Category: Product

Vox launches 10Mbps uncapped fixed-LTE service for cost-conscious consumers

Posted on by Chris Boshoff

25 May 2023, Johannesburg: A growing number of South African consumers are reducing spending as economic conditions worsen, and connectivity is one of the areas where they are cutting costs. In response, Vox, an integrated ICT and infrastructure provider, has announced the launch of a 10Mbps Uncapped fixed-LTE solution that will provide them with cost-effective internet connectivity.

“When the Covid lockdown was initially put in place, people signed up for whatever connectivity solution was available in order to be able to continue working from home, including for example using data dongles with SIM cards. This was especially the case in areas where there was no fibre network coverage. However, over time these users have come to realise that continuously having to top up data bundles is not as cost-effective as an uncapped connection,” says Chris Boshoff, Senior Product Manager: LTE at Vox.

However, with lockdown restrictions eased, many organisations have turned to hybrid working, while others have called on their employees to return to the office full-time. In both cases – and with affordability being the top priority – consumers are reassessing whether they have the right connectivity for their current needs and budget.

Boshoff says that apart from the increased expense of top-ups, there is also the inconvenience factor – not everyone uses online banking and many people still need to go to a physical store in order to buy data vouchers. Having an uncapped solution instead saves them both the money and time of having to keep topping up a prepaid mobile subscription. He adds that these consumers are looking for something that is more affordable to start off with and that there was visible market demand for an uncapped product at a more competitive price point.

“In response to this demand, Vox has launched a 10Mbps uncapped fixed-LTE service with a Fair User Policy of 400GB, which comes in at the same price of a capped 200GB service. This will give users peace of mind as they don’t have to worry about continually buying data bundles. While it may not seem like it, all those 1GB and 2GB bundles bought to extend their access to connectivity add up and cost more over time,” says Boshoff.

“The service that they get through this product is good enough to keep the average budget conscious household connected. Consumers are not locked into long-term contracts, and they know exactly how much they are going to spend per month and won’t run out of data at an inconvenient time. It offers better value for money and simply cannot be compared in terms of the cost of having to continually top up,” he adds.

Boshoff points out that, unlike regular mobile LTE subscriptions, a fixed-LTE service is usually linked to the base station towers that are allocated to provide high-speed internet in your location, so you can’t just pick up your WiFi router and move to another area and maintain connectivity. However, customers have the ability to add a secondary address whenever required, within a matter of minutes.

He explains that customers can change the secondary address as often as they want so it’s not restricted to a single location, but can’t drive around with it and use it like they would with a mobile data connection.

“While this is mainly a consumer-focused product, it can also be used by small businesses. In both cases, this product gives them access to affordable, reliable, uncapped internet. Having a fixed cost helps individuals and businesses to better budget for their connectivity by knowing exactly how much they will spend each month, and this is not something that can be easily determined when you are at the mercy of top-ups,” concludes Boshoff.

South African businesses turning to satellite services for reliable connectivity

Posted on by Kathleen Morris

30 April, Johannesburg: With a total blackout likely to have a negative impact on the country’s mobile and fixed communications networks Vox, an integrated ICT and infrastructure provider, has announced the launch of several satellite packages that will help business users stay online, even in the event of a total blackout and loss of local connectivity.

“While it’s not likely, many South African businesses have still been preparing for the eventuality of a total blackout, and how they will respond. Even if businesses have alternative energy sources to keep themselves running, loss of power over an extended period of time will result in a disruption to connectivity via fibre lines as internet traffic breakouts are located within South Africa” explains Kathleen Janse van Rensburg, Satellite Product Manager at Vox.

Satellite connectivity has long been seen as the only option for those who needed access to fast and reliable connectivity in rural or under-serviced areas, such as organisations involved in the mining, oil and gas, and agricultural sectors. In the past, though, the prohibitive cost has seen them take on satellite services meant for consumer and not business use. Prices have been coming down, however, and this improved affordability means that organisations can now turn to true enterprise-grade satellite services as their primary connectivity, or as an ideal redundancy solution.

“In response to this growing need, Vox has launched Advanced Broadband services, which offers South African business users seven different satellite connectivity packages. Advanced Broadband services between 10/3Mbps and 50/5Mbps with a Fair Use Policy between 500GB and 1500GB. And for those organisations that want more reliability, Vox offers between 10/3Mbps and 50Mbps dedicated with committed information rate (CIR) between 3Mbps and 15Mbps with no Fair Use Policy. In both cases, the hardware is included,” says Janse van Rensburg.

