Vox 4 Thought

Is Fast Fibre to the Home Still Relevant?

Posted on 19 March 202413 November 2025 by Vivienne Fouche

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.)

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.

6 Reasons Why the Right Web Hosting Service Matters

Posted on 13 March 20241 August 2024 by Bhavin Mistry

Successful businesses, both big and small, need to have an online presence 24/7. That’s where Web Hosting comes in.

So, What Is Web Hosting?

Web Hosting involves storing your website files and content on servers connected to the Internet to ensure the website is always available and accessible on any browser. Essentially, Web Hosting acts as a bridge between a website’s content and its users, allowing for a seamless exchange of information between both parties for goods and services. There’s no point in having an incredible website if it loads too slowly – or worse – not at all.

Sounds Important, Right? That’s Because It Is

Here are a few more reasons Web Hosting is essential for business:

It Creates Online Presence: This is essential for businesses to expand their reach and find new customers.
It Enables Accessibility: Thanks to Web Hosting, sites are accessible 24/7 from anywhere in the world, allowing businesses to share their products with a global audience in any time zone.
It Offers Reliability: A good provider ensures the website is up and running with minimal downtime, providing a positive user experience, and preventing loss of traffic and revenue.
It Enhances Security: This includes everything from backups to firewalls and anti-virus protection to ensure websites are secure and protected from cyber threats.
It Provides Scalability: As businesses grow and evolve, they need more resources online to meet demand. A good provider offers scalable options to accommodate the changing needs of the website.
It’s Cost-Effective: When compared to setting up and maintaining an in-house server, Web Hosting is the easily accessible, scalable, and budget-friendly choice. One that also comes with built-in support.

When it Comes to Web Hosting, You’ve Got Options

Shared Hosting is a cost-effective web hosting solution where multiple websites share the same server resources such as disk space, bandwidth, and processing power. This makes it an ideal option for small businesses and personal websites with low traffic and limited resource needs. However, Shared Hosting can lead to slower website speeds and increased downtime if one of the websites on the server experiences a surge in traffic.
VPS (Virtual Private Server) Hosting provides a higher level of resource allocation compared to shared hosting. Each website has its own virtual server with dedicated resources, providing more control and flexibility, as well as improved website performance and security. VPS Hosting is ideal for growing businesses and websites with moderate to high traffic and resource needs.
Dedicated Hosting is a premium solution where a single client leases an entire physical server, with all its resources dedicated solely to their website. This offers the highest level of performance, security, and control, making it ideal for large businesses, e-commerce sites, and websites with high traffic and resource demands.
Cloud Hosting uses a network of remote servers connected to the Internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than relying on a single physical server. This offers scalability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness as websites can draw resources from the cloud as needed. Cloud Hosting is ideal for businesses and websites with fluctuating traffic and resource needs, as well as those requiring high availability and performance.

There Are a Few More Things to Keep in Mind

Let’s start with cost. Web Hosting can range from no fees at all to hundreds of rands per month, depending on the level of resources, performance, and support offered. It’s important to consider your budget and the cost of the service in relation to the resources and performance needed for your site to function optimally.

Then comes storage and bandwidth. Storage refers to the amount of disk space available for your website, while bandwidth refers to the amount of data that can be transmitted from your website to its visitors. When choosing a service, take your storage and bandwidth needs into consideration first, including future growth and the type of content you’ll be hosting.

The reliability and uptime offered is critical, as it affects the availability of your website and its performance. A reliable service should have a high uptime rate, meaning your website is almost always available and accessible to visitors. A service’s uptime guarantees, and past performance records are worth looking into.

Let’s not forget customer support. Technical issues can arise at any time, and you want to make sure you have access to knowledgeable and responsive support to resolve any issues quickly. If your website goes down, you need to know that you can reach out to your hosting provider for help and that you’ll receive quick and effective support. A good hosting service should offer 24/7 support, through multiple channels, such as phone, email, live chat, and support tickets.

The Bottom Line

A great website will help grow your business. As your website attracts more traffic, you may need to upgrade your resources (like bandwidth and storage) as needed without facing downtime, so choose a service that offers that kind of scalability from the start.

When it comes down to it, Web Hosting is the unsung hero of the Internet. The right service provides a stable and secure platform for your website and helps ensure your visitors have a positive experience every time they visit. Factors including reliability, uptime, customer support, scalability, and security will mean the difference between your website’s failure or success.

South Africa Telecoms 2024: Smoke (Signals) and Mirrors Versus Real 5G Gains?

Posted on 15 February 202411 December 2025 by Jacques du Toit

From smoke signals to fibre optics, communication has changed dramatically. Today, telecom technology underpins how businesses and individuals exchange voice, data, video and information — instantly and across any distance. As South Africa moves deeper into the digital era, the telecoms landscape is shifting again, driven by 5G, fibre expansion, fixed wireless growth and new infrastructure investments.

