We’re firm believers that peace of mind is underrated. Especially household peace.
We also believe that few things destroy household peace faster than “broken” Wi-Fi. Yeah, forget politics, burned braai meat, and turns on the Xbox; buffering is this seasons Dr Doom.
On your average day: one kid is on YouTube, the other playing Fortnite, Mom is on a video call and Dad trying to responsibly watch Man United in 4K. Suddenly, everything freezes. Fingers are pointed, voices raised, sanity does a runner – welcome to the Wi-Fi wars.
Let’s fix it.
Understanding the Battlefield.
Most home Wi-Fi isn’t “slow” – it’s just more overwhelmed than a McDonald’s Ice Cream Machine. Today’s modern home is equivalent to a 2009 tech startup, with each containing multiple smartphones, Smart TV’s, laptops, tablets, consoles, cameras, a PC in a corner and that mysterious device nobody can explain.
Each one is simultaneously fighting for bandwidth, and if your line can’t multitask (it happens to the best of us), the whole house is destined to suffer.
So, herewith Rule One:
You can’t use entry-level speeds for heavy duty Wi-Fi use.
Be honest about your usage. If you’re simultaneously streaming Netflix, updating your PS5, Teams calling and downloading from the Cloud, you need serious bandwidth.
Even lightning-fast Fibre is only as quick as the Router (and its positioning). If you’ve placed yours inside the spare microwave in the garage cupboard, congratulations – you’ve played yourself.
Remember the days when we’d have entire computer stations in the house, complete with external speakers and cd racks? They sat there like modern day shrines to Connectivity – and their modern descendants have similarly royal aspirations. Wi-Fi needs optimal working conditions to perform better; so think open space, central positioning, and elevation. If your signal dies only in specific rooms of the house, you don’t need to invent cuss words, you may just need a better router setup (or to invest in mesh).
Many users are surprised when their Wi-Fi doesn’t magically bend around walls. Go figure.
Fact is, everything from concrete to an innocuous appliance can be a signal killer. If you’re living in a mansion, or even a double story place, you should always consider:
You see, fast internet isn’t about bragging rights and feeling better than the neighbour. It’s about eliminating buffering wheels, frozen faces on work calls, and PC’s going on vacation when you’ve just had enough and need to clock out.
Sometimes you’re not buying Internet. You’re choosing peace. And, like we said, peace is underrated.
After that? It’s just a series of small stuff, with a lot of mindfulness. Routers, placement, extenders, prioritising traffic and ensuring that the next door neighbour isn’t secretly downloading series are all key fundamentals to making your own Home Wi-Fi run smoother. In short form? All it takes is a bit of research, investing in the correct equipment, and taking the time to understand what makes a conducive environment for better browsing and you’re good to go.
Let’s wrap it up…
The War of the Wi-Fi doesn’t start because of unreasonable families. It starts because your Internet was designed to fail from the offset.
Upgrade your speed.
Optimise your setup.
Say goodbye to buffering.
And let everyone work, play, stream, or anything in between in harmony.
Why connectivity isn’t just a line – it’s the backbone of your business
Connectivity today is no longer just a simple line to the internet – it’s a robust network to ensure that daily operations run smoothly.
What’s in a number? What do we think of when we hear the phrases ‘Big Five’, ‘Big Four’ and ‘Big Three’? And what does ‘Big Three’ have to do with the successful running of your business?
The first answer is easy, at least for South Africans. Just say ‘Big Five’ and visions of lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo appear – some of Africa’s most iconic and dangerous wildlife species. We regard them so highly here in South Africa that they all live on our bank notes!
As for the term ‘Big Four’, we generally think about SA’s traditional four biggest banks. (Although do watch out for the competitor snapping at your heels – we all know the names.)
But what about the ‘Big Three’? What does that have to do with your business, and what does your modern business need to run effectively?
The Utilities Needed Today
From a purely utilities perspective, modern businesses have always required access to electricity and water as baseline conditions, which are necessary in the background for them to run effectively and be positioned for growth.
Today, these two important utilities must also include a third one, namely internet connectivity as well. Not only that, but a company’s connectivity must be both fast and stable – the days of ADSL lines are arguably now the dinosaur days, at least at the enterprise level.
Super-fast and stable connectivity is now a necessity, not a ‘nice to have’ – and it could arguably also have become the most important of the new ‘Big Three’ for your business.
Consider this:
No electricity for hours or days at a time? It’s always extremely inconvenient and annoying, but alternative power sources do exist, as businesses across South Africa discovered during the dark days of Eskom (pun intended). Certainly, sometimes the high cost of alternative power sources (generators, for example) definitely ate into the profits, but staying connected was the literal price of a company’s survival, when many company owners had to settle simply for staying in business until better days returned.
No water? It’s also deeply inconvenient, but again, plans can arguably be made for non-industrial businesses at ad hoc moments, for example enabling a remote work force where possible, and buying water for those left on-site as required.
No fast and stable internet? This is more complicated. Connectivity is the backbone of modern business, functioning as a foundational asset that links people, systems and data. When it’s not stable or fast enough, growth is made more challenging.
In short, we can argue that connectivity is the backbone of your business, and it’s critical for growth.
Simply Inconceivable Without Lightning-Fast Connectivity
Connectivity today is no longer just a simple line to the internet – it’s a robust network to ensure that daily operations run smoothly.
Business-grade connectivity requires a robust network to ensure that daily operations are seamless, from enabling real-time collaboration to Voice over Internet Protocol (VOiP) technology for your company’s internal and external communications, to processing payments… and the list goes on.
As outlined previously, enterprise-level companies also require significant speed.
We look at some of the reasons why business-grade connectivity is the new player in the utilities team.
Connectivity: The Backbone of your Business
Connectivity is the foundation for operational continuity: it prevents downtime, and provides ‘always-on’ infrastructure, which allows uninterrupted access to Cloud-based tools and applications, which are essential for modern business operations.
A properly set up network enables backup and redundant paths, as well as enhanced security measures (for example encryption and firewalls) which protect against costly downtime and cyber threats (see here for Vox’s cybersecurity solutions).
In addition, modern connectivity also enables digital transformation, including maximising the power of AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) for automation, real-time data analysis and proactive maintenance. Moving operations to the Cloud requires high-speed, low-latency connections to ensure data is accessible and secure. In addition, investing in high-speed, scalable connectivity such as Fibre ensures that your infrastructure can grow as your business expands.