International breakouts

With the potential for both a business’s primary and secondary means of connectivity going down, turning to satellite services – which are independent of the communications infrastructure in South Africa. Janse van Rensburg explains that with satellite connectivity, users in the country will only need a UPS, solar or a generator to power the satellite modem, while critical infrastructure such as the ground earth stations and internet breakouts are located in Europe.

This means that South African business users will still be able to access all international services even if there are disruptions to local communications networks. However, ensuring continuity for the local internet during a total blackout will depend on how many
organisations in the country remain connected – via satellite connectivity. Interestingly, satellite services have been favoured by the local financial services sector not only for their ability to reach rural areas but also because the satellite terminals themselves are highly secure and not prone to hacking in a similar manner to traditional communications equipment.

“Satellite is the ideal solution to replace fixed-LTE and other fixed-mobile solutions as the redundancy for internet connectivity. Contrary to perception, the cost of satellite services has been declining over the past 10 years, while businesses can choose between more affordable, best-effort connectivity packages or pay more for dedicated speeds. Ultimately, it is an investment into the long-term sustainability of the organisation as it will enable them to continue with their business functions even in the case of a loss of local connectivity,” says Janse van Rensburg.

The Wonders of Vox Connectivity

Posted on by Suhail Dinat

Ah, the Internet – what a wonderful creation.

Seems like not-so-long ago, our angry relatives were asking “who needs it” and trying to ban it on account of the dangers of strangers online (and, by strangers, we mean “what teenage kids might be watching on Dad’s work PC). It’s changed everything – some would say for the better. After all, who needs real-life interaction when you can have virtual friends? Who needs a physical book when you can
have a Kindle? Who needs to go outside when you can just watch YouTube videos of people doing things instead?

Fact is, Connectivity has revolutionized the way we live our lives. We can do pretty much anything online these days – order food, shop for clothes, watch movies, listen to music, and even find love (or at least a date – the love part, we may have to compromise a bit on). Why develop social skills when you can swipe left or right on a screen?

And don’t even get me started on social media. Without Facebook, how would we ever know what our ex-boyfriends are up to now? Or how would we keep up with the latest drama between celebrities we’ve never even met? It’s a good thing we don’t have to worry about things like human interaction or supporting local businesses.

Sounds pretty mundane when you put it like that, right?

All jokes aside, the concept of Connectivity has improved the world we live in in innumerable ways. From providing the world with access to knowledge and information previously unattainable to the development of an interconnected global village (and beyond). Imagine a universe of learning and sharing at your fingertips (or, rather, don’t – because that’s our tangible reality). Online education.
Remote working. Gaming. Streaming. Browsing. Connecting – thanks to the Internet, we can engage with anything, anytime, from the comfort of anywhere we want to.

Today, people can find their dream job in New York from the comfort of Johannesburg. They can join likeminded communities for sub-cultures they didn’t know they belonged to. The age of the Internet has made the outsiders the insiders, allowed us to play to our strengths, and brought the whole world to an age of unified collaboration.

Best of all? It’s given us the ability to stay in touch with friends and family no matter where they are.

So the next time you’re scrolling through your social media feeds or ordering takeout from your favorite restaurant, take a moment to appreciate the wonders of the internet. Without it, we’d be lost in a world of face-to-face communication and physical shopping. And who wants that – especially when that same world completely barred face-to-face communication and physical shopping not so long ago?

Safe to say, Connectivity makes the world go round – and we’d wager that the Internet was, definitively, the most important invention of the 21st century. It has revolutionized the way we live our lives, and it has opened up countless opportunities for people all over the world. Without the internet, we’d be stuck in a world of physical interaction and limited knowledge (as well as a very, VERY depressing 2020). So, let’s all take a moment to appreciate the wonders of the internet and all that it has done for us.

Sold yet? We’d hope so.

Bear with us – this is going somewhere.

