, with Vox submitting detailed, compliant bid documents for each procurement phase.

Will SD‑WAN help with disaster recovery and backups?
SD‑WAN improves connectivity resilience which supports replication and backup workflows. Combined with solutions like Veeam, it strengthens overall data protection and recovery capabilities.

Is 3CX Cloud suitable for public sector organisations?
3CX Cloud provides unified communications, mobility and scalability, making it suitable for public sector needs when paired with secure network infrastructure and managed services.

How can heritage organisations begin modernising their IT?
Start with a connectivity assessment, define continuity and security requirements, and procure resilient links, firewall protection and a future‑proof voice platform. Consider a phased tendered approach similar to SAHRA’s.

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AI and Enterprise Wi-Fi: New Frontiers of Possibility

Posted on 18 July 202518 July 2025 by Craig Blignaut

Artificial intelligence (AI) makes it possible for machines to learn from experience, adjust to new inputs and perform human-like tasks.

Using technologies such as deep learning and natural language processing, computers can be trained to accomplish specific tasks by processing large amounts of data and recognising patterns in the data. The Wi-Fi arena is no different in that AI can also make the processing of tasks speedier and more efficient – we are now in the era of AI-driven networking.

AI Wi-Fi refers to wireless networks that make use of artificial intelligence to optimise connectivity, performance, connected user experience and security. This technology uses machine learning (ML) algorithms to analyse network hardware, traffic, user behaviour and environmental factors in real-time. The AI initiates closed loop automation to adjust the network settings, such as resource allocation, to improve performance.

This article discusses how AI can be used in Enterprise Wi-Fi networks, and how AI is benefitting Vox and our Wi-Fi customers.

AI-Driven Business Intelligence for Enterprise Networks

Artificial intelligence in Wi-Fi networks today can assist significantly with the configuration of the network, as well as with support thereafter, including being able to spot issues before they become a serious problem.

Vox has partnered with Wi-Fi networking equipment specialist, Ruckus Networks, for approximately the last decade, and within our partnership we proudly offer its AI Managed Wi-Fi offering for enterprise networks, which presents AI-driven business intelligence for enterprise networks.

As a cloud-based service for network intelligence and service assurance, Ruckus AI Managed Wi-Fi with Analytics is powered by machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI). This in turn helps customers get the most from their network, for example by identifying network assurance incidents, classifying them by severity, tracing root causes and making specific AI recommendations for remediation. It automatically monitors network health relative to configurable thresholds.

Benefits of AI-Driven Enterprise Wi-Fi

AI can dynamically adjust Wi-Fi parameters like channel selection and contention window size to optimise network performance, ensuring smooth and efficient data transmission. In addition, it simplifies life for IT departments and technicians, as AI dramatically reduces the time to resolution for service incidents.

It can also eliminate some Help Desk tickets by addressing issues before they affect users, allowing the organisation to be proactive in this regard and solve problems before they arise. Additionally, by addressing the root cause for one incident, organisations can avoid other incidents that might arise from that cause.

Most importantly, it alleviates the need for an organisation’s IT department to manage the Wi-Fi network – Vox will manage this. Organisations can view real-time dashboards and, if required log tickets via the Vox enterprise support desk, because Vox has comprehensive visibility into network operations, which accelerates troubleshooting.

By proactively addressing issues and optimising network performance, AI can contribute to a better overall user experience, with faster speeds, reduced buffering, and fewer connection problems. In addition, AI can simplify network management, by automating many of the tasks associated with managing a complex Wi-Fi network, thereby reducing the burden on IT staff.

Faster Feature Updates Due to Cloud-Based Licences

A question that might spring to mind is the following: ‘How does South Africa compare to the developed world with regards to our access to AI within the Wi-Fi arena?’ and the answer may surprise you on the upside.

In essence, because today we have the option of moving to a cloud-based licence, all users globally are able to benefit from feature updates to cloud platforms, as they could all be on the same version due to simultaneous software updates. In this regard, South African companies will not necessarily be running behind users in other parts of the world, thanks to the cloud.