Modern connectivity enables productivity and collaboration by allowing for remote / hybrid work, while also ensuring that departments can remain connected for seamless collaboration on projects and data.
And finally, from the perspective of the customer, fast, secure and stable connections ensure that websites and e-commerce platforms operate smoothly, preventing lost sales due to slow load times or downtime.
Reliable connectivity also allows for immediate customer service, such as live chats and social media support, which can improve satisfaction and loyalty, while high-speed, secure connections provide real-time access to customer data, enabling targeted and personalised marketing.
In today’s digital-first world, a strong internet connection isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Robust connectivity allows your entire organisation to communicate and function effectively. Whether you’re running a small local office or managing a distributed remote team, your ability to stay connected determines how effectively you can serve clients, collaborate and see business growth.
There are many reasons why Internet networks fail, including congestion, physical damage to the Fibre, area outages, planned or emergency maintenance, router issues, DDoS attacks, malware on devices, outdated software on customer equipment, and more.
Did you know that Vox offers state-of-the-art failover solutions, to ensure that your business connectivity is always on? Failover options keep your services running when faults or outages happen.
Vox offers passive-active as well as active-active failover options – click here to find out more. It’s just the Vox way of ensuring that our role in your business’s ‘Big Three’ utilities doesn’t ever need to go down!
Vox Proudly Attains Google Verified Peering Provider Status
A significant accolade in the local ISP landscape
Vox is proud to announce that it has become a Google Verified Peering Provider, one of a select group in the South African ISP arena. The Verified Peering Provider (VPP) Programme identifies a group of internet service providers (ISPs) that have demonstrated diverse and reliable connectivity to Google. ISPs are awarded a Verified Peering Provider badge based on technical criteria related to their connectivity depth with Google.
“The Verified Peering Provider Programme is a recent accreditation from Google that recognises ISPs with high-quality, optimised connectivity into Google’s global network,” says Chris Burrell, Head of Network at Vox. “The Programme identifies providers that meet stringent technical and capacity standards, including diverse peering links to Google, ensuring faster access, improved performance, and greater reliability for customers using Google services.
“The Verified Peering Provider Programme is basically a ‘trusted partner’ list. Networks on it can connect directly to Google to access the content in a way that’s fast, safe and of the highest quality. You could think of it as a shortcut to get premium, direct access to Google services and content.”
Vox Customers using Google services such as YouTube, Gmail, Google Workspace, Google Meet and applications hosted on Google Cloud infrastructure will experience improved performance, reduced latency, and greater service reliability.
We unpack how the Google Verified Peering Provider Programme works and the benefits customers can enjoy.
‘Let’s Shake Hands…’
Burrell notes that in today’s Cloud-focused world, Google customers need simple and highly available connectivity solutions to reach publicly available Google resources such as Workspace and other internet-facing applications.
He explains: “Peering is like two networks shaking hands and saying, ‘Let’s share traffic/content directly with each other, instead of sending it through a middleman.’ It makes internet usage, including websites, videos, voice and Cloud apps, faster and more reliable for users, providing higher quality of experience.
“Many customers connect to Google Workspace, Google Cloud, or Google APIs using Direct Peering or via Route Server infrastructures at Internet Exchanges. These solutions provide network operators interconnectivity to Google.
“However, not all Google customers today are able to manage the complex connections of Peering, or they don’t meet the relevant requirements to maintain the high-quality standards required by Content providers. Against this context, using a Verified Peering Provider to connect to Google simplifies connectivity to Google’s network, and removes the complexity of managing Direct Peering connectivity.”
By leaving Direct Peering to the ISPs, the Verified Peering Provider programme enables Google customers to access all Google services without the complexities of Direct Peering. Verified Peering Providers manage Direct Peering with Google over dedicated private connectivity with redundancy requirements for each enrolled provider.
When Google customers connect to a Verified Peering Provider to reach Google, they are choosing a provider that has verified diverse connectivity to Google, which enables highly available access to Google services.
Benefits of the Google Verified Peering Provider Programme
As Burrell outlines, Google evaluates networks that would like to be peering partners: “Vox went through a stringent application and technical review process showing that we meet their performance, network stability, reliability and capacity standards,” he says. “As a result of our successful application, we are able to offer our customers a number of benefits.”
This includes the following:
Simplified connectivity: There is no need to meet Google’s peering requirements; instead, customers can leave the complexities of peering arrangements to Vox as a Verified Peering Provider.
High availability: The Google badge shows that the ISP has a highly redundant connectivity to Google.
Enterprise grade connectivity: Customers can connect to Google through internet products designed for enterprises; further, they can access Google with or without the need for border gateway protocol (BGP) or an autonomous system number (ASN). In addition, customers can work directly with the ISP’s customer services teams and operational escalations
Burrell clarifies that Vox’s Verified Peering Provider Programme is suitable for enterprises and businesses running Google Cloud apps, ISPs or partners reselling internet services, and any tech-savvy user streaming, collaborating or relying on Google services.
He adds: “Because Vox is a Verified Peering Provider, this ensures Google traffic is routed over well-engineered, high-capacity direct interconnects, reducing unnecessary transit paths and improving consistency. It’s part of Vox’s ongoing investment in network quality and reliability.
“Vox is truly proud of this accolade, because it’s a mark of trust from Google, and not every local ISP will be able to qualify. It shows that Vox meets high technical standards and can deliver premium internet performance for Google services, making service better for our existing and future customers,” concludes Burrell.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Google Verified Peering Provider?
A Verified Peering Provider is an ISP that has met Google’s technical and capacity standards for direct peering, offering optimised and reliable access to Google’s services.
How will this improve performance for Google services?
Direct peering reduces the number of network hops and potential bottlenecks, resulting in lower latency, faster load times and more consistent performance for apps like YouTube and Google Workspace.
Do Vox customers need to change anything to benefit?
No. Vox manages the peering relationship with Google. Most customers will see improved performance without changing their configuration.
Is this available to all Vox customers?
Benefits depend on routing and service configurations, but the VPP status enhances overall connectivity for enterprise and business customers across Vox’s network.
Can resellers and other ISPs use Vox as a Verified Peering Provider?