So what can South Africans expect from telecoms in 2024? And how will these changes impact connectivity, costs and access nationwide?

1. The Next Phase of Connectivity: 5G Takes Centre Stage

South Africa continues progressing through generations of cellular technology, and 5G is the biggest step forward yet. Using higher-frequency spectrum than previous networks, 5G delivers:

Much faster speeds (up to 100x faster than 4G)
Lower latency for real-time applications
Higher network capacity for dense environments
Support for 100x more connected devices
Reduced power consumption

In simple terms, 5G enables stable, high-speed connectivity for homes, businesses, smart devices and IoT solutions.

Several South African mobile network operators have already confirmed expanded 5G rollouts in 2024, which means faster speeds and better performance will gradually reach more regions.

2. The South African Telecoms Landscape: What’s Changing in 2024

South Africa’s major mobile network operators (MNOs) have outlined clear priorities for the year:

Launching new consumer and business products
Expanding 5G networks
Improving rural and township coverage
Strengthening infrastructure for load-shedding resilience

At the same time, ICASA has announced another auction of high-demand spectrum in early 2024. This spectrum is essential because it allows MNOs the bandwidth needed to deliver reliable voice, SMS and data services.

Spectrum availability has a direct impact on:

Network performance
Coverage expansion
Data pricing
Investment into new infrastructure

For South Africa to grow its economy, attract investment and empower communities, mobile broadband infrastructure is non-negotiable — and 2024 is a pivotal year for progress.

3. Fixed Wireless Takes Off: Affordable Alternatives to Fibre

While fibre remains the benchmark for high-speed internet, fixed wireless access (FWA) has become a critical solution for South Africans who need:

Lower costs
Quicker installation
Uncapped options without fibre dependency
Reliable performance compared to mobile-only data

Fixed wireless includes:

Uncapped wireless internet
4G/LTE fixed wireless
5G fixed wireless
Satellite connectivity

As economic pressure continues locally and globally, fixed wireless gives both households and businesses access to affordable, flexible and reliable connectivity, without physical fibre lines.

4. Fibre Expansion Into Under-Serviced Areas

One of the biggest trends for 2024 is fibre expansion into areas that have historically lacked fixed-line connectivity.

MNOs and infrastructure providers have started rolling out optical fibre in communities such as:

Mitchell’s Plain
Grassy Park
Chatsworth
Phoenix
Gonubie
Soweto
Soshanguve
Vosloorus

This shift is crucial because many residents in these areas currently rely solely on mobile data — often expensive and capped.

5. Vox and HYPA: Expanding Affordable Internet Access

Vox continues driving connectivity in under-served communities through HYPA, its subsidiary ISP focused on:

Cost-effective unlimited wireless internet
Prepaid, contract-free services
No installation or connection fees
Reliable speeds backed by fibre infrastructure

HYPA operates across networks like:

Frogfoot RISE
Vuma Reach
MetroFibre

This makes home internet access affordable, accessible and uncapped, supporting education, work, streaming and daily online needs.

Simultaneously, Frogfoot Networks continues rolling out new fibre infrastructure into previously under-served areas, helping uplift local economies and broaden digital access.

6. Tackling Load-Shedding: Stronger Network Resilience

Load-shedding remains a major challenge for telecom networks in South Africa. To address it, MNOs have increased investment in:

High-capacity battery backups
Generators
Renewable and hybrid power solutions
Site-level redundancy for towers and data centres

For consumers, maintaining connectivity during outages requires reliable home power backups designed specifically for Wi-Fi routers and home networking equipment.

A customised MNO or ISP-approved backup system ensures your connection stays online during:

Work-from-home sessions
Online classes
Streaming
Browsing and communication

7. What to Expect From South Africa’s Telecoms Sector in 2024

Economists anticipate that inflation may ease and borrowing costs could drop later in the year — good news for households and businesses under financial strain.

With 2024 being an election year, infrastructure investment may also become more visible as part of service delivery commitments.

Whether political promises are met or not, one thing is clear:

MNOs, ISPs and fibre operators will continue rolling out competitive, innovative solutions that reshape South Africa’s connectivity landscape.

The telecoms industry is moving forward fast — driven by competition, consumer demand and the shift toward smarter, faster and more inclusive digital infrastructure.

FAQs

How will 5G affect home and business internet?

5G offers much faster speeds, lower latency and greater capacity for many devices. That means smoother video calls, faster downloads and better support for smart home and IoT devices where 5G coverage is available.

What is fixed wireless and is it a good alternative to fibre?

Fixed wireless uses mobile or dedicated wireless links to deliver home or business internet without fibre lines. It’s often cheaper, quicker to install and a solid option where fibre isn’t available — including uncapped plans and 5G FWA services.

How does Vox and HYPA improve affordable internet access?

HYPA (Vox’s subsidiary ISP) focuses on contract‑free, prepaid and uncapped wireless internet with no installation or connection fees, backed by fibre networks like Frogfoot RISE, Vuma Reach and MetroFibre. This makes home internet more affordable and accessible in many communities.