Vox is very pleased to be able to bring our customers the latest Wi-Fi networking feature updates as soon as they are made available to us from our upstream providers and placed onto the relevant platforms. Because Vox is accessing features as they are rolled out by the supplier, this means in turn that our customers benefit as and when new features and updates become available.

Knowing that we are able to offer our clients first-world AI-enabled Wi-Fi technology, in partnership with Ruckus Networks, is something of which we are truly proud.

IT Expertise Served with a Side of ‘Can-Do’ Attitude

Posted on 17 June 20253 March 2026 by Vivienne Fouche

Meet our Experts: Spotlight on Roger Maia

At Vox, we value, support and actively engage people with the levels of expertise that we require to keep us moving forward as a company. In this edition of ‘Meet our Experts’, we find out more about Roger Maia, who works in the Wireless Department as a Senior Wi-Fi Architect and Engineer. His responsibilities revolve around designing and implementing Wi-Fi Networks, as well as optimising their performance.

When you meet Roger Maia and talk to him for a while, motivational sayings start popping into your head.

Phrases like: ‘When the going gets tough, the tough get going’ and ‘The best way out is always through’ can be perfectly applied to the Senior Wi-Fi Architect and Engineer for Vox.

At Vox, and within his chosen IT field, Roger is known for his hard work, excellent understanding of his subject matter and a life-long learning ethic, but did you know that he’s also a talented multi-instrument musician who is always ready to give back to the community?

In this edition of ‘People of Vox’, we shine the spotlight on Roger and what makes him tick.

The Power of Persistence

Roger’s pathway into the IT arena was a little bumpy in the beginning (this is where those motivational sayings start making themselves heard).

“I finished studying and couldn’t find work in the IT industry at first,” he explains, “and so I started working for my father, who has a carpentry business. I was doing things like putting up doors, skirting boards, cornices and so on. I like to describe my dad as being ‘a doctor of wood’ – he has been working with wood all his life and knows intuitively how to craft it.

Roger dad smaller | Vox | IT Expertise Served with a Side of ‘Can-Do’ Attitude — The ‘doctor of wood’

“I then went to Mozambique for two years, where I was again working with my hands, this time fixing power tools, including drill machines, jigsaws and circular saws. After two years, I came back to SA and relatively soon was able to find a job in IT – I was happy to finally start working in my field of study.”

Some four years later, Roger applied for a job at Vox. Having aced the interview process, he began working for SA’s best local ISP around 16 years ago, on the 1^st of May 2009 – a day which, he says, is etched in his brain. “Imagine jumping from a pond into a lake or an ocean!” he says. “Well, I was looking for new challenges, and when I came to Vox, I found them – it was a massive learning curve!”

In essence, Roger was promoted during his first week to a higher-level position than the one he’d been hired for. “I started in Hosting and three days after joining, my employer moved me into IT, as I was good with staff members and computers.

Roger at Work resized | Vox | IT Expertise Served with a Side of ‘Can-Do’ Attitude — Early days at Vox

“In due course, I moved into the Wi-Fi arena, which I love, and became a senior engineer. Today, I really enjoy working with new technology, with a strong focus on research and development. Because technology is growing so fast, it means that you never stop studying in the quest to stay on top.”

Fast Forwarding to Today…

Today, in his capacity as Senior Wi-Fi Architect and Engineer, Roger works closely with his colleagues to ensure that all Wi-Fi networks adhere to specific ISO standards. He also liaises with other key people in the business, including product managers, sales specialists, technical engineers and solutions architects.

Roger says his work passion is ignited when he’s able to work with cutting-edge technologies. “You never stop studying because the technology is growing so fast,” he clarifies. “There’s always growth for Wi-Fi and it certainly is taking off, while Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) exists now also, meaning a wireless communication technology that uses light to transmit data instead of radio waves.

“And of course we all know that AI has been introduced and is being used to resolve issues. I’m interested in being able to see new technologies early in their lifecycle and introduce them within the business.”