Yes. Resellers and partner ISPs can work with Vox to provide their customers with optimised access to Google services via Vox’s peering infrastructure.
Does this replace direct peering for larger customers?
No. Organisations that already operate direct peering can continue to do so. VPP provides an alternative path for customers who prefer Vox to manage peering complexities.
How does Vox ensure redundancy and reliability?
Vox maintains diverse, redundant links and operational processes that meet Google’s VPP requirements, ensuring high availability and predictable routing for Google-bound traffic.
At Vox, we believe our employees are the beating heart of our company, with merit and value built into all our available positions. In this edition of People of Vox, we find out more about Brian Rossouw, who is Vox’s Regional Sales Manager for Mpumalanga and Limpopo. When you meet Brian, you notice straight away how warm and funny he is, with an incredibly positive attitude.
As Vox’s Regional Sales Manager for Mpumalanga and Limpopo, Brian’s daily work sits where sales leadership meets customer experience. In addition to chasing targets and working on quotations, his daily purpose includes solving problems and creating consistent momentum, for both customers and his team members.
Before joining Vox three years ago, Brian worked in retail and telecommunications. He’s experienced a number of curveballs and challenges during his lifetime, but instead of using former hardships as an excuse to throw in the towel or feel sorry for himself, he has let those experiences shape his approach to work and leadership.
Let’s meet Brian and find out more about his amazing work ethic.
Juggling His First Job with His Final School Exams
Brian actually began his adult working life while he was still writing his matric final examinations. “When I was growing up,” he says, “my family was extremely poor, and my mom sometimes struggled to make ends meet. But, you know, God has always been good to us and I believe that He always had a plan for us. I knew that just as soon as I was able, I was going to start working to try and help her and my siblings.”
An opportunity arose when Brian was offered a short-term contract job as a picker-packer for a company that supplied frozen fish to restaurants. He explains: “It was a bit problematic because of the clash with my final school exam period, but I took the job to help my family. It was challenging – I was working the night shift in freezers that were about 10 degrees Celsius below freezing point! – but I managed.
“During the day, I would study and write my exams, and then I would work the night shift until about four or five o’clock in the morning. I’d get back home, study a bit or sleep if I could, depending on my exam schedule…. It was tough, but I made it through!”
After matric, Brian was able to find more permanent work and later landed up selling tech accessories in stores.
Young Brian already knows the importance of having fun at work!
“These early jobs were tough but formative,” he says. “They taught me resilience, humility and the value of small, steady steps. Taking consistent small actions is a personal philosophy for me, which I like to describe with the acronym ACSA: ‘Attitude and Consistent Small Actions’. I believe this mantra will help with achieving success in any realm in this world but I find it especially helpful within the sales arena.”
Brian believes everyone has the potential within them to change the world for the better. He elaborates: “And if you don’t have the power to change the world, at least change your world for the better!”
Human Connection: The Competitive Advantage
Brian describes himself as someone who creates ‘magic’ for customers when things go wrong. He treats each problem like an opportunity to deliver exceptional customer experience and to show his team how to close the loop properly.
For Brian, attitude includes emotional resilience and the ability to keep going when prospects are difficult or rejection happens. “I believe that attitude is a choice: you own how you feel and react, and resilient people outlast obstacles,” he says. “Consistent small actions are the daily disciplines that compound into success: making calls, following leads, refining quotes and improving process detail. “
Brian wants those he leads to cultivate emotional resilience, and he also believes in leadership as a teaching opportunity.
“I want to model the behaviour that I expect from my team members: doing the work, being present for others, and demonstrating how to handle objections and close deals. I’m proud to be in the role I once looked up to, and I enjoy helping others to climb the same ladder.”
Brian’s day starts early: he’s in the office at 07:00, reviewing sales interactions, quote volumes and order accuracy for every team member. From 08:00 Brian meets the team, unpacks individual performance and looks for the precise actions that will turn a weak day into a better one tomorrow. He spends the rest of the day in meetings, solving customer queries, planning strategic projects for multi-dwelling units and liaising with stakeholders. His role combines hands-on sales with coaching and troubleshooting.
For Brian, the best part of his job is the people he works with. He says: “People matter above all: customers, colleagues and the communities around them. I find people fascinating – how everybody is different and has a different story to tell. And in the work environment, human connection is a competitive advantage. While it’s true that AI and automation is bringing uncertainty, my advice remains the same: build adaptable skills, stay curious and focus on the human capabilities that technology cannot replace.
“My favourite success story is about a team member who could not write one quote in four months; after coaching, encouragement and steady accountability, this person became a top performer nationally. That is the essence of consistent small actions – you don’t need overnight successes; instead, you need persistence.”
Why Vox? The Human Difference
Brian believes that the combination of customer care and front-line coaching is what sets Vox apart, together with its people.
“Vox employs a direct sales force, with employees out in the field who represent Vox, not outsourced contractors,” he says. “This human connection matters. Customers speak to someone who knows the product, owns the process and cares about the outcome. For me, this is a defining advantage: it makes Vox personal, accountable and responsive.”
He also values how Vox embraces newcomers, explaining that when he joined the company, product managers and colleagues reached out to help him learn. He says: “This culture of openness and ownership impressed me, because not every company welcomes new starters with that level of support. My colleagues are incredibly generous and will always go the extra mile.”
One of Brian’s most memorable Vox experiences was a team event in Nelspruit where colleagues from across Mpumalanga gathered for training, laughter and community. After a day of face-to-face coaching and team building, the group sang together late into the evening. He explains: “It was a spontaneous moment of unity that moved me deeply, and reinforced my conviction that beyond metrics and targets, shared human experiences build a stronger company culture.”
Ending on a Positive Note…
Outside the office, his family life gives Brian his solid foundations. He lives with his wife Fanisia, and two young daughters, Klara and Donné, who are around three and one years old currently, and spends most evenings with his family after work.
He explains: “Most days, I work until just after four o’clock, and then I go and pick up the two most beautiful children in this world – and lucky enough they are also my children, otherwise that could be a bit awkward!” he laughs.
“I can’t imagine a life without my children – when it comes to kids, you just can’t fake those feelings. They are little now, but when my daughters are bigger, it’s my ambition to travel with my wife later in life, and we would like to alternate time between developing and developed countries on a three-month global trip,” he says.