How are networks preparing for load‑shedding?

Operators are investing in battery backups, generators and renewable/hybrid power at towers and data centres to maintain service during outages. For households, ISP‑approved router backup solutions or UPS systems help keep home networks online.

How do I choose between fibre, fixed wireless and mobile data?

Consider fibre where available for consistent high speeds and low latency; fixed wireless for quick, cost‑effective unlimited options when fibre isn’t possible; and mobile data for on‑the‑go connectivity. Consider price, installation time, caps and reliability when deciding.

Five key trends driving enterprise Wi-Fi in 2024

Posted on 22 January 202421 August 2024 by Craig Blignaut

In the typical enterprise, there are a variety of applications required for use by various stakeholders; these different applications also demand different types of network technologies, from a speed and latency perspective, in order to function optimally. One of these technologies is Wi-Fi – not only has it been growing in popularity, but also in terms of capabilities, and the next generation of wireless will open up new opportunities for local businesses in the year ahead.

Much of this will come down to the introduction of the Wi-Fi 7 standard, which the Wi-Fi Alliance expects will be finalised and fully implemented before the end of the first quarter of 2024. Some Wi-Fi equipment manufacturers are already selling Wi-Fi 7-equipped routers and access points, while few user devices such as high-end smartphones with similar capabilities are already on the market and will be able to take full advantage of the standard.

While South Africa has often been as much as a year or two behind when it comes to the adoption of new Wi-Fi standards, this can prove to be a blessing in disguise: because of the delay in the finalisation of the Wi-Fi 7 standard, the country is in a position to leapfrog the current best standard, Wi-Fi 6e. Here are some of the trends that we can see as Wi-Fi 7 adoption picks up.

1. Enabling high-bandwidth, low-latency applications
Where Wi-Fi 6e delivers up to 10Gbps of bandwidth, Wi-Fi 7 brings a theoretical peak bandwidth of up to 30Gbps and latency of below 5 milliseconds. Such low latency enables applications such as real-time automation, where artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) can be used to run a factory or manufacturing operation without any data packet losses that can lead to errors.

For consumers, the introduction of this wireless technology standard could see more people taking more to social gaming and eSports, as well as 8K streaming as the experience improves. In addition, PC and console enthusiasts will also be able to enjoy multiplayer gaming while being on a wireless connection because of the low latency. Then, after being talked about for years, next-generation wireless headsets might finally drive increased adoption of applications such as virtual reality, augmented reality and even mixed reality for both personal and professional uses.

2. Smarter next generation networks
Current generation access points deliver ‘best effort’ networks, with latency increasing as the access point gets loaded, similar to what can be experienced when using other wireless technologies such as 4G/LTE or 5G. This is unlike using optic fibre, for example, which can have service level agreements (SLAs) in place and provide a guaranteed experience.

On the other hand, next-generation networks will be ‘deterministic’ networks, with software-programmable Wi-Fi radios to ensure optimal network capacity and efficiency, thereby providing higher reliability and lower latency. Being designed as an end-to-end network fabric also brings onboard new capabilities such as Ethernet Virtual Private Network (EVPN) and Virtual Extensible Local Area Network (VXLAN). EVPN and VXLAN provide enterprises with the flexibility to better manage their campus and data centre networks even as a growing number of endpoints – such as mobile devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices and more – are added to the network.

3. Unified management across access technologies
Within the enterprise, there will be a growing focus on implementing unified policy management for multi-radio access technologies; this could see various standards including Wi-Fi 6e, Wi-Fi 7, Private 5G and wired access points all working together under a single enterprise network. This ensures that consistent policies are being applied across the different technologies, which also results in a seamless handover when users switch between different technologies.

We are also seeing IoT play a greater role in the enterprise with more sensing devices being rolled out, and they will need to be supported by connectivity. In response, vendors are incorporating more IoT technologies into their access points, while organisations can also use unified policy management to include low-power wireless networks that are dedicated to IoT or machine-to-machine (M2M) devices, such as Zigbee, as part of their single enterprise network.

4. User experience as a priority
Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6e brought improvements in bandwidth capacity even when used in high-density deployments where there are a lot of users simultaneously connected and, as is usual with any new generation, Wi-Fi 7 has to provide a lot more than that. Where the focus to date has been on increasing overall bandwidth and improving network speeds, Wi-Fi 7 will shift the priority to ensuring a quality Wi-Fi experience for the end user.

This includes capabilities such as 8×8 MIMO, or Multiple-Input Multiple-Output, which is a wireless technology that uses several transmitters and receivers (in this case 8 each) to transfer more data at the same time. These dedicated radios can also track users as they walk around and even transfer them seamlessly between access points to ensure the best user experience.

5. Improved wireless security
With Wi-Fi being so ubiquitous, it makes use of Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) technologies to keep information passing across Wi-Fi networks safe. The current standard, WPA3, provides the latest security protocols and more robust authentication, including 192-bit security to protect more sensitive data.

