Category: Product

A journey to excellence: Vox’s rise to 3CX Titanium partner status

Posted on by Natalie van der Merwe

Vox, a leading internet service provider, saw their growing customer needs for a reliable and cost-efficient unified communications and collaboration (UC&C) solution with a proven track record and a solid feature set. As a result the company partnered with 3CX in 2020, and achieved Titanium Partner status in 2021. This is a proud accomplishment in such a short time frame. Vox achieved this milestone through exceptional customer service, deep technical understanding and loyalty to the 3CX solution.

“We needed a PBX solution that would meet customer needs for a UC&C solution that was affordable, agile and scalable. As we were expanding into new markets, we recognised the need for a solution that would allow us to invest in a PBX solution that would add value to our portfolio and allow us to create relevant offerings with next-generation technology,” explains Natalie Van Der Merwe, head of Telephony at Vox.

Vox ISP forms part of the Vivica Group and provides connectivity, communication and collaboration-related services to home users, businesses and large enterprise customers both in South Africa and in the UK. The company uses multiple technologies, tier-1 platforms, and advanced skills and expertise to curate solutions that meet a variety of customer needs. In 2020, Vox realised that its original combination of open-sourced, on-premises and cloud-based services provided a very basic PBX functionality which wasn’t capable of meeting changing customer expectations.

The company needed a product that would deliver UC&C with high levels of support and a solid feature set while remaining affordable and accessible for its customer base.

“When we started looking for a solution in 2020, we faced significant issues,” says Van der Merwe. “Many of the available solutions lacked on-site support, then there was the global chip shortage, the rising cost of hardware, and a lack of functionality and reliability on many platforms. We had to find a balance between technical proficiency, cost and availability.”

Changing PBX brand and platform is a complex task. It can impact the entire business and cause costly disruption to the customer base, so finding the perfect partner was essential to Vox. The company looked into a variety of different technologies before settling on 3CX. Providing the right levels of technology, support, and functionality, the 3CX solution was seamlessly integrated into the Vox business, proving its ease of deployment. It met all of Vox’s criteria – providing customers with a high-end, competitive and accessible PBX solution that didn’t weigh heavily on the bottom line. As an added bonus, technical staff were quickly certified with training provided by 3CX for free – a significant win for Vox as training can often come at a very high cost.

”Vox’s partnership with 3CX has been nothing short of exceptional”, says Mira Gemayel, 3CX Senior Channel Manager Africa, MENA & Asia. They reached our top-tier Titanium Partner status in less than a year, proving their commitment and loyalty to 3CX. Their fast progression, coupled with their unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service, further demonstrates their deep understanding of both 3CX and the evolving needs of their clients. Vox’s success shows 3CX’s ability to enable high-performing partners to reach their sales goals and successfully move up the partner ladder. We look forward to the future successes of our partnership.”

Vox achieved its record Titanium Partner status with a focused and dedicated sales force committed to providing customers with a turnkey solution within the Vox Managed Services portfolio. The company ensured it was certified across the country so customers were assured of peace of mind. Vox also spent time in its R&D labs documenting best practices to ensure teams could deploy working solutions seamlessly.

“The support we’ve been given by 3CX has been superb,” concludes Van der Merwe . “They provided us with extensive information and ensured we have what we need to deliver exceptional customer service. This is a partnership that’s set to grow from strength to strength.”

Stay Connected with Vox Email Solutions

Posted on by Vivienne Fouche

When people think of Vox, they probably think of us as being a market-leading Internet Service Provider (ISP). But did you know that we offer many more additional solutions to connect South Africans to the world?

One of these is our range of email products, to help keep you continuously in contact and running your life and your work affairs easily, efficiently and cost-effectively.

We’ve created solutions that will meet your requirements to keep you communicating safely and continuously.

 Snail-Mail? What Snail-Mail?

In addition to email’s speed advantages (when compared to the original postal offering), it also provides a written record of communication that has taken place. It’s a powerful tool for business as well as personal use, helping with clarity, accountability and references, for future communication and decision-making.

The invention of electronic mail is generally credited to an ARPANET engineer named Ray Tomlinson, who, in 1971, successfully sent a short message to himself from one computer to another in the same room. After that, though, email took a while to kick off, and was initially used almost exclusively in academic and research circles.

When people still used the post office as their only option, written communications were limited by time and distance. Today, our default expectation is that email messages can be sent and received instantly from anywhere in the world, which changes both the speed as well as the reach of text-based interactions, across borders as well as time zones.

