Category: How to

Simple Steps Customers Can Take to Stay Safe Online

Posted on by Suhail Dinat

Simple Steps Customers Can Take to Stay Safe Online

The internet makes life easier — banking, shopping, working and staying in touch are all simpler than ever. But online convenience comes with risk. Use these practical online safety tips to protect your money, identity and personal data. Follow a few sensible habits and you’ll drastically reduce your risk of fraud or account takeover.

What makes for good online safety?

There are a few key components required to maintain sufficient safety online. The fundamentals include:

  • Ensuring Account Security
  • Maintaining Privacy Protection
  • Being Aware of Phishing/Scams
  • Sufficient Device/Software Safety
  • Practicing Safe Browsing Practices
  • Correct Data Management & Backups

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Below, we’ll unpack some core principles, as well as a step-by-step guide to the ultimate online safety approach:

  1. Passwords Matter – Make Them Strong and Unique

The easiest way for cyber criminals to gain access to your data is through a weak password – which includes repeated ones. Either use a reputable password manager (which generates and stores these for you) or create your own using the magic formula (upper case + lower case + numbers + letters + symbols). The more complex, the safer your information. Never use the same one across multiple accounts; if one falls, the rest will follow like dominoes.

  • Multi-Factor Authentication Matters

Multi‑factor authentication (MFA) adds a second layer of protection — usually a one‑time code or push notification — when you log in. Even if a password is stolen, MFA makes unauthorised access far less likely. Enable MFA on email, banking, social media and any service that offers it.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) acts as a second layer of protection. This is usually a one-time code, or authenticator request, when you login via a new device. Even if your entire password is compromised, MFA drastically reduces unauthorised access. Enable this on your email, banking, social media, and any service that offers it.

  • Update Your Software

Software updates often fix security vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates for your operating system, browser and apps where possible. That small effort keeps security gaps patched and makes it harder for attackers to exploit your device.

Trust us – don’t. click. the. link.

Just don’t do it. Whether asking for passwords, card details, or banking info – don’t take the bait. Legitimate companies never seek information this way.

  • Be Careful Where You Connect (or use a VPN)

Yes, public Wi-Fi is convenient – but it’s very rarely safe. Don’t do your online banking on an open network. And be sure that the mall you’re connecting to is actually legit. Add a VPN for extra security, and half your battle is won anyway.

  • Your Personal Info is Yours to Protect

Scammers use overshared personal details to impersonate you or guess security answers. Keep birthdays, family names and location details off public profiles. Curate privacy settings on social media and limit who can see sensitive posts and photos.

  • Don’t Back Out of Backing Up

Ransomware and device failure are real risks. Back up important documents and photos to an external hard drive or a reputable cloud backup service. Regular backups mean you can recover quickly without paying criminals or losing irreplaceable files.

Untitled design 4 min | Vox | Simple Steps Customers Can Take to Stay Safe Online

Quick Habits Which Make a World of Difference:

  • Always use a reputable security app or cyber protection service for additional protection on your mobile devices.
  • If using shared devices for accounts, log out where not necessary.
  • Review your bank and card statements regularly to identify suspicious transactions.
  • Use descriptive and unique recovery emails for all important accounts.

Staying safe online doesn’t mean living in fear – it just requires a bit of savviness. A few simple habits (strong passwords, MFA, updates, and careful sharing) give you far greater peace of mind. Think of online safety like wearing a seatbelt: a little effort now can save you a lot later.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Q: What is the easiest way to stay safe online?
    A: Use strong, unique passwords, enable MFA and keep devices updated.
  2. Q: How do I spot a phishing email?
    A: Check the sender’s address, avoid unexpected attachments, don’t click unknown links and go directly to the provider’s website.
  3. Q: Is public Wi‑Fi safe for online banking?
    A: Avoid online banking on open Wi‑Fi. If necessary, use a trusted VPN to encrypt your connection.
  4. Q: How often should I back up my data?
    A: Back up important files at least weekly or enable continuous cloud backup for critical data.
  5. Q: What should I do if my account is compromised?
    A: Change passwords immediately, enable MFA, contact the service provider and report unauthorised transactions to your bank.

Want help securing your home devices or business connection? Find out more about Vox’s consumer security resources and 24/7 support via this link, or contact Consumer Support on 087 805 0530.

