Load shedding is back and for many of us it’s a daily struggle. If it’s not load shedding itself, it’s Load Reduction, both of which bring chaos to our daily lives. Whether you’re working from home, streaming your favourite shows or gaming online, a power cut can throw everything into disarray – especially if your internet goes down.
But does fibre internet actually stop working during load shedding? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Fibre networks are operational during power cuts but your connection at home depends on whether your router and ONT (Optical Network Terminal) have power.
In this article we’ll look at how different types of internet react to power outages, why mobile networks struggle and how you can keep your fibre internet running even when the lights go out.
How Load Shedding Affects Internet Connectivity
When the power goes off so does most of South Africa’s internet infrastructure. However, different types of internet react in different ways:
- Fibre Internet: Fibre cables don’t need electricity to transmit data. However, your home’s ONT and router require power so without a backup solution your internet will go down.
- LTE & 5G Mobile Networks: Mobile towers have backup batteries but during prolonged load shedding these batteries run out and you get weak or no signal.
- ADSL: ADSL runs through copper telephone lines and relies on powered exchanges to function. Most ADSL connections fail during load shedding.
- Satellite Internet: Unlike other types, satellite connections are not affected by load shedding. However, they require a satellite modem and dish both of which need electricity.
Does Fibre Internet Work Without Electricity?
The good news is that fibre internet itself doesn’t need electricity to work. Fibre-optic cables use light to transmit data so as long as your Fibre Network Operator (FNO) and Internet Service Provider (ISP) have power the network itself is live.
Why Does Fibre Go Down During Load Shedding?
- Your Router & ONT Lose Power: Even though the fibre network is operational your home devices need electricity to receive and transmit data.
- Your ISP’s Network Can Be Affected: While most ISPs have backup power for their infrastructure some may be affected during prolonged outages.3. Power Surges & Damage: Sudden outages and returns of electricity can sometimes damage network equipment and cause temporary downtime.
How to Keep Your Fibre Internet Running During Load Shedding
If you want uninterrupted connectivity during load shedding there are a few simple backup power solutions to consider:
1. Using a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
A UPS is one of the easiest and most cost-effective solutions to keep your fibre internet running during power cuts.
✅ How it helps: A UPS supplies backup power to your ONT and router, keeps them running for a limited time.
How long does a UPS last? Depending on the model a UPS can power your internet for 2 to 6 hours.
Recommended UPS models for home fibre:
- Mecer 2000VA Line Interactive UPS (for longer uptime)
- Ellies 1200VA UPS (budget-friendly option)
- EcoFlow Delta Mini (for high-power needs)
2. Using an Inverter or Generator
For longer outages, a power inverter or generator can keep your entire home network running.
✅ How it helps: Inverters connect to your home’s electrical system, ensuring multiple devices stay powered. Generators provide backup electricity but are noisier and require fuel.
Best for: Households experiencing long load shedding schedules (4+ hours).
3. Load-Shedding-Friendly Internet Plans
Some ISPs offer load-shedding-ready fibre solutions, which include:
- Battery-powered routers that work without mains electricity.
- Hybrid fibre & LTE packages that switch to mobile data when fibre goes offline.
- Cloud-based failover systems that reroute traffic to secondary connections.
Alternative Internet Solutions When Fibre is Down
Even with backup power, it’s good to have a secondary internet option in case of network disruptions. Here’s how alternative internet types compare:
1. LTE & 5G: Do They Work During Load Shedding?
✅ Short power cuts: Mobile networks stay online for a while since cell towers have backup batteries.
❌ Long outages: Once batteries drain, signal drops or disappears entirely, making LTE unreliable during extended load shedding.
2. Satellite Internet: A Backup Solution?
✅ Always online: Since satellites are in space, they aren’t affected by power outages on the ground.
❌ High costs & latency: Satellite internet is expensive and slower than fibre.
3. Public Wi-Fi & Co-Working Spaces
If your home internet is completely down, consider:
- Local coffee shops with generators.
- Co-working spaces offering uninterrupted fibre connectivity.
- Friends or family with better backup setups.
FAQs About Fibre Internet and Load Shedding
Why does my fibre go down during load shedding?
Your home router and ONT need electricity to function. If you don’t have backup power, your fibre connection will drop even though the network itself is operational.
What is the best way to keep my Wi-Fi running during a power cut?
A UPS is the simplest and most affordable solution. For longer outages, a power inverter or generator is recommended.
How long can a UPS power my fibre connection?
Most UPS units provide 2 to 6 hours of backup power, depending on the model and connected devices.
Does 5G perform better than fibre during blackouts?
Not necessarily. Mobile towers also rely on backup power, and signal quality drops when tower batteries deplete.
Will South Africa’s power crisis affect future internet infrastructure?
Yes, but ISPs and fibre networks are investing in backup power solutions to ensure better reliability during load shedding.
Conclusion
Fibre internet remains the most reliable and high-speed internet option available today, but keeping your connection active during load shedding requires a simple backup power solution.
Want uninterrupted internet? Invest in a UPS, inverter, or generator, and consider hybrid ISP solutions that ensure connectivity during power cuts.