The arrival of email – which originally stood for ‘electronic mail’ to distinguish it from the paper kind – provided a faster, more efficient and more convenient way to communicate with others in a written format. Email first began transforming communication on a global scale in the 1990s, when it became increasingly accessible to the public. At its height, Hotmail, the world’s first free internet-based email service, had over 400 million users.

(Fun fact: Hotmail was bought in 1997 by Microsoft and became the basis for what we today know as Outlook.)

Email Changes Communications

Unsurprisingly, email has forever changed the way we send and receive written communications. Most people have all their bills and statements – which used to be sent via traditional mail – now delivered in a paperless manner through email. Letters have become less common, as it’s more convenient to send an email message – on your smartphone as well as a computer.

In a business context, email serves as an effective way to communicate with colleagues or customers – a communication can still be sent without requiring all parties to be ‘present’ at the same time to receive it, phasing out the need for an in-person or phone-based meeting in real-time.

Vox Enhances Local Email Offerings

Vox POPMail is a Cloud-based email offering that provides solutions for both business and family purposes, including the option of owning your own domain. We aim to ensure that your data is kept safely and not shared with any other entities – and it’s incredibly cost-effective also, with different options to suit your pocket.

As a specialist email solution, Vox POPMail also brings you upgradeable storage and features such as Calendar, Contacts and Tasks.

Vox POPMail is based in South Africa and offers all the features you need from email, at a fraction of the price. The key functionality includes:

  • A choice between using your own domain name or our shared domain: A domain is a tool used to establish a unique Online presence, and a domain name that relates to your business or organisation can help to improve your ranking on top search engines like Bing, Google and Yahoo.
  • Anti-spam and anti-virus to enhance your email security and keep unwanted marketers away: At Vox, we ensure that your data is kept safely and not shared with any other entities, to keep your information, home and loved ones safe.
  • Mail options, including Calendar and Tasks, with access via web browser and/or Outlook.
  • Mailing list functionality: Bringing you the option to create and manage mailing lists.
  • Flexibility: Create up to three different alias email addresses.
  • Admin that works: An easy-to-use admin interface to create and manage your email.

 

We also offer three flexible mailbox sizes to choose from, built to accommodate your budget and business needs.

The Domain Game

Do you have an entrepreneur inside you? If so, another positive from Vox POPMail is being able to start an online business by establishing your own domain and website to promote your company. A website portrays your business, whether it’s a startup or a well-established company – it’s the first place that anyone will go to when looking for general information, products and services.

A website helps to establish your business identity or brand image. It builds credibility, and can also be used for lead generation.

With a domain from Vox, you can give your organisation a professional look and feel. Find out more here.

Why Vox POPMail?

There’s no denying that there are a number of email offerings out there. Vox is pleased to bring you personalised email solutions, with advantages that include convenience, choice, flexibility, security and excellent cost offerings.

It’s all part of what Vox does best: ‘Staying Connected – Together’.

Choosing the Best Internet Solution for Your Business: Wireless Internet vs. Fibre to the Business

Posted on by Suhail Dinat

Wireless vs Fibre for business – which is right for your company?

Let’s face it; Internet makes the world go around (well, in this case, the Business world).
Unless you’re Bob the Builder or work in a government building (where “Systems Offline” is a way of life – but at least they give out free T-shirts), you need the Internet to operate efficiently (seriously, Government should check out Qwerti – did someone say coalition?).

Whether it’s running your systems, sending passive aggressive emails, or regular interruption of Nap Time via Teams calls (is there any sound more dreaded?), the type of Connectivity you choose can majorly impact your organisational performance. When it comes to the working world, your two best choices are simple: Wireless Internet, or Fibre to the Business (FTTB).

The question, however, is “which one is best for my brand?”.

Today, we aim to answer exactly that, as we unpack the elements and (hopefully) make the decision a little bit easier.

Let’s start with Wireless:

Remember the days of being stuck at an uncomfy chair next to the phone as you tried to untangle the cord (which ALWAYS had a permanent kink)? Or spending hours trying to make sense of your Apple Headphones (that had the ability to get intertwined in the space between blinks). Remember extension cords, cables stuck to walls, tripping over *some* wire connected to *something* – we remember, which is why we’re big into the whole Wireless Revolution.