Understanding Lag (and how to finally make it disappear)

Posted on by Suhail Dinat

If you’ve ever had your headshot register a millisecond too late and lost the round, you know how soul-destroying lag can be. Whether you’re a casual FIFA player or a ranked FPS streamer, lag — high ping, jitter or packet loss — wrecks the experience. The good news? Most lag problems are fixable. We’ve got all the info right here: what lag actually is, how to test it, and 10 practical fixes. Most importantly: how Vox Fibre can help keep your game smooth.

What is lag?

Lag is delay between your input (move, shoot, send a packet) and the game server registering it. In gaming terms you’ll hear “ping” (latency), “jitter” (variability) and “packet loss” (dropped data). Lower ping = more responsive play.

The common causes of lag

  • Network latency (high ping): Your data route to the game server takes too long.
  • Bandwidth congestion: Too many devices or background apps use your connection.
  • Packet loss: Data packets get dropped en route to the server.
  • Wi‑Fi problems: Interference, distance from the router, or weak signal.
  • Device issues: Outdated drivers, background updates, thermal throttling.
  • Server-side lag: The game server itself is overloaded or far away.
  • NAT and firewall problems on consoles can add delays or block ports.

How to test your connection

    1. Ping and traceroute: On a PC, open Command Prompt and run ping [server IP] and tracert [server IP]. On a Mac use Terminal. This shows latency and routing.
    2. Speed test: Use a reputable speed test (wired to router preferred). Look at the latency/ping result, not just the speed (Mbps).
    3. In-game network stats: Many games show ping, packet loss and tick rate in the settings or via console commands

10 practical fixes to reduce lag

Start with the quick wins. If it’s still a problem, move to more advanced steps.

Quick wins

  1. Use a wired connection where possible
  • Ethernet gives far more stable ping than Wi‑Fi. If you game competitively or stream, plug in.
  1. Close background apps and updates
  • Stop cloud backups, Windows updates, app updaters and streaming uploads while gaming.
  1. Pick the closest game server
  • Most games let you choose region or server — play on a local server for lower ping.
  1. Reboot your router and modem
  • A quick reboot clears transient issues and refreshes routing.

Network and router tweaks

5. Move your router and reduce interference

  • Put the router higher, away from metal and other electronics. Use 5 GHz band for gaming devices where possible.
  1. Enable QoS or gaming VLAN (if available)
  • QoS (Quality of Service) or a dedicated gaming VLAN prioritises gaming traffic so it gets priority over downloads and streaming.

Device and software fixes

7. Update network drivers and game client

  • Keep NIC/adapter drivers and your game launcher up to date for best performance.
  1. Limit devices and set bandwidth caps
  • Pause big downloads or streaming on other devices while you game. On some routers you can limit bandwidth for non-gaming devices.

Advanced Fixes

9. Check for packet loss and jitter

  • If traceroute or in-game stats show packet loss, note where it occurs. If the loss happens outside your home network, contact us (your ISP) with the diagnostics.
  1. Consider a better route or dedicated service
  • For serious streamers and competitive gamers, a low-contention service (symmetrical speeds, lower contention ratios) or dedicated Business Fibre product can make a big difference.

Why wired + Vox Fibre often fixes the biggest lag headaches

Vox Fibre delivers symmetrical speeds, low contention options and optional QoS VLANs that keep gaming traffic responsive. That means faster round-trip times (lower ping), less buffering when you stream and a more consistent experience for your viewers. For South African gamers and streamers who need the best possible connection, Vox Fibre packages and business-grade options reduce the chance of ISP-side congestion affecting your gameplay.

For streamers: Tips to keep your stream smooth while gaming

  • Use a dual-PC setup if possible (one machine for gaming, one for streaming).
  • Cap your stream bitrate to match upload speed — leave headroom so the game’s packets aren’t starved.
  • Prioritise your streaming and gaming devices via QoS.
  • Enable hardware encoding (NVENC/AMD VCE) to reduce CPU load while streaming.

When to contact Vox Support

If you’ve tried the steps above and still see high ping, jitter or packet loss:

  • Run the tests (speed, ping, traceroute) and snapshot in-game network stats.
  • Contact Vox Support with your diagnostics — we can identify whether the issue is local, on the access network, or beyond. Call 087 805 0530 for Fibre enquiries or, for a quicker response, head to our WhatsApp channel.