However, WPA3 cannot be enabled unless all devices on the network support this latest security standard. When it comes to wireless security, the standard in use falls back to what can be used by the least capable device on the network, so for example, if you have devices that still use WPA2, then that is the standard at which the entire network will be secured. With cybersecurity threats on the rise, we are likely to see more older equipment and devices being retired from networks in order to maintain higher levels of security.

What enterprises do need to keep in mind is that making the switch to Wi-Fi 7 could create bottlenecks in other areas of the network and they may need to upgrade or even redesign their infrastructure, such as making use of managed switches, in order to cater for increased bandwidth across the network. If other equipment such as routers, switches, and cables are not up to standard, they will not stand to gain from the full benefit that Wi-Fi 7 brings. Here, they must work with a technology expert, such as Vox, who works closely with major equipment vendors and can do a comprehensive needs assessment and provide qualified reasons as to why specific solutions and technologies should be used in an organisation’s network.

Ultimately, Wi-Fi 7 is about bringing more choice for customers; wireless has long competed with wired networks, and the arrival of Wi-Fi 7, is game-changing, as it ushers in an era where those opting for a wireless connection no longer need to worry about the drawbacks of increased latency and dependency on ‘best effort’ networks.

Unlock Savings and Stay Connected with Vox Voice

Posted on 19 January 20249 December 2025 by Andrew King

Vox Voice is built to keep businesses talking — without the high bills that often come with interruptions such as loadshedding. By combining cloud telephony, mobile softphones and smart routing, Vox Voice reduces outbound and inbound voice costs while keeping customers and teams connected, wherever they are.

Why rethink business voice?

Even when the lights go out, customer enquiries keep coming. Many organisations fall back on costly cellular calls and reimburse staff, or they tolerate dropped customer calls. Vox Voice removes those compromises. Our solutions maintain corporate call rates, avoid expensive per‑minute cellular billing and reduce the administrative burden of expense claims — all while giving you the resilience your business needs.

How Vox Voice cuts your costs

Use one number, two endpoints: Vox lets employees use the same corporate SIP number on desk phones and mobile devices (via the Vobi app). Calls automatically follow the active endpoint, so desk‑to‑mobile switchover is seamless and billed at VoIP business rates.
Per‑second billing: Our VoIP outbound calls are charged per second rather than per minute — a simple way to cut calling costs, especially on frequent short calls.
Unify telephony and mobile: Avoid reimbursing staff for cellular calls. With the right Vox Voice setup, employees make and receive business calls on their mobiles at corporate VoIP rates.
Flexible deployment: Cloud PBX, hosted PBX or operator‑integrated voice — choose what fits your budget and scale as you grow.

Solutions for every business size

Vobi (mobile softphone): Ideal for businesses with hybrid or remote staff. Vobi pairs mobile devices to your office number, keeping rates low and continuity high. The app is free to install; licensed at the competitive Vox business rates.
3CX Cloud (medium businesses): Fully managed cloud PBX that emphasises mobility. Users get free unlimited apps for iOS and Android and can make and receive calls from anywhere using their office number — perfect for businesses that can’t rely solely on on‑prem power.
Operator Connect (Microsoft Teams): For organisations standardised on Teams, Vox’s Operator Connect bridges your Teams licences with a managed, low‑latency voice network, turning Teams into your unified Voice platform.

Loadshedding resilience — practical options

Loadshedding often causes the last‑mile power outage (ONT or router), not a network outage. Here are our Vox Voice strategies to maintain service:

Softphone failover: When desk phones lose connection, calls failover to the Vobi app on mobiles automatically — same SIP number, same corporate rates.
Cloud PBX hosting: Host your PBX in the cloud rather than on premise to avoid PBX power dependency.
Last‑mile redundancy: Use alternative last‑mile access (LTE/5G, wireless) where needed to keep your telephony trunk online.

Additional business benefits

One invoice option: Combine voice with other Vox services for simpler billing and greater stickiness.
Centralised management and reporting: Gain visibility into call costs and employee usage to drive smarter expense policies.
24/7 support: Vox backing with national support ensures rapid assistance when you need it most.

How to get started

Assess your telephony needs (number of users, hybrid working, call volumes).
Choose an appropriate Vox Voice solution — Vobi + Verto for SMEs; 3CX or Operator Connect for larger deployments.
Add last‑mile redundancy where required (LTE/5G or wireless).
Deploy and train staff on softphone usage to ensure seamless failover during outages.

Want a tailored quote or a resilience assessment? Enquire now about Vox Voice and let us design a voice solution that saves costs and keeps your business connected.

As holiday accommodation is booked out this festive season, guests will be demanding a good Wi-Fi experience

Posted on 14 December 202321 August 2024 by Jacques du Toit

As owners of guest lodges, Airbnbs and other types of holiday accommodation gear up for the busy festive season, they need to ensure that they are delivering a good Wi-Fi experience for guests. It is becoming increasingly apparent globally that modern customers demand seamless connectivity and this is often reflected in the online ratings, says Vivica CEO Jacques du Toit, who adds that a spike in queries from guest house owners means this trend is also reflected in South Africa.