Suffice to say, we’re big believers in the power of Connectivity (naturally – not like we’ve built an entire business on it or anything). As such, we’ve mastered the art of new ways to get Connected. From Fibre (the King of Kings) to LTE/Wireless (same same, but different), to Satellite (whenever, wherever), to everything in between (we’re looking at you, DSL) – there’s a way to enjoy seamless Internet for
everyone. Primary, secondary, as a backup, failover, or last resort – there’s a niche, a need, and a reason to get Connected with Vox. Enhance it with a backup. Make it reach further with an extender. Power it with a UPS. Maximise it with Voice.

The only limits are self-imposed – so let us find a way to get you going, and, together, we’ll enjoy the benefits of the Internet.

Visit Vox.co.za and bring it home today!

The ultimate checklist for the best VoIP and UC&C solutions

Posted on by Andrew King

Before being wooed by features and stickers, get to grips with whether the foundation will keep the house standing.

Andrew King, Head of Division: Voice and Visual Comms and Natalie van der Merwe, Head of Product: Telephony at Vox

While energy security is a hot topic around the world, South Africa is in the unenviable position of having endured power cuts every single day so far in 2023. No one needs to go into exactly what this means for the economy at large, but one thing it most certainly does is force businesses to look into the most effective ways to ensure business continuity, not least in communications – both internally and externally.

Business communications are far too big a consideration to leave to chance, and it is with this in mind that the unified communications and collaboration (UC&C) solutions are increasingly in business C-suite plans, with voice, or more specifically voice over internet protocol (VoIP) front and centre.

After all, who wouldn’t want to be protected from the legacy of copper and the unreliability of physical infrastructure such as power? And so, it is no surprise that VoIP providers, specifically, and UC&C providers more broadly, wish to position themselves uniquely in a market desperate for communications reliability.

However, it is vital for businesses to understand the fundamentals of how to measure and assess voice, and UC&C, solutions. It’s not uncommon to find checklists that speak to features as people try and figure out how and where they should be investing. These features include things such as: cloud- based, affordable, flexible and scalable. This is all good and well, but choosing the right provider or solution needs to consider things that are far more fundamental.

Look for partners not providers

As mentioned, business communication is far too important and crucial to be reduced to a transactional supplier-customer relationship. The very nature of communications is that it is ongoing, and businesses should seek out partners who are prepared to walk the long-term journey and create continuous value. This includes things such as ongoing fraud monitoring, highly specialised local R&D teams, and 24/7, 365 monitoring of the provider’s infrastructure, including all points of interconnect and long-distance backhaul between them for failover and redundancy.

It is important for customers to know that their VOIP partner’s network is certified by the respective OEM products that they offer, for example 3CX and Operator Connect. In our case, this involves rigorous testing with each partner to ensure compatibility of our network with their platforms to deliver a seamless service that is guaranteed to work. It also means the customer is guaranteed support.

Network quality, resilience and transparency are non-negotiable

It doesn’t matter which feature you stick on, what colour you make the box, or how you position a product, it means little if the network across which the VoIP traffic will travel is not of consistently high quality. It is a foundation, a non-negotiable requirement. Unless the partner owns and controls its own network it simply cannot be in control of every element of the network and ensure end-to- end redundancy.

If users are on a call – voice or video – and something goes down along any point of the infrastructure network, users must be oblivious. In other words, they should not even notice that anything occurred – be sure to include this on any checklist. What’s the alternative? It’s a bit like going to an ice cream parlour and being served milkshakes because the fridges couldn’t stay cold.

VoIP call quality is measured by means of a MOS rating (Mean Opinion Score). MOS testing for VoIP networks is defined in the ITU-T PESQ P.862 standard. A MOS rating measures call quality on a 1-5 exponential rating, with 0 being unintelligible voice and 5 being excellent voice quality. Vox’s MOS score is an impressive 4.3, for example. When shopping around, request this information. This is where transparency goes a long way towards building trust, which in turn, is a key component of building partnerships as opposed to transactional relationships.

Taking the transparency and quality theme further, businesses must ask about codec practices. The maximum MOS rating for a G.711 or G.722 VoIP call is 4.4/5. The G.722 and G.711 codec – used to convert speech to digital packets for transmission over Internet Protocol [IP] networks and decode the packets into intelligible speech on the other end of the call – are uncompressed codecs that provide the best possible call quality.

