Connecting to the internet in South Africa can be as simple as using a smartphone with a sim card, but this might not be the most cost-efficient solution in your home.
To make informed decisions when choosing a technology or service provider, home users should properly understand the physical components and what to look for when it comes to the myriad of options available.
The Internet Service Providers’ Association of South Africa (Ispa) is a non-profit company, and recognised internet industry representative body. According to the association, the downside to mobile web surfing is that it can be fairly pricey and may result in large and unexpected bills for mobile data charges. Ispa says that FTTx – which refers to fibre to the home, business and any other connected places – offers a far more affordable, long-term connectivity option.
Internet service provider Netbits/ Netmetrix’s André de Goede explains that mobile solutions such as 3G and 4G might be limited with regard to speed, and highly dependent on network reception. Fibre optic cables transmit data via fast-travelling pulses of light and remain the front-runner in home connectivity, he says. After all, what is faster than light? However, fibre might not yet be available in your residential area. De Goede says that ultimately, the end justifies the means, and wireless internet could be a possible solution: “We have become so reliant on being connected, and less reliant on which technology we choose to utilise.”
Here’s how wireless internet works:
Your wireless ISP connects to a fibre internet signal. The internet signal then comes to you and is captured by your wireless dish. “The catch, however, is that ‘line of sight’ is needed between the ISP’s tower and the residence,” De Goede explains.
While wireless internet might be more convenient and clutter-free, it will cost the user in latency and speed, compared to a wired option. “Nevertheless, up to 10mb/s wireless remains a great alternative,” he says. When it comes to your home internet, it is important to differentiate between your connection, such as fibre or wireless internet, and Wi-Fi. An internet connection is widely understood to pass through wires at some point and send data to and from the physical servers that host most of the information on the internet. In turn, Wi-Fi, which is wireless network technology, is a means to connect devices, such as your computer, phone and TV, to your internet connection and send data through the air.
De Goede reminds users who are looking to upgrade or increase their internet connection speed that Wi-Fi routers vary in maximum bandwidth by device. “Be sure to ask your ISP if yours could be limiting the speed,” he says. In case of downgrading, ‘be sure to know the terms and conditions of your contract’.
Ispa estimates that around half a million South African homes now have easy access to high-speed broadband fibre. “Consumers will typically use their home fibre to enjoy wireless high-speed internet at home,” the association’s website states, but powering this requires a bit more than just a sim card and device.
Ispa explains the nuts and bolts of fibre for your home:
Trenched fibre: Prior to high-speed fibre becoming available in a certain area, a network operator would have dug common trenches, possibly erected poles, and generally provided fibre links alongside homes. Homeowners will notice a short length of insulated fibre optic cable exposed above the ground near their property boundary or a junction box attached to a street-side wall. Should the consumer decide to go the FTTH route, they would first need to select an ISP to provide internet access services that make use of the newly laid fibre links.
Fibre access: The consumer’s chosen ISP will inform the fibre network operator of the request. The latter will send technicians to visit the property to connect the fibre from a junction box in the street outside the home, into the home. Like telephone systems of old, this involves running a fibre optic cable into the consumer’s home, to a convenient point chosen by the consumer.
ONT/CPE box: The fibre optic cable ends in a device, typically a small white box called an optical network terminal (ONT), located inside the home. The ONT can also be referred to as the fibre provider’s customer premises equipment (CPE). It is typically fixed to the wall near a power socket and, like your alarm system, needs to be left plugged in to work properly. It converts the light used by the fibre optic cable into signals your router can understand. The fibre network operator’s installation team will leave after their ONT is fixed to a wall and they have tested the fibre. They will be in touch with the ISP who may then send their own installer to the home with a wireless router.
Wireless router: Depending on the access package selected, the ISP could supply the wireless router at no charge. However, if supplied free, the device typically remains the property of the ISP and must be returned in the event of the consumer cancelling the contract. The ISP’s installer will place the wireless router near the wall-mounted ONT/CPE box and
usually connect the two with a short Ethernet cable. The installer will ensure the wireless router is up and running and connected to the fibre network before leaving. The installer will usually also explain to the consumer the meaning of the indicator lights (around four) typically located on the wireless router. This will help the homeowner or tenant troubleshoot future connectivity or hardware issues.
Media box: For those without smart TVs, an additional component to the home fibre network may be a media box or similar. This device connects to a standard flat screen TV and enables it to communicate with the wireless router so that video streaming, web browsing and other online services can be enjoyed direct from the TV.
User devices: After selecting a network operator and an appropriate connectivity package from their chosen ISP, consumers will be able to wirelessly connect everything from CCTV systems to their own mobile handsets to the supplied wireless router. Essentially, any device that uses the internet to function can be connected to your new home Wi-Fi network… and uncapped access means no more mobile data billing surprises at the end of the month.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is broadband?
Netbits/Netmetrix explains: A term that covers all types of high-speed internet connections, such as ‘always-on’ cable, wireless and fibre optic, in contrast to dial-up connections through your phone line.
Q: What connection speed do I need if I want to connect only my phone to Wi-Fi and watch Netflix?
Netbits/Netmetrix recommendation: Minimum of 4mb/s.
Q: My child is into online gaming. What connection speed do I need?
Netbits/Netmetrix recommendation: Minimum of 2–4mb/s. Note that good latency/stability is more important than speed when it comes to gaming.
Q: How do I choose an ISP?
Ispa recommendation: Look for the mark of trust that is the Ispa logo when searching for internet access services. If your provider does not display this logo, then you should be asking what recourse you will have if services are not delivered as expected.
Q: I am unhappy with my current ISP. What should I do?
Netbits/Netmetrix recommendation: It is important to be aware of terms and conditions or cancellation clauses when entering into a contract. Before cancelling, consult your ISP to find a solution that suits both parties.
Ispa recommendation: Visit ispa.org.za to lodge a mediation request if the ISP is an Ispa member.