Wireless to the Business (WTTB) represents the pinnacle of simplified business connectivity. It’s fast. It’s reliable. It’s (as the name suggests) Wireless. Which should be all the selling points you need – but if not, here’s a more thorough breakdown:

The Pros:

  • It’s Quick: The swift setup time of Wireless is one of its biggest selling points. Because there’s no need for trenching, cabling, and ruining the lawn, your business can be connected faster than you can say the F word (we mean Fibre – not the other one).
  • It’s Flexible: Is your business a gypsy? Wireless works well for organisations that relocate, or often require flexible/temporary locations. Because it’s versatile, adjusting to new environments is a simplified process (the opposite of cats, in other words).
  • It’s Cheap.Ish: Compared to Fibre, Wireless generally has significantly lower startup costs in order to actually, you know, get connected. This is ideal for SMEs, or startups on a budget.
  • It’s Accessible: Some areas don’t have access to high-speed Fibre, or the cabling is tricky to install. When this happens, Wireless is the Batman you need – always prepped and ready to (quickly) save the day.

 

The Cons:

  • It’s fast, but not the fastest: Wireless can be a bit slower than Fibre, and the Internet Connection is slightly less stable – especially in areas with signal interference.
  • It’s more Lag-gey: Because Wireless has higher latency than Fibre, real-time applications (think gaming or video conferencing) can experience more delays or interference.
  • It’s in the Weather: Heavy rain or storms do have an impact on Wireless Performance (yes, even those of us who subscribe to Vox Weather feel it). This can be disruptive to your business if you’re stuck in a hailstorm (or live in the Cape).

 

Now, let’s talk FTTB:
Usain Bolt. Micheal Phelps. Vox Fibre to the Business. Three titans at the pinnacle of their industry. The key difference? The first two can’t provide you with super-fast Fibre – but Vox can. Now, we’re not saying we’re better than two Olympians, but if you want to draw that conclusion, be our guest…

The Pros:

  • High Speed, High Bandwidth: FTTB provides extremely high Internet speeds and bandwidths – meaning it’s absolutely perfect for data-intensive applications (or, you know, your organisational needs).
  • It’s not just reliable – it’s Super Reliable: Consistent performance, less reactive to weather conditions, always reliable and performing well – that Usain Bolt comparison is right on the money here.
  • It’s the present, and the future: Fibre is scalable, and allows room for forward thinking growth, scalability, and development as your business progresses – making it an ideal long-term investment.
  • Latency? What’s that? Compared to Wireless, FTTB experiences significantly lower latency rates – meaning smoother, less interrupted browsing experiences.


The Cons:

  • Time and Money, they count: FTTB has both a longer installation time as well as higher installation costs, due to the work behind the scenes required to get it going – particularly if there’s physical cabling required.
  • It’s Set in Stone: Like your Dad, Fibre is set in it ways. Once installed, it is definitively NOT flexible, meaning a business on the move would not be the ideal client here.
  • It’s Picky: High-speed Fibre is not available just anywhere – particularly in more rural regions – meaning you may not be eligible to connect in the first place.

 

So, now you have the facts, let’s talk about the key considerations:

1. What are your current and projected Connectivity needs?
2. Where are you based?
3. What is your budget?
4. What type of Business do you have?
5. How critical is Internet Stability to your industry?

That’s it. Five key questions to guide you towards the perfect Connectivity Solution.

Look, it sounds simple, but choosing your Internet is quite similar to picking a spouse. Do you want someone perfect for you, someone flexible, someone expensive, or someone who never lets you down? Ideally, you want someone who can keep up with your life, grow as you do, meet you on your level and, ultimately, make you happy.

Now, we can’t tell you which one to pick, but we can promise that by considering the factors outlined above, it should be a much simpler process altogether.

As for the spouse thing, well, you’re on your own – but do reach out if you need Internet…

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wireless as reliable as Fibre for business use?
Wireless (WTTB) can be very reliable for many businesses, but Fibre (FTTB) typically offers higher consistency, lower latency and better performance for mission-critical operations.

How long does it take to install Business Wireless or Business Fibre?
Business Wireless point-to-multi-point installations can take about 4–6 weeks; point-to-point about 8–12 weeks. Fibre installation times vary based on cabling and site work.

Can Business Wireless deliver symmetrical speeds?
Yes. Carrier-grade Business Wireless services can offer symmetrical speeds, VLANs and QoS for voice and priority traffic.

What costs more: Business Wireless or Business Fibre?
Fibre usually has higher installation costs and potentially longer lead times, but it can be more cost-effective long-term for high-bandwidth needs. Business Wireless typically has lower upfront costs.