Vox’s VoIP network by default offers the G.722, G.711 a-law and the lesser quality G.729 codecs. Make sure to ask this question of all providers, because if a business uses an operator that runs on a G.729 codec only – a highly compressed codec- then the voice quality is going to suffer from the outset. You will also typically find that the provider is compressing their voice packets to utilise less bandwidth on their network. And so when businesses ask the right questions and work through their checklist, they must understand that a network that hasn’t been designed with enough bandwidth or capacity to deliver a reliable, uncongested service to multiple customers, necessitates using compressed codec.

Something everyone reading this will have experienced at some point in their lives is latency, jitter and packet loss. Latency is the delay between when data is sent and received and is mainly caused by too little bandwidth or too many hops between networks. Jitter, simply, is the variation in latency and packet loss is the dropping of data packets when network congestion occurs.

Why does this matter? Latency causes noticeable delays and lags in a conversation, jitter results in uneven speech and delays and packet loss is where bits of speech become garbled or disappear. Hardly the kind of thing a business would want when communicating with customers or when teams are collaborating on important tasks. As a business, it is your right to know what a provider has done to mitigate these problems, such as: does it own and manage its own tier-one network?

Latency, jitter and packet loss will impact the MOS rating of a communication provider’s network. Ask them for proof of their average MOS score and which codec they run their voice network on as standard before you commit your money and your customer’s perception of your business to any contract term.

Lean on the global giants while looking for local innovation

We all experienced how Microsoft Teams evolved during the pandemic. The innovation curve of global giants with large R&D teams is a sight to behold. Whether it is a platform like 3CX or Microsoft Operator Connect, these tried and trusted global businesses are at the bleeding edge of communications technology, while providing the peace of mind that they will still be here tomorrow, next week, and next decade. Look for solutions that don’t rely on small local teams for their very existence, but are provided by partners who instead deploy their dedicated, certified local teams to innovate and advise on how to leverage these global solutions best in the uniquely South African context. That’s the golden ticket to a win-win scenario.

In summary, before looking at generic terms such as fibre-powered, cloud-based, cost-effective and scalable, peer through the windows of the house, analyse the walls, and ask to see the foundations – that’s the checklist that will bring you closer to choosing a UC&C partner that can deliver the best voice and communication service for your specific business needs.

LTE connectivity backup fulfils Business Continuity Plan at home

Posted on by Kaylee McKay

Hybrid or remote working and online schooling have meant that many homeowners are compelled to think of their homes as small business premises. Setting up a home WiFi network, with sufficient device connection capacity and bandwidth availability was just the beginning. Now that your home serves, in part, as a remote office for the company you work for and with so much of business being conducted in the cloud, having a robust, always-on, dependable internet service at home is key to your, and your employers, overall Business Continuity Plan (BCP).

Business Continuity Managers need to know that if something goes wrong, a business can keep running, even when you’re at home. The primary medium of connectivity, in the metros especially where access is pervasive, is fibre and while it is absolutely the fastest, most reliable and perhaps future-proof connectivity technology in today’s market, its physical infrastructure is not completely safe from external elements like theft, vandalism and breakages through third party negligence.

In the past, something as relatively common as bad weather would cause outages on copper lines, whereas fibre outages tend to happen only when the line is physically cut – during roadworks, floods and intentional malice for example. This greatly reduces the likelihood of your fibre failing but, even with this in mind, the risks to your business of internet disruption with extended downtime, are simply not worth taking.

The truth is accidents will happen and with you and your company being so reliant on your home internet connection, it’s vital to make sure the effect on business-critical applications is kept to a minimum. Rolling blackouts, due to ongoing load shedding, are already having a negative impact on the productivity of remote workers but there is help for connectivity that continues, even in times of fibre breaks.

Many will resort to hot-spotting from mobile phones during a break in internet service but how practical is it to rely on your mobile plan to keep you running during an interrupted fibre connection? When your fibre is down, it certainly is not the ideal time to learn whether your mobile plan has enough data to carry you through while your fibre network operator and internet service provider works to get your service up and running again.

What’s your alternative? Or rather, your BCP? Having a business continuity and contingency plan(BCP) is vital to make sure you’re prepared, should something unexpected happen. It’s a good idea to review your BCP – make sure it always reflects and safeguards your premises, the online and digital needs of your household, and the technology critical to you working from home. Part of your BCP should be ensuring that connectivity is never lost.

A great place to start – if you’re looking for a connection that keeps up and not lets you down when a fibre disaster strikes – is your ISP. Find out from your representative if they can assist with a backup solution to keep you connected if there is any interruption to your fibre line.