“It is important to define what a good Wi-Fi experience is,” says Du Toit. “It means full coverage, simple experience to access the Wi-FI, uncapped and unrestricted access and lastly, backup power when there is loadshedding.

Guests need to be able to walk in and connect with no password, have no cap on data usage and no restrictions or limitations on what they can do online. In other words, if they want to stream Netflix all night or perform a software update on their phone, they need to be able to do this.”

Previously, this type of connectivity was either not possible or too expensive, which is why some guest houses still don’t have this type of Wi-Fi capability, says Du Toit. “There are still guest houses which provide passwords that need to be renewed when data limits are exceeded and this is a big red flag for digitally savvy consumers. In the past it was expensive but modern fibre-to-the-business (FTTB) packages, such as those provided by Vox, deliver a full, uncapped and high-speed service at a cost similar to traditional fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) packages. There’s just no reason for holiday accommodation not to move with the times,” he says.

Having a good internet package is one thing, but guest houses need to invest in backup. “The reality is that if it isn’t load shedding then there may well be an unexpected power cut,” explains Du Toit. “ISPs offer small internet-specific UPS systems that ensure uninterrupted connectivity. More people need to know about these and it is certainly something we at Vox understand as a basic requirement for any establishment that has guests.”

Du Toit says that there is a definite need to educate small business owners, such as guest accommodation owners or managers, about how Wi-Fi works because simple shifts can radically overhaul the connectivity experience. “When people switch to Vox we often see situations where they had upgraded to the highest speed packages available, but they were not advised to upgrade their access points. Using end-of-life technology simply prevents a good Wi-Fi experience,” he says. Wi-Fi access points need to be replaced at least every 2 years. Customers also need to ensure that the software is regularly updated to ensure optimal performance and up to date security measures.

Beyond that, not enough people understand the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks. “I am sure most people have noticed two options when they turn on their routers for the first time. These aren’t negligible. Choosing the right frequency for the right purpose is crucial. 2.4 GHz has a longer range and can penetrate walls and rooms, but it may experience more interference and have a lower throughput. Here, the user will experience slower speeds, albeit further away from the router. 5 GHz, on the other hand, provides faster speeds but its effective range is far shorter,” explains Du Toit.

When people realise this, or when they have dead spots in their businesses or homes, they often buy Wi-Fi extenders, which Du Toit says is not an optimal solution because they don’t work as people expect them to. “Rather, customers should be educated about wireless mesh network. At a place such as Vox, a mesh device can be rented for a very small monthly fee, yet the Wi-Fi experience is drastically improved” says Du Toit.

In a mesh Wi-Fi environment, instead of relying on a single Wi-Fi device such as a traditional router, you have multiple access points placed strategically throughout the home or office. These access points work together to provide a more reliable and extended wireless coverage. The advantage is that as you move around, your devices seamlessly connect to the access point with the best signal, ensuring a consistent internet connection.”

This can be set up once-off, says Du Toit, or businesses that place a premium on a good Wi-Fi experience for their customers or guests, can engage with Vox for managed Wi-Fi, he says. “Managed Wi-Fi allows a step-shift away from complexity and an over-reliance on a Wi-Fi architecture that isn’t ideally suited to each location’s unique needs. The managed service means businesses benefit from hands-on convenience and support within a reliable and performance-optimised ecosystem,” he says.

Moving from GEO to LEO: Transforming Enterprise Connectivity

Posted on 14 December 20231 August 2024 by Theo van Zyl

Theo Van Zyl, Head of Wireless at Vox talks satellites and connectivity and the value of speed when reimagining enterprise connectivity.

Latency is a keyword for connectivity, especially within organisations that demand high-speed, highly available solutions that meet their growing data requirements. At a time when the total data volume from enterprises globally sits at more than 2.02 petabytes at 42.2% annual growth. In short, data is exploding and so is the need for connectivity platforms that provide higher data throughput to allow organisations to transmit and receive data at speed. Efficient data transfer is critical in the cloud-powered, digital economy.

Enter LEO. This multi-orbit solution is often used for high-end communication services such as the military and mission-critical networks because it is fast, secure, and capable of handling extensive data transfers. LEO satellites sit at approximately 500 to 1,200 km from the Earth’s orbit compared with GEO satellites at 35,000km and MEO satellites at between 10,000 and 12,000kms. Thanks to its proximity to Earth, LEO satellites deliver a latency that’s less than 100 milliseconds whereas GEO satellites – where most communication solutions reside – are approximately 600 miliseconds and more. It also offers a throughput of 250Mbpsdownloads and 20Mmbps uploads.