As far as working at Vox is concerned, one of Roger’s highlights to date has been working on a stadium’s Wi-Fi design and installation in Bloemfontein with the help of the Ruckus team, while from day to day, he enjoys giving Vox clients customised solutions that work for their needs, and seeing how Vox employees grow and mature with the knowledge and skills they’re provided with. He also hopes to be able to build and mentor a bigger team one day: “At the moment it’s just Francois Combrinck and me,” he says.

Altruistic and musical

Away from work, Roger has a strong sense of family and is comfortable with the support that he experiences from both his Portuguese background and his church community.

Roger mom and dad resized smaller | Vox | IT Expertise Served with a Side of ‘Can-Do’ Attitude — Roger’s mom and dad

“My dad and my late mom both taught my siblings and me to be self-reliant and to rate ongoing study very highly. And so, from an early age, we learned the value of not having to rely on other people, and it’s a habit that remains ingrained today. For example, I’m much more inclined to look up YouTube when something needs fixing in my home – and then do it myself – than I am to call someone out.”

This same do-it-yourself philosophy extends to his musical interests: Roger plays eight instruments, including the alto, tenor and soprano saxophone, trumpet, clarinet and violin. Astonishingly, after his dad initially taught him how to read sheet music and to play the soprano sax, all the other instruments in Roger’s repertoire are self-taught!

He puts this musical talent to good use within the community by encouraging teenagers to come to church, where he teaches interested youngsters how to play a musical instrument, rather than being on the streets. So here it seems appropriate to pop another quote into the story, this time from British singer and musician Sting: ‘If you play music with passion and love and honesty, then it will nourish your soul, heal your wounds and make your life worth living. Music is its own reward.’

Finally, Roger offers the following advice with regards to overcoming specific challenges to move forward in one’s career: “Work hard and study extensively. Keep up to date by continuously studying. And as my dad used to say: If you sweep the streets, make sure you sweep them like no one else!”

Is Your Business Wi-Fi Due for an Upgrade?

Posted on 21 May 202521 May 2025 by Craig Blignaut

A better Wi-Fi environment brings increased productivity to your employees and your organisation

Business Wi-Fi provides your employees with their gateway to the Internet, including operations in the Cloud. This requires stability and reliability – and as your business grows, your Wi-Fi needs may change. What worked for your organisation yesterday may not be sufficient in the future as your company’s Wi-Fi requirements increase.

Perhaps your organisation’s infrastructure was installed a few years ago, but as cost-effectively as possible – it may have been that the Wi-Fi requirement then wasn’t as much of a focus point as it has since become. Now, your organisation is growing and the need for improved Wi-Fi services is apparent.

Let’s have a look at why your business Wi-Fi may be due for an upgrade – and the steps you can take to implement this.

A Better Wi-Fi Environment Brings Increased Productivity

Wi-Fi has been around for the past 25 to 30 years and has evolved significantly during that time. With vastly more applications and computer programs available today, a much higher throughput is required to maximise the experience of the users in your organisations.

The days of having a single room with Wi-Fi access in it within the entire premises, or a dedicated area across the particular floor in the building, are long gone. People today expect Wi-Fi access in every environment that they move into. Your corporate solution therefore needs to work properly and enable productivity – you don’t want your employees being forced to spend five to 10 minutes trying to connect. Conversely, a better Wi-Fi environment brings increased productivity.

With a clear requirement for functionally excellent Wi-Fi access throughout the organisation, it may be time to invest in better, enterprise-level equipment, and an organisation that can assist you in managing and planning the Wi-Fi design as efficiently as possible.

Advantages of Upgrading Your Business Wi-Fi Network

Vox provides managed Wi-Fi services for businesses. This enables remote software and firmware updates, and reduced technician call-outs, through remote troubleshooting and fault remediation.

One of our services is offering audits on existing Wi-Fi, because with legacy old equipment, security becomes a risk. We also know that not every business is looking for brand-new Wi-Fi in a new building from scratch. Very often, we find that we’re taking over the legacy Wi-Fi previously used by the company, and we may be able to upgrade the existing assets or infrastructure.