Brian is also community-minded. He once chaired a Round Table chapter and helped raised significant funds – over R10 million – for local charities in Mpumalanga, which is a reminder that his leadership extends beyond the sales floor.
He adds: “My ultimate aspiration at Vox is simple but also ambitious: I’d like to be known as the person who brings positivity to every room, and as a leader who inspires others day after day. And I definitely don’t believe in ‘pity parties’ – throw yourself a pity party if you must, but make sure it’s on a tourist visa and doesn’t take up permanent residency!”
And with that blend of honesty and humour, Brian sums up his attitude to life: acknowledging life’s difficult moments while always keeping his eyes on solutions.
Imagine the joy of winning a car. The good news is that, with Vox and Octotel, you can!
And what a fun car we are offering to one lucky customer.
Our exciting new competition – ‘Win a Suzuki Jimny with Octotel and Vox’ – is offered together with Octotel, Cape Town’s largest open access Fibre Network.
[Drumroll, lights, three-two-one…]
Meet the Suzuki Jimny that could be yours!
Suzuki Jimny: Engineered for Adventure with Metro-Style Comfort
The Suzuki Jimny is a small but mighty four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle, which opens up possibilities of exploring rugged places while also being comfortable for metro driving.
With its rigid ladder frame chassis, 3-link rigid axle suspension and angled body with impressive ground clearance, the Suzuki Jimny is your gateway to new horizons!
It’s equipped with 4WD and low-range transfer gear, powered by a 1.5ℓ engine, and enhanced with traction and hill descent control. The Suzuki Jimny’s rugged exterior is designed for off-road functionality, while the interior offers convenience and durability.
Suzuki offers various colour scheme combinations, providing you with fun yet stylish options to choose from…
…but the car that you could win is a custom-designed, one-of-a-kind special version that’s guaranteed to get you noticed, wherever you go!
And thanks to such features as practical rear storage and handy front seat storage, an illuminated dashboard panel and Bluetooth-compatible audio system, you’ll be comfortable and connected whether tackling rough terrain or cruising the city streets.
A Potentially Life-Changing Opportunity
Winning a car brings practically anyone huge joy and sometimes even relief from challenging circumstances. For some people, it could be life-changing – not just a new possession but also a symbol of freedom, convenience and independence.
With Vox and Octotel, it’s a reward for loyalty for our qualifying Fibre to the Home customers. Do you think there’s a Suzuki Jimny out there with your name on it?
Click here to find out more and enter the competition!
FAQs
Who can enter the competition?
Qualifying Vox Fibre to the Home customers; check terms and conditions for full eligibility.
How do I enter?
Click here to find out more and enter the competition! (Follow the entry steps on the competition page.)
Is the Suzuki Jimny new and custom-designed?
Yes, it’s a specially customised Jimny as described in the prize details.
How will the winner be notified?
The winner will be contacted as per the competition terms; check the entry page for notification details.
At Vox, we believe our employees are the beating heart of our company, with merit and value built into all our available positions. In this edition of People of Vox, we meet Caleb Rutters, who works in the Stores Department as Team Leader: Vox Warehouse in Gauteng. Having been born and bred in Westbury, Gauteng, Caleb has faced and overcome challenges to become another valuable and award-winning Vox employee.
Caleb is proud to work in Stores and believes the equipment and logistics that his team manages every day is critical to the functioning of the company overall. He knows that behind every satisfied customer, there’s a chain of processes and people who made the required delivery possible. He might be proud to work for Vox Stores, but Stores – and Vox in general – is equally proud of him!
The Vox Stores department, which operates nationally across Cape Town, Durban and Samrand in Gauteng, is a central service point within the company, created to handle queries, give direction and ensure smooth coordination across the organisation. That’s why Caleb describes it as being vitally important to the daily functioning of Vox.
We find out more about his daily working life, and what he enjoys when he’s off duty.
The Internship that Began a Career
Westbury, where Caleb grew up and went to school, is known as being a challenging urban environment to live and work in. The area is characterised by deep-seated problems that are rooted in the past history of the country, as well as by gang warfare over turf in the present. However, the media stories don’t always reflect the enduring spirit and aspirations of its people – and Caleb is one of its visible success stories.
Aged just 18 years old, and with his matric exams still fresh in his mind – having finished school only three months before – Caleb was still wondering how he could start moving forward in life, when a stroke of luck arrived at exactly the right time. He found out quite suddenly about an internship opportunity with Vox and followed up on it by replying to an email late one Friday afternoon.
His innate talent and can-do attitude clearly showed in that first outreach, because Caleb quickly found himself liaising with a person who was keen to hire him, and who would go on to become his manager.
He explains: “I matriculated in November 2013 and, after a short period at home – which I found quite stressful while I was looking for job opportunities, which were rather scarce – I began working at Vox in March 2014 as an intern. A mentor whom I’d known at school found out about the internship and suggested to me, as well as a few of my peers from school, that we should apply. After a successful interview, I was offered the internship, for which I was very grateful!
“Over time, I was then able to work my way up through the Stores team, and my pathway included becoming, in turn, a Junior Stores Assistant, Senior Stores Assistant, Stock Controller and then Team Leader. I believe that my growth can be attributed to on-the-job learning as well as the mentorship of my manager, Parthosam Jairaj, also known as AJ, who has been responsible for much of my development and to whom I’m very grateful for the initial opportunity.”
(Editor’s note: Caleb modestly leaves out the fact that his growth can also be attributed to his desire to reach for opportunities and always give of his best!)
Eleven years later, Caleb is now the team leader of Vox’s Stores and Warehouse Team in Samrand (Centurion), responsible for the daily choreography of stock, shipping and returns that keeps the hardware related to Vox’s internet connections moving across South Africa.
“I’m proud of how far Vox has come,” he says. “I started at the company before Fibre and LTE were commonplace in South Africa, when services still relied heavily on ADSL and VoIP. Seeing Vox develop into one of the country’s leading ISPs has been a source of pride and motivation, and I’m grateful to be part of its journey as a company.”
Caleb has also come a long way in his career with Vox, having twice been a winner of the ‘Voscars’ during 2018 and 2023. The Voscars is Vox’s internal employee awards, a programme designed to recognise and reward employees who go the extra mile for their customers, with winners receiving significant cash prizes.