Other advantages of LEO are that the proximity to Earth allows for the system to bypass many geographic conditions and can provide global coverage. These networks are also uninterrupted and secure which are critical factors for data transfer – no organisation wants to prioritise speedy communication of the security of their data. Fortunately, LEO, having been designed for some of the most secure organisations and entities around the globe, brings robust security as a standard.

Until recently, LEO connectivity wasn’t widely available in South Africa primarily because of the cost factor. This is largely due to the fact that LEO satellites aren’t static like their GEO counterparts – they orbit the Earth which means the organisation also needs an antenna that can follow the satellite signal all the time. Another barrier to entry has been that LEO requires 100s of satellites to provide coverage compared with GEO needing only one or two to cover large areas.

Which introduces the question of cost. Why would the enterprise turn to the LEO network when the cost is significantly higher than that of a GEO network? The answers lie in the keywords of high-speed connectivity with low latency. It is an ideal solution for organisations lacking access to fibre or wireless technology and it delivers exceptional service delivery and reliability. While the price tag remains high, partnerships with organisations specialising in connectivity solutions are bringing the cost of LEO into a more realistically affordable category.

While the solution remains relatively costly today, increased usage and adoption by data-driven organisations will likely see it become less expensive over time. Once the business has invested in the technology, it also has the option to potentially connect communities and towns with one LEO solution, deploying 4G or 5G connectivity throughout a region or area. This is a useful investment for mining or manufacturing organisations that operate within rural regions and want to drive the upliftment of local communities alongside gaining the connectivity advantage.

Taking it deeper into niche industry territory, LEO satellites offer immense value to organisations that want reliable connectivity to drive safety and productivity. Ships out at sea, mining communities, and other critical communication requirements can be met by LEO satellites regardless of where the organisations or facilities are located.

LEO, while still on the cost fringes for some organisations, is gaining traction across enterprises and industries thanks to its ubiquity, security, and high-speed capabilities. It delivers the backup and redundancy that organisations want and need. It is perfectly positioned for the rising tide of automation and AI, providing the modernising organisation with the connectivity architecture it needs to thrive.

Fibre down again? Understand the difference between your ISP and the area’s FNO

Posted on 11 December 20231 August 2024 by Jacques du Toit

There has been a notable spike in fibre downtime in areas across the country and this is understandably causing immense frustration among customers. However, Vox CEO Jacques du Toit says it is important that the public understands the difference between a fibre network operator (FNO) and an internet service provider (ISP), because directing wrath at the wrong party simply compounds the problem.

“In this day and age, where people and businesses rely on their internet connectivity, interruptions, or downtime for extended periods, raises the collective blood pressure like little else. However, because ISPs are the face that customers deal with on an ongoing basis, be that through fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) or fibre-to-the-business (FTTB) connections, they are mistakenly blamed for fundamental infrastructure faults, which FNOs have a responsibility and duty to maintain,” says Du Toit.

The reason he feels that customers should be educated on the difference between FNOs and ISPs is because it has become apparent that when customers misunderstand where the fault lies, they switch between ISPs, causing further migration delays and often suffering early termination penalties – all of which are avoidable.

An FNO is an entity responsible for deploying, managing and maintaining fibre optic networks. Their role is the physical infrastructure. Examples of FNOs are Openserve, Vumatel, Frogfoot, Metrofiber Networx and Octotel.

An ISP, like Vox, is a company that provides internet access to businesses or residential customers. Their role is to operate on top of existing network infrastructure. The ISPs manage services by offering different plans and packages based on speed and other features.

Du Toit says that FNOs play a crucial role in setting up the essential fibre networks that deliver connectivity to a residence or business. “These networks act as the vital link between your premises and our nearest Point of Presence (Data Center), enabling us – as Vox, an ISP, to deliver high-speed and reliable internet services to the customer.

“There are several FNOs operating in South Africa, each competing to expand their coverage areas as rapidly as possible. They refer to this as ‘homes or businesses passed’. Due to the significant costs involved in deploying these fibre networks, it’s not economically feasible for an FNO to duplicate efforts in areas already covered by another FNO. As a result, in the majority of areas where FTTH and FTTB services are available, a premises is essentially served by a single FNO network. There are a few areas where there are more than one, but broadly speaking – an area is most likely dependent on a single FNO,” he explains.

“We, as the ISP, are obliged to contract with the FNO serving a particular area. They have a duty to ensure the infrastructure is maintained. In addition to infrastructure maintenance, FNOs are suffering from vandalism and load shedding. When it is down, it affects our customers, just as it affects the customers of every other ISP working in the area,” he says. “In such instances, apply pressure on the FNO to resolve the issue promptly”.

Du Toit says that a cursory glance at daily reports of outages on FNO infrastructure demonstrates that the last few months have been particularly bad – it has basically doubled from April onwards. Out of sheer frustration, many fibre customers switch ISPs in the hope their woes will be addressed, but all they are doing is switching from one company to another using the same network with its faults.