The advantages of upgrading your business Wi-Fi network include the following:

Increased speed and bandwidth;
Improved connection reliability;
Improved security and privacy; and
Easier setup and management.

Security alone is a particularly serious issue, as network threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated. At Vox, we are keenly aware of the need to carry out regular software updates on our network equipment, such as access points and switches, as is necessary with all technology.

An access point can become a security risk if no one is managing it: for example, the manufacturer could find security vulnerabilities with certain equipment, and if it doesn’t get a security patch or update, the access point becomes vulnerable.

Overcoming Wi-Fi Challenges Presented by Infrastructure

The construction materials used in buildings, such as concrete, glass, brick and metal, can interfere with Wi-Fi signals and obstruct them in different ways, especially in larger or older buildings with thick walls. To counteract this challenge, Vox uses specialised software to create virtual models of your office space.

This software considers the different structural properties of the various building materials, allowing you to predict how Wi-Fi signals will travel and where obstacles might cause issues.

This virtual planning considers such factors as signal strength as well as how to determine the best access point and placement for access points and switches, to optimise network performance and capacity in areas where it’s needed most.

Vox Managed Wi-Fi Solutions

Our business Wi-Fi offerings are designed to optimise your Wi-Fi coverage, extend range and expand networking possibilities, enhancing the user experience and providing seamless, reliable connectivity for all devices, as follows:

Solve network issues and limit service centre interaction, reducing technical call outs. Network analytics provides information such as alarms, incidents and client experience information, including time to connect to the access points.
Radio Frequency (RF) design and planning: Our RF heatmap design software enables correct planning, scoping and implementation to improve overall Wi-Fi experience for both users and organisations.
Enterprise Equipment: Vox partners with enterprise grade equipment vendors, such as Ruckus Networks, to provide robust equipment from access points to managed switches and management cloud platforms, offering enhanced Wi-Fi connections and capacity for concurrent user devices.

Bespoke Managed Wi-Fi Solutions with Vox

The benefits of managed Wi-Fi solutions ensure, for example, that your organisation carries out regular, planned security updates in the same way as for our phones and computers. Vox offers any organisation a bespoke Wi-Fi solution according to their particular requirements.

We also understand the requirements of speed versus capacity. For example, your organisation might have a boardroom that is required to facilitate a meeting with 100 people in it once a week, and otherwise is seldom used. At Vox, we understand how to cater to the capacity that may be only required from time to time.

A managed Wi-Fi solution also offers convenience, as our Service Centre is able to remotely troubleshoot and improve network performance using cloud-based administrative tools. This ensures that more connected devices can enjoy uninterrupted Wi-Fi in your business.

It all speaks to ongoing connectivity, which in turn speaks to improved productivity.

Is your business Wi-Fi due for an upgrade? Feel free to reach out to us on 087 805 5050 or via email on corporatesales@voxtelecom.co.za and begin a discussion.

5-Star Experience vs 1-Star Google Review: Your Guests Want Great Wi-Fi

Posted on 17 March 202518 March 2025 by Craig Blignaut

How the Travel Industry Needs to Get Connected

From the moment that plane commuters reach their destination, travellers around the world can immediately hear the surround-sound beeping noises as passengers, now safely arrived, turn on their phones to once again become fully connected. We find a similar story when travellers arrive at their guesthouse or hotel: according to a travel industry survey, one-third of guests ask for the Wi-Fi password as they register at the front desk, and two-thirds are online within seven minutes of checking in.

It just proves once again that in today’s connected world, being able to access information and communication services is increasingly important. Just because someone is away from home doesn’t mean they don’t need to stay connected, even when on holiday (unless they’re making the deliberate choice to go off-line).

As for business travellers, a seamless Internet experience is necessary to communicate with clients and colleagues, access work documents and take part in meetings. Providing quick and efficient Wi-Fi services allows both leisure and business guests to enjoy their stay without undue stress.

Let’s look at how the Wi-Fi experience in a guesthouse or hotel can shape either a five-star guest experience or earn your establishment an unwanted one-star Google review.