 

Ready to drop your ping? Learn more about Vox Fibre packages and available QoS options. View our range of packages and find the best plan for gaming and streaming today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes lag in online gaming?
Lag can be caused by high latency (ping), jitter, packet loss, Wi‑Fi interference, bandwidth congestion from other devices, local hardware problems, or an overloaded game server. Run ping, traceroute and speed tests to find where the problem lies.

Is Wi‑Fi bad for gaming?
Wi‑Fi can be fine for casual play, but it’s more prone to interference and variance. For competitive gaming and streaming, a wired Ethernet connection is strongly recommended.

How much upload speed do I need for streaming and gaming?
For 720p streaming you’ll want at least 3–6 Mbps upload; for 1080p 30fps around 6–8 Mbps or higher. Leave headroom for game traffic and other devices; Fibre with symmetrical upload is ideal.

What is packet loss and how do I fix it?
Packet loss is when data packets don’t reach the server. Fixes include checking cables, switching to wired, updating drivers, and contacting your ISP if loss occurs outside your home network.

Can Vox improve my gaming experience?
Yes. Vox Fibre offers symmetrical speeds, low-contention and optional QoS VLANs that prioritise gaming traffic, which helps reduce ping, jitter and interruptions during gameplay and streams.

How do I test for jitter and latency spikes?
Use continuous ping to the game server or run a traceroute. Many routers and in-game consoles also show jitter metrics. Consistent spikes suggest interference, routing issues, or server problems.

Moving House? Vox Makes Life Simpler

Posted on by Suhail Dinat

There are few things more painful than Eskom — maybe death, petrol hikes, or Elon Musk’s tweets. Moving house, though, is a close contender: boxes, broken lamps, awkward mattresses and the small miracle of fitting a couch so it faces the TV. Now add ISPs to the mix and you’ve got proper chaos. If you’re moving house with Fibre, you don’t need the extra stress…

At Vox, we keep it simple.

How to move house and your Fibre

  • Let us know you’re moving at least a calendar month (31 days) in advance of your moving date.
  • Wait for a Vox Agent to give you a call to discuss logistics, including cancelling your current Fibre package, transferring the Fibre line to the new resident, and signing you up for a new service at your new address.
  • Pack up your Vox Wi-Fi router and take it to your nearest PostNet – they’ll send back to us at no cost to you.
  • Get connected at your new address. We’ll send you a brand-new router to self-install or one of our dedicated Vox engineers to install it for you, depending on the package you’ve chosen.
  • Start enjoying Vox Fibre again!

We know moving house, and your Fibre, can feel like a bureaucratic PITA (pain in the…). That’s why we aim to minimise the paperwork and maximise your uptime. We’ll guide you through each step, help you choose the right speed for streaming, working from home, or gaming, and get you reconnected fast. And if you need help during the move, our Support Team is ready to assist.

It all starts with filling out this form right here.

Questions? We’ve got answers!

If I’m staying with Vox, why do I have to cancel my Fibre contract?

The Fibre line at your soon-to-be old address belongs to the FNO (Fibre Network Operator) and it can’t move with you. This means the contract you signed for that address needs to be cancelled with the FNO, who will also release the line for the next resident. To get connected at your new address, you’ll need to sign a new contract – possibly with a new FNO, depending on area coverage.

Why do I need to give notice a calendar month in advance? 

We need to give enough notice to the FNO so they can release your line. That’s why it’s important to let us know you’re moving as soon as possible (no later than the last day of the month before your move, ie: the 30th or 31st) to avoid any unnecessary billing for unused services. This also gives us enough time to ensure the line at your new address is available for activation once you move in.

Why can’t I just use my old Vox router at my new address?

When your previous contract is cancelled, all the services linked to that contract  (like your Wi-Fi router) are cancelled too. This means you’ll get to start fresh at your new address with a new router configured for that line.

What the Fibre? How to Choose an Internet Service Provider (An Effective Guide)

Posted on by Suhail Dinat

Mama always said life is like a box of chocolates: you never quite know what you’re going to get. And the same applies with your connectivity. Choosing an Internet Service Provider can be tricky.

The world we live in is proof that there’s such a thing as “too much choice”.