What if there’s no Fibre at my business address?
Business Wireless is a great alternative where Fibre isn’t available. It can provide fast, reliable connectivity without trenching.

Can I use Wireless as a backup for Fibre?
Yes. Combining Fibre with Wireless backup gives resilience: Fibre for daily operations, Wireless for redundancy during outages.

Which industries need low-latency Fibre the most?
Financial services, call centres, cloud-hosted businesses, broadcasting and firms running real-time applications benefit most from low-latency Fibre.

How do I get a customised quote from Vox?
Contact Vox Business Support or request an online assessment. They will check availability, recommend Business Wireless or Business Fibre, and share pricing.

Spend Less, Talk More: How Vox Voice Can Do More for Less

Posted on by Vivienne Fouche

If your goal is spend less talk more, Vox Voice gives you reliable, cost‑effective options — from the mobile softphone Vobi to the cordless Supafone that runs over your Vox Fibre

The power of Voice

Why choose voice over a long email chain? Spoken conversations close deals faster, reduce misunderstandings and build rapport — especially in business settings where tone and nuance matter. For B2B teams, a short call can remove days of back-and-forth and accelerate decision-making. In other words: spend less time typing, talk more to get results — and Vox makes that simple.

Vobi — mobile softphone

Vobi is Vox’s app-based softphone that uses VoIP to call any South African number at reduced rates. Unlike typical messaging apps that only reach users on the same platform, Vobi connects to regular landlines and mobile networks — ideal for businesses needing wide reach without high costs.

Key benefits

  • Free download: Available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.
  • Fast setup: Buy online and have your account ready in minutes — ideal for small sites and remote staff.
  • Local rates: Low call costs across all South African networks — perfect for businesses with local customers and suppliers.
  • Flexible billing: Choose per-minute billing or an uncapped plan. Per-minute option costs R29 per month (≈ R0.46 per minute); Unlimited Calling is R171 per month for calls to any local SA number. Month‑to‑month options mean you’re not locked into long contracts.
  • Roaming-friendly: Make calls to SA numbers while overseas at local SA rates — avoid expensive roaming charges.

How Vobi works for business

  • Reach customers on any number, not just other app users.
  • Use a single business account across staff devices.
  • Control costs with plan choice: pay per minute or pick the unlimited plan for predictable billing.

Quick setup steps

  1. Download Vobi from your device’s app store.
  2. Buy a Vox Vobi service online and complete RICA (ID and proof of address).
  3. Log in and start calling.

Note on compliance and number porting

RICA verification is required to activate Vobi (you’ll need identity and proof‑of‑address documents). If you already have business numbers, you can port them to Vox to keep continuity for customers.

Supafone — cordless calls over Fibre

For offices and home offices that prefer a physical handset, Supafone delivers cordless freedom over your Vox Fibre. It’s more than a standard landline: Supafone routes calls over the Vox voice network for consistent quality while eliminating traditional fixed-line costs.

Supafone benefits

  • Uses your router — no extra infrastructure fuss.
  • Excellent range: up to 50m indoors and 300m outdoors; range extenders available.
  • Multi-handset support: connect up to six handsets and add up to five extra for small business use.
  • Call features: caller ID, itemised billing, voicemail and HD sound quality.
  • Flexible billing: available month‑to‑month so you can scale without long contracts.
  • Retain your existing number: by porting to Vox’s network.

Why Vox Voice suits small businesses

  • Cost control: clear pricing and monthly plans help forecasting.
  • Simplicity: quick setup, minimal hardware and the ability to scale as you grow.
  • Reach: call any SA number, keep existing numbers and avoid being limited to closed messaging ecosystems.
  • Professionalism: better client conversations, reduced email clutter and faster decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Vobi cost?
Vobi offers two core monthly options: Unlimited Calling for R171 per month (calls to any local SA number) or Per Minute calling at R29 per month with a rate of roughly R0.46 per minute. All prices exclude VAT.

Can I keep my existing business number?
Yes — you can port your existing number(s) to Vox so customers continue to reach you as before.

Do I need to complete RICA to use these services?
Yes — RICA verification (ID and proof of address) is required to activate Vox voice services.

Can Supafone handle a small office?
Yes — Supafone supports multiple handsets (up to six), additional handsets can be added, and the device is suitable for small business or larger homes that want reliable cordless voice over fibre.