Wi-Fi For Guests: A Fundamental Hospitality Amenity

People who travel want to update others on their safe whereabouts, and being unable to receive communication, or send outbound messages, can cause anxiety. By providing reliable, fast Wi-Fi services from the moment of registration, hotel guests can start to relax and enjoy their stay sooner.

Access to excellent Wi-Fi increasingly ranks as a necessity for today’s traveller when choosing a hotel – right up there with comfort, cleanliness, and excellent food and beverage offerings. With mobile devices, laptops and remote work now prevalent, complimentary access to Wi-Fi has become a key requirement for both business travellers and holiday makers.

A speed of 10 to 20Mbps per guest is recommended as being a decent Wi-Fi offering that should comfortably allow your guests to stream in full HD – you wouldn’t receive complaints if your customers had access to these speeds.

Excellent Wi-Fi adds to the guest experience, while the opposite also holds true: unhappiness with the Wi-Fi can make people more easily inclined to find fault in other, unrelated areas. From a purely commonsense perspective, this seems counter-intuitive, and a negation of the cost and effort that’s been spent on the marketing initiatives to entice the traveller to your establishment in the first place.

Factors to Consider for your Guests’ Wi-Fi

While most hotels and guesthouses today offer complimentary Wi-Fi service to guests, it might not be equivalent to what people are used to having in their own homes, which can cause frustration.

Considerations when choosing a guest Wi-Fi solution include the following:

Cost: The pricing structure will be based on the coverage area, usage and the number of users.
Technical support: Reliable customer support is critical.
Compliance requirements: The network must meet relevant data privacy and security regulations.

Elevating the Wi-Fi Experience

Vox provides managed Wi-Fi services for businesses. This enables remote software and firmware updates, as well as remote troubleshooting and fault remediation using cloud-based administrative tools. This all works to enhance ongoing connectivity.

Vox offers audits on existing Wi-Fi, because we know that not every business is looking for a new-build Wi-Fi, and we may be able to upgrade existing assets or infrastructure. To provide a superior internet experience for guests, hotels and guesthouses should ensure that they:

Invest in high-speed Internet infrastructure (the foundation of your Wi-Fi experience) to support faster bandwidth and improve overall performance.

Implement a reliable Wi-Fi network that covers all areas of the premises, including common areas and guest rooms.
Optimise the Wi-Fi signal strength with strategic placement of Wi-Fi access points or meshdevices, to ensure a strong and consistent connection throughout the premises.
Implement robust security measures such as strong encryption and password protocols.

With Vox, our aim is to enhance your guests’ Wi-Fi experience. We can provide a neatly pre-packaged Wi-Fi mesh unit solution to ensure that all areas of the guesthouse are serviced. These mesh units are also easily managed by a user-friendly app, which further enhances the functionality. If more advanced cabling solutions are required, perhaps for a larger premises, our technicians and engineers can set up the solution.

Happy Guests, Positive Business Outcomes

Noting that ‘The Customer is King’ is especially critical in the travel industry – guests want to feel valued as they step over the threshold, and excellent Wi-Fi is a key aspect of attracting quality guests and then retaining them for future return visits.

Investing in fast and dependable Wi-Fi access gives you a competitive edge in terms of increased guest satisfaction and corresponding loyalty. It’s also important to gather feedback from your guests to stay on top of any Internet connectivity issues that might have occurred, to keep your standards consistently high.

Another consideration is for South African hoteliers to aim their marketing at the local target market. The rise of domestic travel since the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic presents an alternative option in addition to targeting overseas guests. Arguably, domestic tourists might also be more easily able to plan a repeat visit if they’re content with their overall experience.

With everything that South Africa has to offer tourists, both local and international, wouldn’t it be a pity for guests to be unhappy with your Wi-Fi offering, when it’s a relatively simple amenity to offer – to excellent standards – thanks to experts like Vox?

Talk to us at Vox if you have any questions or concerns about setting up a great guesthouse Wi-Fi experience. We’d love to hear from you – contact us via help@voxtelecom.co.za or call 087 805 0530.