It’s a fantastic achievement to win the Voscars once – winning it twice is knocking it out of the park!
The Busy-ness of the Daily Routine
As team leader, Caleb oversees a compact and efficient team of five employees, not including himself. The team is kept busy with stock allocation, shipping and capturing stock in the system, processing large-scale orders, handling returns and managing billing queries, including situations where routers haven’t been delivered and where orders must be reconciled.
Caleb explains: “Without accurate inventory, logistics and shipping, customer connections don’t happen! And no two days are the same, which I enjoy. I am grateful for the mentorship I’ve received from AJ, as well as the daily interaction with my colleagues, who make work feel like a close-knit family! People are definitely the part of the job that I enjoy most. I like to lead my team with a practical, hands-on approach and make a point of being the ‘go-to’ person my colleagues can rely on.”
A typical morning begins early: Caleb aims to be at work by 07:00, which means waking up at about 05:00. “My commute can be long and subject to the usual traffic unpredictability,” he says. “Once I’m at the warehouse, the day is a stream of queries, urgent orders and escalations. I enjoy problem solving and when we’re working together as a team, there is a lot of joking and camaraderie to uplift us during our duties.”
Having stock of necessary items available and to hand in an organised manner is necessary for Vox’s proper functioning, and so monthly stock counts are conducted on the first working day of every new month. Caleb adds: “Every item, in every location, is physically counted and matched against the system. The process is critical for finding errors and discrepancies, whether from theft, mistakes or data mismatches. Across all Vox’s Stores locations, over 120,000 individual items are counted every month. It’s a huge task, but it keeps the Vox balance sheet accurate!”
A major operational milestone came in May 2024, when Vox consolidated several smaller stores locations in Waverley into a single large warehouse in Samrand. Caleb helped oversee the transfer: checking, boxing, labelling, transporting and then unpacking and verifying stock. It was physically demanding work and involved overtime and weekend shifts, but it also showed the team’s ability to coordinate under pressure.
The move took about a month to settle, and Caleb says the increase in space has been useful. After the move to Samrand had taken place, Caleb was also promoted to his current position, which speaks volumes about his ability and talents in taking on an additional challenge.
Music in His Veins
Caleb’s life outside work is centred on family and music, and he has some travel ambitions as well. He says: “I try to balance my time between spending time with my daughter as well as my own interests. Music is a lifelong passion that’s rooted in my family history, because my grandfather played saxophone in a band, and music was a constant presence in the house. And so, as a hobby, I occasionally do some DJ-ing over weekends – I enjoy playing music for other people when I’m able to slot it in around family obligations.”
He adds that in the future, he would like to explore South Africa more widely and see Cape Town, as well as travel to the United States, especially New York and other American cities that are known for their music and nightlife.
An Empowering Philosophy
Caleb’s personal mantra is a simple encouragement that he tries to live by and share with others. He says: “It’s important to believe in yourself… even small steps forward still move you closer to something great.” It’s a practical philosophy that he tries to live by as he continues to make steady progress in his chosen career through diligence, persistence and a willingness to go the extra mile.
Caleb and all his team members are vital cogs in the machine that is Vox, with their tried-and-trusted daily routines – involving managing stock, coordinating moves and motivating their colleagues – helping to make the promise of fast, reliable internet a reality for Vox’s customers across South Africa.
Switching back into work mode, after weeks of not looking at computer screens or checking messages regularly, is usually tough for most people. So be kind to yourself – with Vox as your partner – as you continue making the transition into 2026.
SA’s energy has shifted from sun-and-fun mode into normal gear again – otherwise known as ‘The Great Back-to-Work Depression’! As holidaymakers everywhere started going home, and the road and air traffic got moving in earnest, there was a sense of new beginnings but also some simultaneous low morale.
And with the December bonuses long spent, ‘Janu-worry’ (and now even ‘Febru-worry!‘) became a reality for most of us; a bit like the Springbok Bomb Squad sent in to take charge of the game: basically unstoppable, oh dear… The good news is that there are still practical ways that we can all use to regain focus and build positive momentum in these early weeks of 2026.
And so, whether you’re turning on your digital screens or closing them again at the end of the day, Vox is here to help you make the most of this still-new year.
Staying Mentally Balanced as You Re-Embrace Work
Here are some ways to embrace normality and make life easier for yourself once more.
Hint: None of it is really rocket science, but common sense is all about being like the Nike ads and just doing it!
Prepare in advance: Whether you’re working remotely or going into the office physically, it’s always useful to organise your calendar, plan meals or your work outfit, and make sure you get enough sleep.
Organise your workspace: Especially when you’re returning to your tasks and responsibilities, a clean, structured environment – both physical and digital – can calm your mind and boost your productivity.
Block out time: Try to stop your days from being swallowed up by too many meetings by ensuring that you have some time set aside to do or plan important tasks.
Decide what truly matters: Not every email will require immediate action, so you could create a priority list to take control of your workload. Ask yourself: right now is it truly urgent, or less important? This useful method, which uses the Urgent vs Important matrix methodology, might help you decide how to prioritise getting stuff done.
Ensuring Your Connectivity
So much for your mental strategies – let’s take a look at the practical side of today’s technology, which means being connected wherever you are.
Your urban home connectivity is always sorted with Vox, whether you choose Fibre to the Home, LTE/5G offerings, or Fixed Wireless solutions. And at any given moment, we’re sure to be running a great special to sweeten the deal further. Oh, and have you heard about Vox Rewards for our Fibre to the Home customers? It’s pretty unique in the South African ISP landscape, so check it out here!
With Vox, whichever technology works for your area, your connectivity is covered: for the beginning of your working day when you need to work remotely, and at the end of it, when you and your family embrace some down-time for streaming entertainment, gaming, online shopping and so on.
So why not ease yourself into 2026 gently with Vox as your partner, for your back-to-work hours as well as your down time?
May your early 2026 moments be as smooth as the natural Greek yoghurt that’s currently still a big part of your eating plan – and good luck with that too!
‘The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written.’ – Melody Beattie, self-help author
FAQs
How can I ease back to work after the holidays? Prepare the evening before, organise your workspace, block focused time, and prioritise tasks using an Urgent vs Important method.