Is there lock‑in or long contracts?
Both Vobi and Supafone are available month‑to‑month, giving you flexibility without long-term lock‑in.

 

The Need For (Internet) Speed

Posted on by Vivienne Fouche

We all know the line from Top Gun: “I feel the need… the need for speed.” It still rings true — only these days we’re not talking fighter jets, we’re talking Internet speed. For modern South African businesses and homes, Internet speed (or bandwidth) isn’t a vanity metric: it determines productivity, customer experience and whether your organisation keeps up with daily digital demands.

What is Internet Speed (and how is it measured)?

Internet speed, often called bandwidth, is how much data can travel to and from your network per second. It’s measured in megabits per second (Mbps). A package that’s described as 50/10 Mbps gives you 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload. Remember: the available bandwidth is shared across all devices on a connection, so more simultaneous users or data-heavy tasks reduces the experience for each person.

Why Internet speed matters

  • Collaboration & meetings: Teams, Zoom and Microsoft Teams rely on stable upload and download capacity. Poor speeds cause dropped calls, frozen screens and lost productivity.
  • Cloud apps & backups: If you run cloud backups, file syncs or SaaS tools, upload speed is just as important as download speed.
  • VoIP and customer service: Voice over IP quality falls when latency rises or contention increases — leading to poor customer experiences.
  • File-heavy work: Creative agencies, architects and media houses uploading large files need symmetrical or high upload speeds.
  • Remote & hybrid work: Multiple remote workers hitting the same branch connection need predictable bandwidth to avoid slowdowns.

How much speed do you actually need?

There’s no single answer — it depends on:

  • The number of concurrent users and devices.
  • The kinds of applications (video conferencing, VoIP, large file transfers, POS systems) you use.
  • Business criticality (is downtime acceptable?).

Quick Guides:

  • Small office (5–10 users doing email and web): 20–50 Mbps.
  • Medium office (collaboration tools, HD video calls): 50–200 Mbps.
  • Creative or data-heavy teams: 200–1 000 Mbps with higher upload rates or dedicated links.
  • Retail outlets / POS-only branches: 10–20 Mbps can suffice if only POS, VoIP and basic apps are used.

Speed is more than headline numbers

Just focusing on Mbps can be misleading. There are three related factors that matter equally:

  • Latency: how fast packets travel (important for VoIP and interactive apps).
  • Contention: how shared the pipe is (dedicated fibre has low contention).
  • Reliability and support: 24/7 help and failover options make a package genuinely usable.

When faster isn’t always better (but often is smarter)

Buying the fastest possible line can be wasteful for small teams. Conversely, skimping on speed can cost you in lost productivity and customer trust. The sweet spot is a tailored solution: right-speed, predictable performance and the ability to scale when needed.

Options for South African businesses

  • Fibre (FTTB/FTTH): Future-proof, symmetrical options and high throughput for businesses with real bandwidth needs. Vox Business Fibre offers scalable packages from smaller multi-site links up to uncontended dedicated lines. See our Business Fibre pages for more details.
  • Fixed LTE / 5G: Rapid to deploy and ideal as temporary or failover connectivity. Good when Fibre isn’t yet available.
  • Dedicated or Premium Fibre: For mission‑critical sites where contention and uptime matter most, dedicated Fibre removes sharing concerns and delivers consistent performance.

Practical steps to choose the right plan

  1. Audit usage: Count devices, concurrent users and heavy apps.
  2. Prioritise: Identify mission‑critical apps that must never fail (VoIP, POS, remote desktops).
  3. Choose the right technology: Fibre where possible; Wireless or LTE as backup or interim solutions.
  4. Add redundancy: consider a managed failover (e.g., Fibre + Wireless) to prevent downtime.
  5. Work with a provider: a reputable ISP can help size your needs and offer Advanced SLAs and support options.

How Vox can help

We offer a range of options for South African businesses — from scalable Business Fibre plans to temporary Wireless and LTE solutions for continuity while you wait for Fibre installation. If you’re unsure what will suit you best, our teams will assess your needs and recommend the appropriate mix of speed, reliability and cost.