Perhaps the most fitting alternative to your fibre connection will be a Fixed LTE connection. It offers speeds comparable to what you already get on fibre and can be bundled with an allocation of bandwidth big enough to cater for those unexpected downtimes. Although not widely available, it would be best to enquire from your ISP about automatic failover functionality. Self-install options are available, and your ISP should have a guide as well as a video to show you how it is done.

The biggest benefit of Fixed-LTE-A with failover is its capability to switch over from fibre to LTE and back again once the fibre issue has been resolved without any intervention from you. It also provides for notifications so that you’re informed at all times whether your household is tapped into fixed or mobile connectivity, allowing you and your family the ability to school, work and meet interruption-free.

Forget the future – LTE is the present of super-fast Connectivity.

Posted on by Suhail Dinat

In today’s fast-paced world, speed is king – particularly when it comes to Connectivity. Let’s face it, the Internet has become essential (even in a hunter-gatherer sense of the word) to our survival as modernised human beings. Working remotely? Streaming? Just browsing? Fast, reliable Connectivity is the only way to go. The problem? Everyone associates Fibre with fast – but not everyone can access it in their area or due to their budget – nor can they take it to another location.

Enter LTE, which offers no compromise on speed but all the benefits of amazing Internet.

First off – what is LTE Internet?

LTE (Long-Term Evolution) is a mobile communication standard used for wireless broadband. It provides high-speed data connections to connectable devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. LTE internet is designed to provide faster internet speeds and greater capacity than previous mobile technologies – and is particularly useful when looking for quick access, plug-and-play, or a viable alternative in a Fibreless area.

Why would I need it?

  • Three words: High-Speed Internet: LTE internet can provide ludicrous download/upload speeds which can hold its own against its more popularised counterparts. This is faster than 3G and older mobile technologies, which mean you can stream video, download files, and browse the web with ease.
  • Greater Capacity: LTE internet has greater capacity than previous mobile technologies. This means that more people can use the internet at the same time without experiencing slow speeds or dropped connections.
  • Wide Coverage: LTE internet is widely available in most areas. This means that you can stay connected to the internet no matter where you go – with coverage throughout South Africa.
  • Improved Voice Quality: LTE internet also supports high-quality voice calls. This means that you can make clear and crisp phone calls on a network you can rely on.
  • Cost-Effective: LTE internet plans are affordable and present a multitude of cost-effective options for those who need high-speed internet on the go.

Forget the future – this is the now.

Let’s reiterate our earlier sentiment: being connected to the internet is essential in 2023. LTE internet provides high-speed, reliable connectivity that is available in most areas. With its lightning quick speeds, greater capacity, wide coverage, seamless connectivity, improved voice quality, and cost-effectiveness, it’s the consummate alternative to both FTTH and FTTB alike. Choose from Capped, Uncapped, with Dual-SIMS (2 SIMS, one device at the same location, a Wi-Fi Dongle or LTE Router – you decide what works for you. Better yet? It’s easy to install (without requiring trenching, lines and the like) – you sign up, we deliver, and you’re browsing in Hyper-Drive in next to no time.

Whether you’re working remotely, streaming video, or simply browsing the web, LTE internet is the solution you’ve been looking for.

So, what are you waiting for? Get LTE with Vox and get speedily connected today.

Lights. Generator. Action

Posted on by Barry Kemp

Keeping the lights on has become a South African business imperative, but the costs and the challenges are proving overwhelming for many

Loadshedding is costing South African companies billions. Dis-Chem’s six-month bill was R36 million, spent on diesel to keep its stores up and running, while loadshedding is costing Pick n Pay R60 million a month and Sandton City has reported the cost of Stage 6 to be R64k an hour. The financial impact is significant, especially for smaller businesses that are either closing down or barely making ends meet; and there remains a growing concern that the grid will collapse completely which has made many companies turn to more sustainable, long-term solutions to ensure they stay up and running no matter what. Keeping the lights on, ensuring that the generator has diesel, managing IT equipment, managing and maintaining a UPS, and having the right people in place to handle all these loadshedding fail-safes are time-consuming and expensive, says Barry Kemp, Head of Division at Nymbis Cloud Solutions.