Which Vox product is best for working from home? Fibre to the Home is ideal for consistent upload/download speeds; LTE/5G offers mobility and Fixed Wireless helps where fibre isn’t available.
Will Vox’s Fibre to the Home handle video conferencing and cloud apps? Yes, Vox Fibre offers symmetrical speeds and low contention suitable for video calls, cloud storage and collaboration tools.
Are there backup options if my home fibre goes down? Vox offers alternative connectivity options like LTE/5G and Fixed Wireless to keep you connected when needed.
What is Vox Rewards and who qualifies? Vox Rewards is a loyalty programme for qualifying Vox Fibre to the Home customers offering exclusive perks.
How can I contact Vox for help choosing a plan? Visit vox.co.za or Contact Vox Support for personalised advice and plan comparisons.
By Andre Eksteen, Senior Product Manager – FTTB at Vox
While niche internet service providers (ISPs) play a crucial role in bringing connectivity to underserved areas, they are often held back by the huge capital investment requirements. In response, Vox, one of South Africa’s leading internet and communications companies, has launched a partner programme that allows ISPs to benefit from our extensive network infrastructure, peering agreements, technical expertise, and more – while they can focus on delivering exceptional service to their customers.
These ISPs deliver reliable broadband and voice services in areas that larger providers often overlook. However, they lack the economies of scale, sizable infrastructure investments, and long-standing vendor relationships with vendors – challenges that create high barriers to entry for newcomers and mid-tier players alike.
ISPs have to source high quality network equipment as well as Business Support Systems (BSS) and Operations Support Systems (OSS) at competitive prices, and build a skilled technical team to manage complex networks.
They also have to deal with high interconnect costs, and negotiate peering and caching agreements with technology majors such as Apple, Google, Microsoft and Netflix; some of these ecosystem partners demand minimum capacity thresholds, making it economically unviable for ISPs not serving large customer bases.
These ISPs face significant hurdles in winning deals. Coverage gaps, limited network availability, and restricted access to premium networks put them at a disadvantage. On top of that, customers now expect a complete solution: multiple access technologies like fibre, wireless, and satellite, integrated with voice and PBX functionality, and delivered with speed.
Meeting these demands is not just challenging, it’s often impossible for niche players, which is why competing, let alone thriving, in this market remains such a struggle.
Expand without the heavy lifting
In an effort to address these challenges, Vox’s new Partner Programme will allow ISPs to leverage the company’s extensive experience in building and managing network infrastructure, delivering broadband and voice services to hundreds of thousands of customers countrywide; and technical and commercial partnerships with a wide array of access providers.
The Partner Programme provides the following benefits to small and mid-sized ISPs:
Seamless integration with flexible topologies: In order to ensure minimum disruption, Vox adapts to the ISPs setup, allowing them to choose from a range of options through which to connect their network, including point-to-point, ring or mesh configurations.
Premium infrastructure and expertise: ISPs gain cost-effective access to carrier-grade routers, switches, and skilled technicians – all without having to overpay for scale that they don’t need, and leaving the service provider with the task of customer acquisition and service excellence.
Ecosystem partnerships: ISPs can leverage Vox’s commercial agreements to get unmatched coverage across 10 fibre-to-the-business (FTTB) networks, 18 fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) networks, and 6 wireless-to-the-business (WTTB) networks. They can also bypass daunting minimum requirements and secure peering and caching with global leaders such as Google and Netflix at volumes that make sense for a connectivity provider of their size.
Tailored services: Modular and scalable offerings, from wholesale bandwidth to advanced voice solutions and beyond, mean that Vox gives ISPs the flexibility to grow at their own pace, while providing customers with low-latency, high-uptime performance.
Our new partner programme is tailored specifically for emerging and mid-sized ISPs that are ready to expand without the heavy lifting. The high fixed costs, building and maintaining complex networks, upstream relationships, and more are taken care of, leaving ISPs to focus on their unique selling proposition. This is not just about scale, but about enabling smart, sustainable growth that ISPs can tap into.
Become a Vox Partner and unlock new opportunities. ISPs need an ECS Licence, billing and network management systems, Teraco presence, CPE installation capability, and first-line support. For national and international core network capacity, use your own infrastructure or leverage Vox’s world-class backbone to deliver exceptional service.
It’s a partner offering that allows small and mid-sized ISPs to use Vox’s network, peering agreements, equipment and operational expertise to scale services without needing large capital investments.
Who is eligible to join the programme?
Emerging and mid-sized ISPs in South Africa with basic operational capabilities (ECS licence, billing and network management systems, CPE installation and first-line support) are the intended participants.
Can I use my own core network or must I use Vox’s backbone?
You can use your own national/international core capacity or opt to leverage Vox’s world-class backbone; the programme supports both models.
How does Vox help with peering and caching with platforms like Google and Netflix?
Vox’s commercial agreements and peering relationships allow partner ISPs to access caching and peering at volumes that make sense for smaller providers, removing minimum-capacity barriers.
What services can partners resell or access?
Modular options include wholesale bandwidth, advanced voice/PBX solutions, routing and switching, and multi-access topologies (FTTB, FTTH, WTTB).
Will I need to change my existing topology to join?
No, Vox adapts to your setup and supports point-to-point, ring or mesh connections to minimise disruption.
Are there pricing or contract minimums?
Commercial terms vary by partner needs and service selection. Speak to Vox for a tailored quote and contract options aligned to your growth strategy.
At Vox, we believe our employees are the beating heart of our company, with merit and value built into all our available positions. In this edition of People of Vox, we meet Dylan Lockwood, who works in the Sales Department as a Key Account Manager. He combines business discipline, insight and steady habits with the physical and mental discipline of ultra‑endurance sport, which helps him to tackle life with incredible energy and enthusiasm.
It’s not every day you meet someone prepared to take on a race that’s 100 miles long – and no, that wasn’t a typing error; the sentence is correctly saying ‘miles’ and not ‘kilometres’ (which is obviously what we in South Africa are more used to seeing). Let’s meet Dylan Lockwood, a Key Account Manager at Vox.
Dylan is one of an elite group of athletes who takes on the traditional ultramarathon challenge – and then runs significantly further! We find out more about what inspires and motivates Dylan, both at work and when he’s out running in nature.
“Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out of it what you put into it.” ~ Oprah Winfrey
A Trusted Adviser to his Clients
Having spent his early years in Johannesburg, Dylan today is based in Sea Point, Cape Town, with almost three years at Vox under his belt. His colleagues admire him for balancing his work responsibilities with a deep commitment to endurance sports (more on this later).
While Vox is widely known for providing Connectivity and Voice solutions, Dylan’s role is to identify additional opportunities for his 70 or so enterprise clients, across the full Vox offering. In this way, he’s able to enhance their business experience overall, potentially introducing additional offerings such as firewalls, Wi‑Fi, audiovisual (AV), hardware and Microsoft licensing into the overall product suite.
He explains: “My job is to be the customer’s first point of contact, and their trusted adviser. I don’t need to be a specialist in every product offered by Vox, but I do need to understand the breadth of offerings well enough to guide clients and facilitate their access to the right product managers. My job combines technical understanding with relationship management.”
Two lessons stand out for Dylan: “Firstly,” he says, “don’t take things personally – in client service, it’s critical to separate out negative emotion from the work. Secondly, it’s important to build strong daily habits. For me, consistency is the backbone of success. I like to start the day reliably, prioritise the activities that move the dial and trust the process when complex deals take months to land.”
He’s very happy working for Vox today, but if Dylan had had access to a fortune teller when he was still studying, he would probably have been surprised to see the company’s distinctive bright green branding pulsing out from the traditional crystal ball.
‘I see working at Vox in your future…’
Life Before Vox: Not Quite a Linear Process
Dylan’s journey after school didn’t entirely follow his originally intended path. Having first studied for a BCom in Industrial Psychology, Dylan later completed an Honours degree in Business Management while working full time: “This experience taught me how to juggle heavy workloads and study commitments!” he says.
His early career was in corporate sales with the Bidvest Group, where he discovered his deep love for the sales arena. Bidvest then sponsored further studies at Wits Business School, and he used this learning experience to further enhance his commercial skills.
He realised quite early in his career that he wasn’t entirely happy living in Joburg, especially as his love of endurance sports began to grow. He explains: “I’ve been quite active and sporty since I was at school, and when I started working in my first full-time corporate job, I found myself looking for a challenge outside work. I began exploring endurance sports when a friend persuaded me to enter a half Ironman race (70.3 miles) in 2017.
“Initially I was nervous about not having had enough time to prepare, but I was able to complete the event, which involved an ocean swim, bike ride and half‑marathon run, and from then on, I was hooked on the idea of participating in a sport that really pushes you to define your limits! I got into trail running and mountain biking and while I was based in Joburg, I rode the 947 Ride Joburg cycle race a couple of times. This helped to grow my interest in moving to Cape Town, where so much of the lifestyle is focused on nature and the outdoors.”
A move to remote work then allowed him to move to the Western Cape: Dylan took a role as branch strategist for a consumer review platform, which allowed him to relocate. After a year of remote working, he wanted to return to a more corporate role, which is when he was able to join Vox.
What Sets Vox Apart?
Dylan highlights two things that he believes differentiate Vox in the ISP market: the ability to deliver full turnkey solutions and the calibre of people. He explains: “Vox can supply connectivity, telephony, licensing, cabling and hardware, in other words, everything that a new business might need, and this breadth of service – our ability to offer more than just Fibre – is a competitive advantage.
“The other thing that I think differentiates us from our competitors is the people. I’ve had the opportunity to work in such an amazing team, including my line manager, Vanessa, and our fantastic sales administrator, Fagmidah. I’m immensely grateful for all the help and support from all my colleagues, who have often gone out of their way to support me.”
Challenges Along the Way
Dylan is candid about learning to deal with a particular health challenge – he lives with a chronic hearing condition in the form of tinnitus, which causes a constant high‑pitched ringing in his ears.
“The condition struck when I was about 21, and it initially created a big challenge in both my sleeping patterns, and being able to focus in meetings. The doctors I saw told me that it was something I unfortunately had to learn to live with. Mindfulness meditation became an essential tool and over time I’ve learned to manage the condition, so that it now affects me significantly less.”
Fortunately, Dylan’s love of running and outdoor sports also plays a role in helping him to manage the condition, and here again he’s grateful to be based in the Western Cape.
From Triathlon Rookie to 100‑Mile Finisher
Today, the easy access to the Cape’s beautiful scenery has allowed Dylan to embrace the unique enjoyment of ultra-distance trail running.
He explains: “I was expecting to continue my triathlon journey when I moved to Cape Town, and especially my mountain biking interest. But when I moved here, being so close to the mountains, I realised that the Cape outdoors is probably more ‘runner friendly’ than ‘mountain bike friendly’, and this was when trail running in the mountains opened up a wonderful new experience for me, offering me a sense of truest freedom.”
Shortly before joining Vox, Dylan completed the UTCT 100-kilometre ultra-trail race. He’s since taken it to the next level, and after six months of intense training, he recently tackled the UTCT 100-mile (165 kilometre) trail race, which started at 17:00 on a Friday afternoon, and finished on Sunday morning of the same weekend.
The course loops around the Cape Peninsula in a figure‑of‑eight, starting and ending at Gardens Rugby Club, taking runners over Lion’s Head, Signal Hill and Table Mountain, through Llandudno, Kommetjie and Simon’s Town. Dylan recalls running through the night on Table Mountain with a head torch as being a surreal highlight, a part of the race he described as “brutal” but unforgettable.
This gruelling 36‑hour feat showcased the same perseverance that he brings to his work. He explains: “I find that what I’ve learned during the preparation for these races, as well as what I learn on the race day, overflows into my personal and professional life. As a whole, it just makes my life better and easier – it gives my mind the tools that it needs to work hard and persevere.”
It all comes together to weave a tale that embraces Dylan’s professional achievements together with his passion and determination to push boundaries. Looking ahead, his personal goals include completing a number of additional trail races, such as the world-renowned Otter Trail in the Garden Route; snowboarding in Japan; and ultimately becoming a dad. He also aims to be Vox Key Account Manager of the Year one day, which is a career target that keeps him motivated.
In running, as in life, there are people who go the distance, and then there are those who go beyond. Dylan goes way, way beyond – both in life and in running. He truly embodies the Vox spirit – bold, committed and unstoppable!