Gone are the days of limited options or distorted supply/demand ratios (unless it’s a Dubai chocolate or working electricity).

Want a burger? You can choose any topping, any meat, and if you’re not feeling for McDonald’s, you can take your pick from synthetic burger-like ingredients at any given corner.

Pizzas have crust choices, brand choices, cheese choices, and even the option to blaspheme with pineapple.

Even our SA staple, Nando’s, has a new variant every second month (vote for Pedro!)

And that’s just the food industry.

The Fibre game is no different. Choosing the right Internet Service Provider has become a maze of navigating terminology, promotional deals, speeds, prices, and additional extras. We all claim we’re the best – so how is a customer supposed to know which one really is?

How to choose an Internet Service Provider

  1. Step One: Choose Vox.
  2. Step Two: If you’re with another Internet Service Provider, head to vox.co.za and sign up.

The End.

Yeah, we’re kidding. Life isn’t that simple. But hey, cutting to the chase once in a while is quite fun, no? On a serious note, here’s what goes into making an informed (and non-regrettable) Fibre choice.

Why choose Fibre over other connections?

Fibre delivers higher speeds, lower latency and symmetrical upload/download performance — which makes it ideal for streaming, gaming, video calls and cloud backups.

  • Speed and reliability: Fibre lines are less affected by distance and congestion than copper or ADSL, so you’ll get consistent speeds during peak times.
  • Symmetrical speeds: Upload speeds often match downloads — perfect if you’re working from home, uploading large files or hosting video calls.
  • Future-proofing: Fibre handles increasing home and business demand so you won’t have to upgrade again soon.

Figure out what you need, how you need it, and what your Connectivity demands are, and you’re already past step one.

Internet Service Provider cheat sheet

Look beyond headline speed — check contention, availability, installation terms, support and any extra costs.

  • Real-world speed vs marketed speed: Ask about typical speeds during peak hours, not just the maximum.
  • Contention ratio and dedicated options: Lower contention (or 1:1 for dedicated lines) gives better performance for business-critical use.
  • Installation time & costs: Confirm whether an installation fee applies, whether there’s any equipment rental and how long the technician wait time is.
  • Contracts and hidden costs: Read the small print for early‑termination fees, price increases and fair‑use policies.
  • Support & SLA: For small businesses, an SLA and 24/7 support minimise downtime. For homes, reliable support and clear SLAs matter too.
  • Extras: VLANs, static IPs or redundancy options can be important for businesses — ask if they’re included or optional.

How to check Fibre availability in your area

You can use our area coverage tool or contact our Sales Team with your exact address and suburb.

  • Many providers list availability by suburb or street; enter your full address or call the sales line for a precise check.
  • If Fibre isn’t available, ask about temporary or alternative options (Vox Kiwi,5G or satellite).
  • Pro tip: availability often differs between metros (Joburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria) and outlying suburbs — always check by street.

What speed do you actually need?

For most households, 20–50Mbps is fine; streamers, gamers or multi-device homes should consider 50–100Mbps or higher. Small businesses often need symmetrical 50Mbps+ and lower contention.

  • Single user / basic browsing: 10–20Mbps.
  • Streaming HD and video calls (2–3 people): 20–50Mbps.
  • Large families, 4K streaming, gaming: 50–100Mbps.
  • Small business, cloud backups, video conferencing: 50Mbps+ symmetrical recommended.

Before you sign up with an Internet Service Provider

  • Confirm real-world speed expectations and contention ratio.
  • Ask about installation fees, router rental and contract length.
  • Check SLA and support hours (is 24/7 support included?).
  • Verify whether the package includes static IPs, VLANs or failover options (this is important for businesses).
  • Read the T&Cs for price increases and exit fees.
  • Make sure there’s a clear contact for help and escalation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fibre Internet?
Fibre uses glass strands to carry data at light speeds with low latency, offering more reliable and faster connections than copper or mobile options.

How do I check if Fibre is available at my address?
Enter your full street address into our area coverage tool or contact our sales team with the suburb and street name for a precise check.

Do Fibre packages have data caps?
Many Fibre packages are uncapped (ours definitely are), but always check the provider’s fair‑use policy and contract details before signing.

What speed do I need for working from home?
For video calls, file uploads and multiple users, aim for symmetrical 50Mbps or higher, depending on team size and workloads.