“Right now, for most companies, the biggest cost is diesel,” he adds. “An average 5KVaa diesel generator starts at around R250,000 and runs maybe five full racks of servers, and the diesel powering that for eight hours a day, 365 days a year, is around R650,000. This means that the average business has to spend R1 million to manage their own environment.”

The return on the R650k investment is tenuous, beyond just staying in business. Which makes the most important business question not “How do I afford a generator”, but “How do I make this someone else’s problem?”  It makes sense to find a service provider that can take on the cost of keeping IT infrastructure running for a fraction of the price, and take on the costs of manpower and maintenance.

“A lot of companies are not seeing the holistic costs of taking on the burden of power generation themselves,” says Kemp. “There is immense value in outsourcing this to a service provider. It’s the difference between spending upwards of a million a year and spending only R30,000 a month and knowing that the business always has access to reliable energy.”

Power reliability has become a commodity. The loadshedding schedule over the past few weeks has doggedly insisted on being Stage 6 but has actually been a lot closer to Stage 8, putting immense pressure on organisations to find alternative power solutions that will ensure their IT equipment can withstand long periods of time without access to the grid. As the country faces increasingly challenging times ahead – the problem of Eskom isn’t going to be solved at speed – companies need solutions that shift the cost burden and that allow them to remain competitive on the global stage.

“Moving infrastructure across to a co-location facility that takes on the burden of power, maintenance, service provision and management, means that the company not only saves a significant amount of money upfront but that they now open their doors to remote and hybrid working flexibility,” says Kemp. “People can work from anywhere and anywhen, which also cuts the costs of keeping the lights on at the office significantly.”

The price tag that hangs off self-generating power is hefty and companies are struggling, both on the financial and infrastructural fronts. Moving forward, companies should look for solutions that ease these pressures and allow them to better manage their businesses and the bottom line. Outsourced power provision will fundamentally change this dynamic as everything will be managed by a trusted service provider that will walk the journey with the business and keep the costs within tightly managed parameters.

“As a country, we’ve been through a lot over the last few years with the pandemic, and now loadshedding, but while this has added pressure, it has also underscored the resilience and capability of South Africans,” concludes Kemp. “We adapt, we find smarter ways of doing business, and we make it happen. Times may be tough, but with our ingenuity and intelligent solutions to complicated problems, South African businesses are tougher.”

Hello World – Let’s put some Fibre in that Home

Posted on by Suhail Dinat

Today we talk about the Crown Jewel, the prodigal son (not you, Harry – go away), the one Connection to rule them all – today, we talk Fibre to the Home.

Let’s start with the boring stuff (in case you’re new here):

Fibre to the Home (FTTH) is a high-speed, broadband internet service that delivers internet connectivity directly to a customer’s home using fiber optic cables.

We won’t sugar coat this – FTTH offers incredibly fast internet speeds. Like, Karen with a coupon fast. Because optic cables use light to transmit data, they can deliver said data at much higher speeds than traditional copper cables (plus, you know, there’s the whole chance of not getting stolen thing – which is kind of a big deal). This means that FTTH can provide download speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) or even higher, which is much faster than the speeds offered by traditional broadband technologies like DSL or cable (unless you’re Deadpool – cable isn’t something you aspire for).

In addition to faster speeds, FTTH offers more reliable and consistent connectivity (and, in South Africa, anything vaguely consistent can surely only be considered a bonus). Unlike traditional copper cables, Fibre is significantly less prone to interference and can maintain a high-speed connection even over long distances. This means that FTTH can offer a more stable and consistent connection, which is especially important for applications like online gaming, video streaming, and video conferencing.

Another advantage of FTTH is its ability to future-proof internet connectivity (if this sounds like a slogan, we’ve probably used it before). As technology continues to evolve and data demands grow, FTTH can easily be upgraded to meet the increasing demands for bandwidth. This is because fiber optic cables have a much higher bandwidth capacity than traditional copper cables and can therefore support much higher data rates in the future.

Furthermore, FTTH can also offer other benefits like increased security and privacy. Because Fibre optic cables are difficult to tap and hack, FTTH can provide a more secure connection that is less prone to cyber-attacks. This is especially important for people who conduct sensitive transactions online, like banking or shopping.

Now, for the meaty stuff:

If you’re still (and we can’t imagine why) at the point where you’re asking what you need Fibre for – our only response is to pull an UNO reverse card, and ask, “what don’t you need it for?”.