Staying connected as end-of-year down-time arrives
Our summer stories are starting to happen and the end of the year is really here! But even when we’ve packed our suitcases and made sure the pets are taken care of while we move into down-time, we still want (and need) to stay connected this holiday season.
Summer in South Africa means more streaming, online shopping and banking, video calls with family and online gaming – so choosing the right home Internet, and being aware of Internet options offered by your holiday location, can have an impact on your festive connectivity.
The good news is that, just as we all want a variety of ice cream options at the beach, so Vox has a connectivity option – and speed – to suit every home this holiday season. And in the spirit of the holiday season, we’re running some current and ongoing promotions to sweeten the deal even further.
Vox offers a mix of Fibre, Fixed Wireless, LTE/5G and Satellite options, with each option suited to different needs. So here’s a guide to help you pick the best option for your home, do your research on your holiday Connectivity options, and also make the most of current Vox promotions.
Let’s take a look.
Fibre To the Home: Best for Top Speed and Reliability
Fibre to the Home delivers high-speed, low-latency Internet directly into your home (or holiday home).
Benefits include very fast symmetrical speeds, which is excellent for 4K streaming, multiple devices and video calls. Uncapped options are available and performance is consistent.
It’s ideal for large households, heavy streamers, gamers, households with multiple remote workers (if you must work during the holidays! or when the holiday season is over…).
Availability depends on Fibre rollout in your neighbourhood. Installation may take time in new areas.
Current promotions linked to Vox Fibre to the Home include Vox Rewards and Fibre Frenzy!
Vox Rewards is our super-exciting, recently-launched loyalty programme for qualifying Vox customers, offering perks and rewards for staying connected with Vox through home fibre connections. Depending on the tier that you qualify for, you could enjoy a variety of discounts and savings on groceries, fashion, takeaways, tech, travel and more! See vox.co.za/vox-rewards for eligibility and benefits.
Fibre Frenzy is a limited-time campaign on Vox’s Home Fibre packages so do check vox.co.za for current Fibre Frenzy deals and exact terms – you can also click on this link for more information.
LTE / 5G Mobile Broadband: Flexible and Quick to Set Up
LTE / 5G uses mobile networks (LTE or 5G) to deliver Internet to a home router or portable device.
Benefits include fast setup and mobile flexibility. This option is suitable for temporary needs or where Fibre isn’t available yet. 5G can offer very high speeds in covered areas.
It’s ideal for urban areas with strong 4G/5G coverage as well as short-term stays and holiday homes.
Speed and latency depend on mobile network coverage and local congestion; fairness policies may apply depending on the package.
Vox and Telkom are currently running our Uncapped LTE promotion, starting from R589 per month, and including a pocket router as a R199 once-off – check it out.
Fixed Wireless (Licensed or Unlicensed Spectrum): Dependable Rural and Suburban Option
Fixed Wireless using microwave signals provides a point-to-point or point-to-multipoint radio link between a home-mounted antenna and a local tower. Its benefits include good speeds and stable connections where Fibre isn’t laid, but line-of-sight to a tower exists. It is often faster and provides a lower latency than Satellite.
It’s ideal for suburbs, small towns and rural areas with a Vox radio site nearby.
Fixed Wireless requires a professional site survey and performance depends on line-of-sight availability and network capacity.
Satellite: Providing Coverage where Nothing Else Reaches
Internet delivered via Satellite dishes is ideal for remote or rural properties beyond terrestrial networks. Its benefits include coverage that is available almost anywhere, making it perfect for some coastal areas, farms and remote homes, including holiday rentals.
It’s ideal for houses outside Fibre and mobile coverage areas, where connectivity is otherwise unavailable.
Higher latency means that it’s not ideal for competitive gaming. In addition, weather can affect reliability, and costs/data policies may be higher than terrestrial options.
A few factors should be considered as you think about your Connectivity options for the holiday season and even next year, if you want to take advantage of our Vox Rewards programme.
If you stream 4K, game and have many users, Fibre is your best bet.
If you need a quick setup or a temporary solution, LTE/5G works well.
If you’re in a small town or on the fringe of Fibre rollout, Fixed Wireless often gives the best compromise of speed and reliability.
If you’re remote and need coverage regardless of location, Satellite is the reliable fallback.
Practical Tips Before You Switch
Vox usually runs localised or seasonal promotions (discounted installation, bonus data or limited-time bundle savings). Check the Vox website regularly, including the promotions pages, for the most up-to-date specials and Ts and Cs. Here are some tips:
Check coverage: Use the coverage tool on vox.co.za to see what’s available at your address.
Match package to use requirements: Choose speeds that suit your household’s peak usage.
Ask about promos: Promotions can change monthly, so ask a Vox consultant about current offers and how long they run, and you can also check here.
Check coverage and current Fibre Frenzy or Vox Rewards offers at vox.co.za or on the latest deals page, or call Vox Consumer Support on 087 805 0530 for a personalised recommendation.
South Africans work hard and they play hard also, and never more than during our end-of-year summer holiday season! Stay connected with Vox – we have a solution for your location and your needs, no matter what time of year it is.
You always have choices – and sweet deals! – with Vox!
FAQs
Which Vox option is best for streaming and gaming during the holidays?
Fibre is best for low-latency, high-speed needs like 4K streaming and gaming. If Fibre isn’t available, 5G or fixed Wireless are the next-best options.
What is Vox Rewards and how do I join?
Vox Rewards is a loyalty programme for qualifying customers. Visit vox.co.za/vox-rewards to see eligibility and benefits.
What is Fibre Frenzy?
Fibre Frenzy is Vox’s limited-time promotion on selected Fibre packages. Check the Vox website for exact bundles and promotional periods.
How do I know if Fibre is available at my home?
Use the coverage checker on vox.co.za or contact Vox support to confirm availability for your address.
Is Satellite Internet good for a holiday home?
Yes, Satellite brings connectivity to remote holiday homes, though latency and weather impact should be considered.
Can I use LTE/5G as a permanent home solution?
Yes, in areas with strong coverage LTE/5G can be a permanent solution, especially where Fibre isn’t available, but check data fairness policies.
How long does installation take for Fibre or fixed Wireless?
Installation times vary by location and demand — ask Vox for a projected install date when you sign up.
Can I switch between Vox services if I move or change needs?
Yes. Vox offers different home connectivity products and can advise on switching based on coverage and your new address.