How to Make the Most of Your Vox Connectivity Line

Posted on 14 February 202514 November 2025 by Vivienne Fouche

Tips to make sure you’re getting what you signed up for

Picture the scene. It’s early afternoon and your small one is streaming HD videos in one room, your teenager is on a video call in their bedroom, and mom and dad are both working from home, simultaneously accessing the Internet via different laptops, in two other corners of the house. Best of all, thanks to your Fibre to the Home (FTTH) Internet connection, there’s no buffering or lagging in sight.

How to Make the Most of Your Vox Connectivity Line — How to make the most of your Vox connectivity line

Looking back, it’s quite surprising to think that even 15 years ago, this wasn’t a common scenario – for starters, YouTube was only started in 2005, and Netflix Streaming in January 2007. As for widespread Fibre connectivity in South Africa, it was still just a twinkle in somebody’s eye, because the first subsea Fibre cable to reach South Africa went live only in 2009. Today, Internet access has become one of the most important areas of our lives.

Internet connectivity opens us up to an incredible world of information, entertainment and opportunity, and nobody wants a slow or buffering connection, while price and value-conscious consumers are justifiably concerned about getting true value from their purchases. But what happens when you’ve paid for a decent Internet package, but it doesn’t seem to be working quite as well as you expected? When the Modern Family-inspired Internet scenario sketched out above starts stuttering and freezing?

Because even with a Fibre Internet connection – generally regarded as the crème de la crème of Internet connectivity – several factors can still reduce the performance of your Fibre to the Home (FTTH) Internet speed and reliability.

This article looks at how you can make the most of your Vox FTTH Connectivity line when certain challenges rear their heads.

Wi-Fi: Enabling Wireless Connectivity from Your Fibre Optic Line

Good Internet connectivity depends on many factors, including your Internet Service Provider (ISP) first and foremost, as well as the speed of your chosen Internet package; whether your devices are modern or no longer that new; and Wi-Fi options and challenges.

The job of a Wi-Fi router is to ‘convert’ the data packets carried within light pulses through Fibre Optic cables laid in your neighbourhood, into the Wi-Fi radio wave signal inside your home.
This then enables your family’s digital devices – laptops, tablets, smartphones and smart TVs – to link into the Internet, creating a wireless Internet connection for your home (cable-free Internet, in other words).

Wi-Fi functionality is integral to the performance of your Fibre-based Internet line.

Improving Your Wireless Signal

If your internet connectivity line doesn’t seem to be giving you the results you were expecting, or if you’re experiencing Wi-Fi dead zones in your home (caused by the distance of your device from the wireless router, thick walls or electrical interference), there are a few things you can do to improve your Wi-Fi network, as follows:

Router position: Choose a central location in your home, and raise the router off the floor. Also, don’t place the Wi-Fi router inside a cupboard or desk. Sometimes just raising the router a little higher up from the floor for better signal distribution will increase its range and speed. Make sure your router is away from other electronic and electrical equipment, metal objects and solid brick or concrete walls.
Router speed: Your router should handle a speed rated the same or higher than your chosen Internet package. And so, if your Fibre Internet is 500Mbps, your router should be able to offer speeds at least this fast.
Number of devices: All Wi-Fi equipment supplied by Vox is strong enough to cover an estimated 100 square metres, depending on what material your walls are made of. Vox recommends adding an additional device for every 50 to 100 square metres extra.
Mesh System to enhance signal: If the Wi-Fi range in your house is poor, a Vox mesh router system can help to push the signal further, so the whole family can stay connected throughout the house, providing an uninterrupted lag-free high-speed Wi-Fi connection for multiple devices in every corner of your home.
How many mesh units can I have in my home? The Vox two-pack can connect up to 100 devices and you can include up to eight units in your home if more coverage is needed. A Vox Wi-Fi Home Mesh network can handle a mix of IoT products, smart TVs, smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices, such as wireless printers.
Other devices can interfere with your Wi-Fi connection, including microwave ovens, cordless phones, Bluetooth products, baby monitors, alarms, cameras and other wireless LANs. To prevent this, position the Wi-Fi router or mesh extender as far away as possible from microwave ovens, Bluetooth devices, and 2.4 GHz cordless phones.
App-Enabled: If you want to check your Wi-Fi range, there are apps available for Apple and Android smartphones, for example ‘Sweetspot’ for Apple and ‘WiFi analyzer’ for Android.