  • Feel like Gaming? FTTH offers high speed, reliable connectivity to keep you connected and in the game.
  • Want to work? You can connect, collab, send emails, network, browse, stream – it’s a long list, filled with infinite possibilities and ways to enhance your digital productivity.
  • Communication? We’ve got you covered.
  • Socializing? This one doesn’t even need expanding on.
  • Entertainment? Streaming and downloading is the new live TV.
  • Studying? Calling relatives? Banking? You name it, there’s a high-speed internet solution to help facilitate it.

FTTH has revolutionised every facet of our lives – of that there’s no question. A million possibilities, and infinite ways to use them – the only limits are truly your imagination.

Networking: Building Professional Relationships for Success

Posted on by Suhail Dinat

The world we live in is more intertwined than ever – and this new (or should we say not so new?) reality is only becoming more common as time passes. Whereas before, our social interactions were limited to the people we knew within our respective spheres, today we have access to a universal network of likeminded (and, sometimes, not so likeminded) personalities at the literal click of a button. Gamers, bloggers, workers, professionals – people from every walk of life can instantly connect with a multitude of people without so much as breaking a sweat.

This opens up an entire world of possibilities – never before have so many, so easily, been able to exchange ideas, get in touch with people of interest, promote their skills or showcase their talents to such an extent.

Networking is a critical aspect of career success, yet many people struggle with it. It can be intimidating, especially for those who are introverted or shy. However, the benefits of building strong professional relationships are immense and can lead to opportunities for advancement, better job prospects, and even greater job satisfaction.

So, what exactly is networking, and why is it important? Networking refers to the process of building and maintaining professional relationships with others in your industry. These relationships can be with colleagues, mentors, alumni, or anyone else who can provide you with valuable information, advice, or support.

The importance of networking lies in its ability to help you expand your professional circle, stay up to date with industry trends and developments, and gain exposure to new opportunities. When you network effectively, you can:

  1. Build your professional brand: Networking is a great way to build your personal brand, showcase your skills and accomplishments, and make a positive impression on others. By participating in professional events, joining industry organizations, and contributing to online forums and discussions, you can demonstrate your expertise and build a reputation as a knowledgeable professional.
  2. Discover new opportunities: Networking can help you discover new job opportunities, either through direct referrals from contacts or by learning about open positions from people in your network. In fact, many job openings are never advertised publicly, and it is through networking that you may hear about these opportunities.
  3. Gain insights and advice: Networking allows you to tap into the experiences and expertise of others in your industry. You can gain valuable insights and advice on a wide range of topics, including job search strategies, industry trends, and more.
  4. Enhance your skills: Networking can help you develop new skills and stay up to date with industry developments. For example, you may attend professional development events, join industry organizations, or participate in online discussions and forums.

To maximise the benefits of networking, it’s important to be intentional and strategic about the relationships you build. Here are some tips for effective networking:

  1. Be authentic and genuine: People can often sense when someone is only networking for their own gain. Instead, focus on building meaningful relationships based on mutual interests and shared goals.
  2. Follow up: After meeting someone new, be sure to follow up with a quick email or message to thank them for their time and to keep the connection alive.
  3. Give before you receive: Networking is not just about what you can get from others; it’s also about what you can offer. Look for opportunities to help others, whether it’s by offering advice, introducing them to someone in your network, or simply lending an ear.
  4. Stay engaged: To maintain your professional relationships, it’s important to stay engaged and connected. Attend industry events, participate in online discussions, and make time for regular catchups with your contacts.

But, you ask, what in the name of redefined communications does this have to do with Vobi? Well, a million words (possibly more) have been said about our Vobi app – we’re sure you get it by now. Pay less, talk more, call anyone, anywhere in the world without running out of airtime – we’ve said it, you’ve heard it. What we haven’t covered, however, is the way the App is slowly redefining the way we communicate, the way we collaborate, and, most of all, the way we connect.

You see, Vobi is far more than a nifty little invention you use to save on calling costs. Instead, it’s a gateway for likeminded individuals to change the way they network for good. Through the Vobi app, we foresee a platform for growth, sharing ideas, connecting with others and the creation of communities. We envision a channel where people can thrive. Where professionals from a multitude of walks of life can get in touch and make build their network accordingly. We aim to shift the focus from “social” to “network” – in turn granting users a platform for scalable personal growth, opportunities to engage, and a universe of budding potential in their pocket.