Don’t be a Maverick and guess your Internet needs. Choose the right Internet speed for your users, applications and growth plans. The correct mix of speed, reliability and support will keep your teams productive, your customers happy and your operations future-ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How is Internet speed measured?
    Internet speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps) and shows how much data can be transferred per second. Speeds are usually shown as download/upload (e.g., 50/10 Mbps).
  2. How much Internet speed does my small business need?
    For general office work and web conferencing, 20–50 Mbps may be enough for a small team. If you run frequent HD video calls, cloud backups or large file uploads, consider 50–200 Mbps or higher.
  3. What’s the difference between Fibre and LTE/5G?
    Fibre gives consistent, high-speed, low-contention connections and is usually ideal for businesses. LTE/5G is wireless, quicker to deploy and useful as a temporary solution or failover where Fibre is unavailable.
  4. Why is upload speed important?
    Upload speed affects cloud backups, file sharing and video calls. If your team shares large files or uses cloud apps, upload capacity is critical.
  5. How can I future‑proof my business connectivity?
    Choose scalable plans, consider redundant links (Fibre + Wireless failover), and work with a provider that offers fast support and an easy upgrade path – like Vox.

Top Gun Maverick Dolby Header 600x324 1 | Vox | The Need For (Internet) Speed

Starlink…what’s the deal?

Posted on by Suhail Dinat

Today, we talk Starlink.

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

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

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

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

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

What’s Really Going On With Starlink South Africa?

Here’s the simple version:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good question. How did they even set it up?

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

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

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

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

What Does Starlink’s Exit Mean for SA Connectivity?

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

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

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

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

Still, its absence does affect:

  1. Future investment potential

  2. Market innovation in Satellite Internet

  3. Our ability to use cutting-edge LEO technology

The reality is:

  • Our GEO satellite networks will continue as they always have.

  • Due to Starlink refusing partnerships, the economic benefit to SA wasn’t going to be significant anyway.

However… the gap in technology is real.

Picture1 | Vox | Starlink...what's the deal?

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

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

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

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

This is where Vox comes in.

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

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

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

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

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

Local is Lekker.

And that’s a fact proudly endorsed by Vox.

What Does Starlink’s Exit Mean for SA Connectivity?

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

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

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

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

Still, its absence does affect:

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

The reality is:

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

However… the gap in technology is real.

Buck Up and Call More for Less With Vobi

Posted on by Vivienne Fouche

If you want to call more for less without sacrificing call quality, Vobi from Vox is built for you. Perfect for small businesses and teams that need reliable, affordable voice services, Vobi offers flexible calling options, easy setup and 24/7 support — so you can keep customers connected and costs under control.

Why choose Vobi? Call more for less, simply

Vobi makes saving on voice calls simple. Instead of expensive legacy phone lines, it uses modern VoIP technology to deliver local and international calling at lower rates. That means you can increase call volumes, maintain great call quality and reduce your monthly spend — perfect for sales teams, support centres and busy small businesses.

Main benefits at a glance

  • Lower call costs: Reduce per-minute charges so you can call more for less.
  • Scalable: Add more users, numbers or features as your business grows.
  • Reliable support: Vox offers local support to keep your service running.
  • Flexible plans: Choose bundles or pay-as-you-go options to suit usage.
  • Easy number management: Port existing numbers or set up new business lines.

Features that help you call more for less

  • Cloud-based calling: No bulky PBX hardware; use desk phones, softphones or mobile apps.
  • Call bundles and rate plans: Pick the plan that matches your call patterns and minimise excess costs.
  • Call routing and voicemail: Improve customer experience with intelligent routing and professional greetings.
  • Mobile and remote-ready: Staff can use Vobi from anywhere, keeping teams connected without extra costs.
  • Centralised billing: One bill for voice and other Vox services simplifies administration.

How Vobi helps South African small business owners

For SMEs, every rand matters. Vobi lets you reduce voice spend while adding modern features that support productivity and customer service. Sales teams can make more outreach calls without hiking the bill. Support teams keep response times fast with efficient routing. And managers get clear usage visibility to control costs and optimise plans.

Getting started

  1. Check your needs — estimate expected call minutes and whether you need local, national or international calling.
  2. Choose a plan — pick a bundle or pay-as-you-go option that fits your usage.
  3. Port or add numbers — keep your existing business numbers or get new ones.
  4. Set up devices — use compatible desk phones, a softphone app, or mobile integration.
  5. Go live — Vox support will assist with configuration and user onboarding.

Tips to call more for less

  • Review your call patterns quarterly and move to a plan that matches usage.
  • Combine voice with other Vox services (internet or cloud) for consolidated billing.
  • Use business hours routing and voicemail to reduce unnecessary call handling costs.
  • Train staff on softphone apps to avoid roaming or high mobile charges.