“Changing ISPs involves more than just investing time; it entails dealing with administrative challenges and technical intricacies. There is a potential for service disruptions throughout the migration process, and early contract termination penalties might be applicable,” he says.

Ultimately, Du Toit believes that as more people understand the differences and roles of FNOs and ISPs, then they will be better empowered to help hold the FNOs accountable while enjoying the unique benefits of their chosen ISPs.

Wading through complexity: Enterprise connectivity doesn’t need vellies or wellies

Posted on 7 December 20231 August 2024 by Craig Blignaut

Security, connectivity, mobility, configuration – the enterprise network is an exercise in complexity unless management is refined and streamlined, says Craig Blignaut, Product Manager, Wi-Fi at Vox.

Connectivity is fundamental to a thriving enterprise. Cloud sprawl, security, scale, inflexibility, compatibility, integration – these are pervasive challenges for organisations wanting connectivity that’s capable of managing user demands and their infrastructure. Yet, as a recent Forrester survey found, 40% of organisations feel that they are losing control over their technology estates thanks to a lack of cloud connectivity – they want more connectivity options and better control over their estate so they can modernise at speed. The problem is…the problem of connectivity.

For most companies, Wi-Fi is an internally managed resource which can inhibit its ability to flex on demand and provide agile support in the event of a failure or downtime. Internal teams only have so many resources at their disposal, and these resources are stretched across users, security and systems. Ideally, the enterprise needs a connectivity platform that can change shape on demand without putting undue pressure on internal resources, and without running the risk of downtime.

These are just some of the reasons why companies are turning to managed Wi-Fi solutions to take the burden off the business’s shoulders. The market is projected to reach $90 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 14.42% over the next seven years. It aligns with research released by Forrester in mid-2023 that highlighted the rise of the business-optimised network (BON) – a network designed for the business. It’s not as obvious as it sounds. The network has always been designed for the business but it also hasn’t. Networks were, as Forrester points out, simply there to connect devices and repositories. Now they are the critical backbone of the enterprise’s architecture, connecting ports, storage, people, technologies, geographies and ecosystems.

In short, they’re not really being correctly designed for the business because they aren’t taking every component and use case into consideration. Managed Wi-Fi allows for the business to step-shift away from convoluted complexity and an over-reliance on a Wi-Fi architecture that isn’t ideally suited to its needs and instead benefit from hands-on convenience and support within a reliable and performance-optimised ecosystem. ISP-managed Wi-Fi solutions provide companies with all-in-one packages that include both the internet service and the Wi-Fi technology so companies don’t need to think about setting things up, troubleshooting the system or ensuring every touchpoint is operating optimally. It becomes someone else’s problem.

Which is nice, because solving that problem via a managed service provider also brings reliability, performance and security.

Quality equipment, optimal network performance, optimised settings, regular maintenance, firmware updates, and robust security features are included in a managed Wi-Fi service. These are time-consuming essentials that have traditionally slowed IT teams down or affected overall network performance. Managed means value-added in that controls and capabilities are dealt with by the service provider and any potential vulnerabilities are rapidly resolved with regular security updates.

The other benefit that comes with shifting responsibility across to a managed service provider is a significant reduction in downtime. Security patches, errors, vulnerability management and network inefficiencies are dealt with rapidly and often without the need to reboot the entire system and leave the office without critical connectivity. It’s an immediate return on investment thanks to reduced downtime and inefficiencies, particularly for companies dealing with remote workers and a global client base.

An accredited Wi-Fi specialist team is essentially a certified support system that delivers connected peace of mind. It’s that simple. While the as-a-Service model is hardly new, shifting Wi-Fi into this realm can help organisations better optimise their services and the design of their networks, effectively overcoming the challenge Forrester raised earlier. A managed Wi-Fi provider assesses the needs of the business and designs a network that meets those needs across key factors such as coverage, capacity and interference. They also manage deployment, configuration and monitoring while allowing for the business to scale on demand.

Taking Wi-Fi into a managed space can help organisations refine their connectivity and costs at a time when both are essential to growth and resilience.

Maximising Your Home Wi-Fi Network: Not Modern-Day Magic, Just a Bit of Science

Posted on 7 December 20231 August 2024 by Craig Blignaut

It’s not unusual for homes today to have up to 17 devices connected to the home Wi-Fi network. From phone calls to gaming, streaming, downloading music and being generally connected for work, school or college, today’s smart home can have multiple users connected in different ways at any given moment. So you need your Wi-Fi to be up to the task – loadshedding aside of course, which is a different story.

Thanks to today’s technology, we can stay connected with family, friends, work and the world in general without having to set foot out the door. Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that uses radio waves to provide wireless high-speed Internet access. When you access it, you are connecting to a wireless router that allows your compatible devices to interface with the Internet: no cables, no wires, no worries – it’s the easiest, most flexible way to make use of your home broadband connection.
So Wi-Fi is not another word for the internet – it’s just one of the ways that you can access it.