You see, networking is a vital component of professional success, and by building strong relationships with others in your industry, you can open doors to new opportunities, enhance your skills, and expand your professional circle. So, start networking (with Vobi) today and see where it takes you!

Satellite Internet in 2023: The Future of Rural Connectivity

Posted on by Suhail Dinat

You’ve heard (and we’ve said) a lot about modern Connectivity Solutions. Fibre is fast, LTE is a speeding bullet, the world revolves around optimised modern alternatives – you name it, it’s been covered, but this in turn poses a bigger question (to us, at least).

In a world where Internet is faster, more innovative, and easier to access than ever before, what relevance does Satellite technology have – and why would anyone need it?

It’s actually pretty simple. You see, in 2023, Satellite Internet has become a game-changer for those living in rural or outlying areas. You see, with the ongoing expansion of Fibre Internet, many assumed that the technology would become as obsolete as a Nokia Cellphone. However, Satellite Internet has continued to evolve and improve, making it a viable option for those who live in areas where Fibre (or its alternatives) are unavailable. But enough waffling – let’s discuss the current state of Satellite Internet in 2023, and why it’s the future of rural Connectivity.

First off: what is it?

Satellite Internet is a type of Internet connection that uses a Satellite (as the name would tend to suggest) to transmit data to and from the user’s home. Said Satellite is in geostationary orbit, which means it remains in a fixed position relative to the earth’s surface. This allows for consistent and reliable Connectivity, regardless of the user’s location.

Still with us? Great. Now let’s explore the Current State of Satellite Internet in today’s modern world.

Satellite being outdated is, in fact, a myth. The reality? It has come a long way since its inception. With the development of new technologies, the technology has become faster and more reliable than ever before. Not buying it? That’s fine – here are some of the benefits from us to you:

  • High-Speed Internet: In the past, Satellite Internet was notorious for its slow speeds. However, in 2023, Satellite Internet can provide speeds of up to 100MBps. This is fast enough to stream high-quality video and browse the Internet with ease.
  • Reliable Connectivity: Back in the day, the (admittedly ancient) technology was often plagued by outages and interruptions. However, with the development of new infrastructure and ground stations, Satellite Internet is now more reliable than ever before. This is great news for those who rely on the Internet for work or school.
  • Wide Coverage: Satellite Internet is available virtually anywhere in the world – from a ‘Dorpie’ to the hills of the Karoo. This is great news for those who live in rural or remote areas, where other types of Internet Connectivity may not be available.
  • Affordable Plans: In the past, this was considered expensive and out of reach for many people. Today, however, there are many affordable plans available. This is great news for those who are looking for a reliable and fast Internet connection without breaking the bank.
  • We’d be amiss not to mention the elephant in the room that is loadshedding. Whereas in 2020, a pandemic which we won’t name destroyed our sanity, it’s been replaced by less deadly, but equally frustrating alternative. As a result, businesses throughout SA are finding it increasingly necessary to seek forms of feasible backup Connectivity. In this regard, Satellite has proven to be a smart alternative. With your Internet breakout being located outside of South Africa, anyone with a UPS, generator or solar can benefit from uninterrupted Connectivity as a secondary solution.

The main drawing card, however, lies within the Future of Rural Connectivity (brace yourself – here’s the pitch):

In the past, those who lived in rural areas often had limited access to the Internet. This made it difficult to work or attend school from home, and it also made it challenging to stay connected with family and friends. However, with the continued expansion of Satellite Internet, the future of rural Connectivity looks bright.

With its high speeds, reliable wide coverage, and affordable plans, Satellite Internet is quickly becoming the go-to option for those who live in outlying areas.

Fact is, Satellite Internet has come a long way. Between the high speeds, reliability, wide coverage, and affordable plans, it’s quickly becoming the go-to option for those who live in areas where conventional (or should we say modern?) Connectivity solutions aren’t as readily available. As technology continues to improve, we can expect Satellite Internet to become even faster and more reliable in the years to come.

So, if you live in an area only identified by co-ordinates and have been struggling with slow or unreliable Internet, consider switching to Satellite Internet. It may just be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Needless to say – you can get Connected with Vox – find it at https://www.vox.co.za/satellite/

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