What if my area doesn’t have Fibre?
The Vox area coverage tool automatically gives you every available option – from Vox Kiwi to LTE and 5G to get connected.

Understanding Your Data Usage and How to Manage It

Posted on by Suhail Dinat

Mobile data powers almost everything we do on our phones — maps, music, video and messaging. But if you’re unsure where your allowance disappears to, you’re not alone. We’re going to tell you what counts as data usage, show quick ways to check your usage, and give practical tips to keep costs down without losing the apps you love.

What uses the most data?

Most data is eaten by apps that stream audio or video, sync files in the background, or download large updates. Typical high-consumption items include:

  • Video streaming (YouTube, Netflix, Showmax) — highest usage.
  • Music streaming (Spotify, Apple Music) — medium, depends on quality.
  • Social media (especially autoplay video and Stories).
  • Cloud backups and photo syncing (Google Photos, iCloud).
  • App updates and downloads.
  • Online gaming and live-streaming.

How to check your data usage

Knowing how much you use is the first rule of data usage. You can:

  • Check your mobile provider’s app or online portal for the most accurate billing-period usage.
  • Use your phone’s built-in data monitor (Settings → Mobile Data / Cellular).
  • Set a monthly data cycle and limit in your phone settings to get alerts before you run out.

Quick actions to reduce data right now

If you need to cut usage fast, try these immediate moves:

  • Switch streaming to a lower quality (480p or “Data Saver” mode).
  • Turn off mobile data for specific apps that use background data.
  • Disable auto-play for videos in social apps.
  • Pause automatic app updates on mobile and update only on Wi‑Fi.
  • Download playlists, podcasts or maps over Wi‑Fi before you go offline.

Smart settings that reduce data usage without much effort

Make these changes once and you’ll save data steadily:

Use Wi‑Fi intelligently

  • Connect to trusted Wi‑Fi networks whenever available and set your phone to prefer known networks.
  • Set automatic backups and app updates to occur only on Wi‑Fi.

Control background data and sync

  • Restrict background data for apps you rarely use.
  • Adjust sync frequency for email, social and cloud apps (e.g. fetch less often).

Manage streaming habits

  • Choose SD or “low” quality for everyday listening or viewing; use HD only when necessary.
  • Use offline mode for music and video apps to save repeated data use.

Reduce browsing and image data

  • Use browser data‑saving mode or a text‑friendly reader where available.
  • Turn off image-heavy features in apps (auto-load images or GIFs).

Tips for long-term data savings

  • Pick the right mobile plan: estimate your monthly use and align it to your bundle size.
  • Use data-monitoring apps to track consumption by app and by day.
  • Look for bundles that include streaming or social data caps if you use those services a lot.
  • Be mindful of roaming: switch off data roaming or buy a local bundle when travelling.

When to upgrade your plan

If you constantly run out of data despite following these tips, consider:

  • Moving to a larger monthly bundle.
  • Adding an overflow or top-up option for occasional heavy months.
  • Choosing a plan with free (zero-rated) services relevant to you.

Where data matters most

  • For commuters: download podcasts and playlists on Wi‑Fi before you travel.
  • For students: set lecture recordings and large files to sync on Wi‑Fi only.
  • For families: set data limits per device and use parental controls to stop background updates.

Final checklist — manage your data in 10 minutes

  1. Open your provider app and check month-to-date data usage.
  2. Turn off auto-updates over mobile.
  3. Reduce streaming quality in your music and video apps.
  4. Restrict background data for the top five data‑hungry apps.
  5. Enable data‑saving mode in the browser and apps where available.
  6. Schedule backups and syncs for Wi‑Fi only.
  7. Set a data‑usage warning in your phone settings.
  8. Consider a larger bundle if you regularly hit your limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which app is using the most data?
Check your phone’s data usage screen — it lists apps by data consumed. For billing accuracy, compare with your provider’s usage report.

Is streaming music less costly than streaming video?
Yes. Music at standard quality uses far less data than video, especially HD video.

Can I save data without turning off features I need?
Definitely. Use lower streaming quality, restrict background sync, and download content on Wi‑Fi to keep functionality while saving data.

Need a plan that matches your usage? Check our LTE and 5G packages and find the right allowance for your needs. We’ve got options for everyday users, students and families.

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