Coming From a Network Near You: Fibre Optics 101

Let’s take a step back and look at how Wi-Fi brings the internet into your home so that you don’t need cables (by and large). It all starts with fibre optic cables that are laid outside your property in the general neighbourhood by the FNOs, or ‘fibre network owners’.

Fibre optic cables are made of glass threads, which transmit data at the speed of light in glass. Because the speed of light is the fastest speed known, data (in pulses of light) is transmitted faster than via copper wires or cables. It also – unlike copper cables – has no major resale value on the black market, so those looking to make a quick illicit buck tend to leave fibre optic cables alone – another plus.

The FNO companies, of which there are a few , are responsible for owning and managing your fibre optic connectivity infrastructure. They dig the trenches and lay the fibre optic cables initially, and then install the fibre boxes outside your property wall.

When you sign up for a Wi-Fi service, an internet service provider (ISP) – like Vox – will then take over from the FNO to provide you, the customer, with your internet service. This is done by linking the FNO fibre box outside your property wall – still using a fibre optic cable – to an optical network terminal (ONT) inside your home.

The ONT – also called the modem – is then linked via another short cable into your router, which then ‘translates’ internet data received via fibre optic cable into radio signals, to create your home Wi-Fi network.
And that’s how it all starts.

Moving Indoors…
However, there are times when our Wi-Fi networks don’t perform as well as we need them to, so let’s look at some simple things to help you make your home network perform optimally.

1. Location, Location, Location…
Wi-Fi signals work like sound, which means that distance and walls make it harder for your devices to connect. And so, although we think of W-Fi networks as virtual fields that fill our living spaces, they are actually composed of physical signals – and the physical devices that enable this.

Radio waves travel best through open air, so sight lines are a good clue: if you can see the router from far away, and from many different angles, you should be using it efficiently.
It’s therefore best to make sure that both the Wi-Fi router and the ONT / modem to which it’s connected are placed near the centre of your home.

2. Position Your Wi-Fi Router Correctly
Did you know that other electronic devices such as microwaves, cordless phones, Bluetooth products, alarms and surveillance equipment, and baby monitors, can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal? You should therefore position your router as far away as possible from such items.

Additionally, don’t place your router in an enclosed area (inside a cupboard or desk), on the floor, or near any other heat-producing devices. The higher up you can place it, the better. This is because most routers are designed to broadcast signals slightly downwards as they travel from the antenna, so you want to be able to maximise the efficiency of the trajectory.

3. Find Your Frequency
Different devices work according to varying frequency bands. Older routers work on the 2.4 Ghz frequency, while newer phones and laptops use the more stable 5Ghz range. A dual-band device that supports both frequencies is ideal – using a dual-band router can ease the congestion that happens when there are too many neighbourhood Wi-Fi networks.

Because most of the older Wi-Fi equipment operates on the 2.4GHz band, many people – especially in more densely populated areas – find that their neighbours’ Wi-Fi networks are interfering with their own, hindering its performance and range. It’s a bit like having too much traffic on a relatively small road. The problem can be solved with a dual-band device that operates simultaneously at 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
While the 2.4GHz band is necessary for supporting older Wi-Fi devices, being able to use the 5GHz range is almost like moving from that crowded, smaller road to a much larger and emptier highway, with much less congestion.

4. The Exception To The Wireless Rule
Sometimes, ensuring your connectivity through Ethernet cables is best, especially if the devices are stationary, for example gaming consoles, smart TVs and Internet of Things-enabled (IoT) security cameras. This will result in lag-free gaming, smoother streaming and more reliable home security networks.

At the same time, running cables to your fixed devices in turn frees up your radio-enabled Wi-Fi usage to the devices that you can’t plug in, such as your phones, laptops and tablets.

5. Your Home Network – Optimised
If your house is large, or has a layout that’s too intricate for a good signal, you could install Wi-Fi extenders to give you extra reach and take care of the proverbial ‘dead zones’. Extenders work by receiving your Wi-Fi signal and rebroadcasting it. However, at the same time, each one that you add will also reduce the speed of your network, sometimes by up to half.

An even better solution is the use of a meshed network to extend your Wi-Fi coverage. Mesh Wi-Fi extends the range of your network, but doesn’t sacrifice as much speed as an extender would. It also creates a single network while doing so, creating a seamless Wi-Fi experience throughout your home – instead of having different parts of your home running on different passwords to get into a new network. Vox Wi-Fi Home Mesh will extend your coverage without needing network cables.

6. Measure Your Signal Strength
There are a number of apps which allow you to map your Wi-Fi signal throughout your house and work out where it’s weak. This can give you some clues on how to better position your router.
Looking at just one app: you could try the Wifi Analyzer (for Android phones – available on Google Play), which shows the Wi-Fi channels around you and helps you to find a less crowded channel for your wireless router.

For more information on how to optimise your Wi-Fi – and especially if you want to change to Vox as your ISP – we’re here to help. Vox has a solution to fit your budget, both to buy or rent.