Not Just the Wi-Fi to Consider

A Wi-Fi router is not the only critical component that enhances your user experience.

Wired after all: As outlined above, a Wi-Fi Home Mesh network can provide incredibly strong Internet connectivity, but there are still times when an Ethernet cable might be the best solution – for example, if you have very thick walls, or for plugging into an HD television or gaming setup, where the speed needs to stay high and the connectivity lag-free. Look at buying an Ethernet cable that is rated for ‘Cat 5e’ or ‘Cat 6’.
Great Internet, old device = problem: You won’t get the maximum range and performance from a newer wireless router unless your devices also use the same Wi-Fi standard. An old laptop is unlikely to have ‘ac’ or ‘n’ Wi-Fi access, so check the specifications to see which wireless standard it is using. If you don’t want to buy a new laptop straight away, you can buy a wireless adapter that plugs into a USB port on your laptop.

The Magic of Blazing Fast Internet

When you signed up for your FTTH Internet connection, you chose an option for yourself and your family that is fast, reliable and future-proof, and ready to deliver you the best possible Internet experience. Considering its scope and importance, maximising your internet connectivity line is critically important.

The good news is that you can optimise your home Wi-Fi experience with the right choice of routers, extenders and mesh options.

Your Vox Home Fibre line is future‑proof and capable of delivering outstanding home Internet, but a few simple tweaks to router placement, device choices and using mesh or Ethernet where needed will ensure the whole family gets the experience you expected.

If you need help optimising your home Wi‑Fi or want to add Vox Wi‑Fi Home Mesh, simply visit vox.co.za, sign up with Vox, or contact Vox Support on 087 805 0530.

With Vox Fibre to the Home, you are enabled by great Internet access. Welcome to a world of online opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if the issue is my Vox Fibre line or my home Wi‑Fi?

Run a speed test directly from a device connected by Ethernet to your router. If wired speeds match your plan, the issue is likely Wi‑Fi or device related.

How many Vox mesh units do I need?

A Vox two‑pack covers many typical homes and supports up to 100 devices. You can add up to eight units for larger homes or difficult layouts.

Where should I place my router for best coverage?

Position the router centrally, elevated and away from thick walls, metal objects and kitchen appliances. Avoid cupboards or behind large furniture.

Will a mesh system reduce my Internet speed?

A well-configured mesh keeps speeds high across the home. For best performance, place mesh units strategically and use wired backhaul where possible.

Do I need a new router if I upgrade my Vox Fibre package?

Your router should support the speed of your new package. If it’s rated lower than your plan, consider upgrading to a higher‑spec router or Vox Wi‑Fi Home Mesh.

Can old devices cause slow Wi‑Fi for the whole house?

Older devices can occupy airtime and reduce performance for others. Where possible, update device Wi‑Fi adapters or move bandwidth‑heavy tasks to wired connections.

Is Ethernet worth the hassle for a smart TV or console?

Yes. Ethernet (Cat 5e/Cat 6) offers the most reliable, low‑latency connection and is ideal for HD streaming and competitive gaming.

How do I contact Vox Support for help?

Visit vox.co.za for product info and self-service tools, or call Consumer Support on 087 805 0530 for assistance.

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

Posted on 25 October 202430 October 2025 by Vivienne Fouche

Possibilities to unpack

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

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

ISPs versus FNOs

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

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

Help – My Internet Access is Down!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It might be your ISP’s connection, which can go down occasionally due to maintenance or mishaps. You can contact Vox Consumer Support on 087 805 0530, or check out planned maintenance through our Vox Support Portal for an update. Using cell phone-based data or another Internet connection elsewhere, you can email help@voxtelecom.co.za.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When to contact Vox support

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

- Phone: 087 805 0530 (24/7 support)
- Email: help@voxtelecom.co.za

Quick FAQs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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