Call more for less without compromise

Vobi from Vox gives you modern voice tools that cut costs and boost productivity. Whether you’re running a one-person operation or managing a team, Vobi helps you make more calls for less money — with the reliability and support you’d expect from a local provider.

Important tech talk

When you sign up with Vobi:

  • You’ll be able to make and receive high quality Voice and video calls over Fibre Wi-Fi, LTE and 5G and Wireless on the Vox network.
  • You’ll get your own Vobi number through your new SIP account (which stands for Session Initiation Protocol calling). This means that you will have a different number when you make Vobi calls via your existing mobile phone (so one mobile phone with two numbers on it).
    • This SIP number will be an 087 number.
    • If you prefer, you can request a geographically-located number, for example one that begins with 010 if you’re in Johannesburg – it’s your choice. Please note that there is an additional charge for this option.
  • Alternatively, you have the option to move (‘port’) your existing number to Vox, which you can use on the Vobi app.
  • Enjoy low call rates across all networks in South Africa, or call from wherever you are in the world without the use of high cost roaming charges.
  • A note about RICA: This is the South African legislation that governs the interception or monitoring of paper-based and electronic communications. Its purpose is to protect the security and privacy of South Africans. So when you are setting up your account, you will have to submit some documentation to validate your ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is Vobi and how does it help my business?
    Vobi is Vox’s VoIP calling solution that delivers cost-effective voice calling, flexible plans and cloud-based features so users can call more for less and scale as needed.
  2. Can I keep my current phone numbers with Vobi?
    Yes — in most cases you can port existing numbers to Vobi so customers can continue to reach you on familiar lines.
  3. Does Vobi work for remote or hybrid teams?
    Absolutely. Vobi supports softphones and mobile integration, so users can make and receive business calls from anywhere with an Internet connection.
  4. How do I choose the right Vobi plan?
    Estimate your monthly call minutes and mix (local vs international). Compare that with available bundles or pay-as-you-go rates, then pick the plan that best reduces per-minute costs while covering your usual usage.
  5. Is support available if I need help?
    Vox offers 24/7 support to help with setup, number porting and ongoing service issues so your calling stays uninterrupted.

Key Considerations for Fibre to the Business (FTTB) Deployment

Posted on by Tim Wood

Fast and reliable connectivity for businesses in South Africa has never been more important. With many organisations encouraging staff to return to the office, and the increasing importance of agility and innovation when it comes to cloud and digital infrastructure, implementing the right fibre to the business (FTTB) has grown significantly in importance.

According to Tim Wood, Executive Head: IS & IT at Vox, each business has its own unique requirements and digital transformation needs which have to be considered when looking for the right connectivity solution.

“Given the ongoing inevitable enhancements that come with moving to the cloud and digital technology, there are certain capabilities that are reliant on your office infrastructure being up to scratch,” says Wood.

This includes cloud migration and computing. Given that many employees still work within a hybrid landscape, it is integral for a business to be able to connect from wherever you are. “Integrating digital transformation across the organisation and the ability to access and leverage big data and the opportunities presented by AI and machine learning all depend on an optimal office environment, based on a foundation of fast, reliable connectivity.

Wood says that an important step in any businesses’ digitalisation journey is to find the right technology partner. “Designing a company’s office fibre infrastructure involves so much more than mapping out fibre links. Each company’s connectivity solution needs to come with an understanding about the unique requirements of the business, while ensuring that its digital transformation needs are met.”

He adds that, critical to getting this right, is to do the required homework first. This includes assessing a partner’s experience, investigating their reach and thoroughly checking SLAs, contracts, terms and conditions before committing.

Budget, Broadband and Bandwidth

Aligning with the financial resources available is another step to assess the right connectivity to match the requirements of the business. This includes factoring in whether to invest in Broadband or Dedicated Internet Access (DIA). If reliable, uncontended high-performance access is a firm requirement, then DIA needs to be budgeted for. The same goes for Ethernet deployments run over dedicated fibre links which guarantees reliable performance but at a higher cost.

ISPs can offer various bandwidth options ranging from 5 Mbps to 1 Gbps or even 10 Gbps. For those businesses that consume more data than they upload, cost effective asymmetrical alternatives have now also started becoming a popular option. Knowing how many users and devices will connect and the amount of traffic these devices will download and upload as well as when peak usage is expected, will help a technology partner to marry the right bandwidth with the business.

Many businesses may also have specific requirements for prioritising certain types of traffic such as voice over IP or video streaming, which needs to be factored into quality of service on offer.

Another cost consideration comes into play when assessing whether a static public IP address or a dynamically assigned IP Address is needed. Static IP addressing, a requirement of many businesses needing a constant fixed point of reference for devices connected to the internet, comes at a cost and is one of the many budgetary considerations to keep in mind.

Prioritising Safety and Security

No digital transformation consideration can be made without prioritising data safety and network security. When designing a solution, an ISP needs to understand a business’s requirements upfront, including factors such as security policies, encryption standards, firewall and intrusion detection and prevention, network segmentation, authentication mechanisms as well as end-point security.

A VPN encrypts internet traffic and prevents outside parties from being about to intercept and access sensitive information, a critical aspect across both a corporate network and to facilitate remote work ecosystems.

A critical step when choosing an ISP is to assess these capabilities as well as whether they offer robust protection against Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.

Agility, Scalability and Connectivity

Few businesses today can afford not to adapt and scale according to the changing environment, and the same applies to an FTTB service, which needs to adapt and scale with the business according to changing needs.

Other considerations include incorporating alternative access routes to prevent downtime when connectivity fails. If available, Alternative Fibre Network Operators (FNOs) or wireless solutions need to be factored into the design of a company’s solution framework.

This framework can also include using VOIP solutions to enhance communication and reduce costs.

Both hybrid and office-based work environments can also be enhanced by incorporating tools such as Cloud PBX and platforms such as Microsoft Teams to further enhance collaborative workflows.

Implementation Considerations

Once all the initial requirements are identified and implementation begins, remember to factor in what a business can do to speed up the process. While your ISP may have the expertise to meet your digital transformation needs, a business needs to avoid possible installation delays and extended time frames by ensuring infrastructure readiness as well as obtaining the necessary wayleave and landlord approvals.

By assessing all of these considerations, a company can partner with the right technology service provider to ensure that their FTTB deployment meets the budget, performance, speed and scalability needed.

 

FAQs

What is FTTB (fibre to the business)?
FTTB (fibre to the business) delivers high‑speed fibre connectivity directly to your premises, giving businesses faster, more reliable and scalable internet than copper or standard broadband.

How does FTTB differ from broadband and Dedicated Internet Access (DIA)?
Broadband is typically contended and cost‑effective, while DIA provides uncontended, guaranteed performance; FTTB is the physical fibre delivery method and can be used for either broadband or DIA depending on your service agreement.

How much bandwidth does my business need?
Bandwidth depends on factors such number of users and devices, peak usage times and workloads (e.g. video conferencing, cloud backups, AI/data processing. A technology partner can assess usage and recommend anything from 5 Mbps to 10 Gbps or more.

Do I need a static public IP or will a dynamic IP suffice?
If you run services that require a fixed reference point (VPN hubs, hosted servers, remote access), a static public IP is usually necessary; dynamic IPs are cheaper but can complicate inbound service access.

What security measures should be included with FTTB?
Ensure that your ISP supports strong encryption, firewall and intrusion prevention, DDoS protection, network segmentation and endpoint security, and that VPNs are available for remote workers to protect sensitive traffic.

How long does FTTB implementation take and what can delay it?
Lead times vary from weeks to months depending on wayleave/landlord approvals, local infrastructure readiness and required civil works; preparing approvals and site access upfront helps speed installation.

How do I choose the right technology partner for FTTB?
Assess a partner’s experience, national reach, SLA terms, redundancy options and security capabilities. Vox recommends reviewing SLAs and contract terms and asking for a tailored design that matches your digital transformation goals.

Vox Wireless on Chai FM

Posted on by Theo van Zyl

In this insightful discussion on Chai FM, Theo Van Zyl, Head of Wireless at Vox, engages with Dr. Nimrod Oupa Mbele to explore the critical role of WiFi connectivity for small businesses. Discover how a reliable WiFi connection can transform operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive growth in today’s digital landscape. Join the conversation to uncover practical strategies and insights for leveraging WiFi technology to propel your business forward.

Is Fast Fibre to the Home Still Relevant?

Posted on by Vivienne Fouche

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fibre to the Home

 

Why Fibre Comes First

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Taking It Personally

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

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

 

home fibre for gamers

 

Why downgrading can cost you more

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

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

 

Going Home

Fibre to the Home

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Does fibre futureproof my home?
Yes. Fibre cabling supports high capacities and new technologies, so it’s a long‑term solution for growing household connectivity needs.

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