This guide is for first-time buyers, new movers, renters and students. The market is open-access so there are many choices. This guide focuses on features for new users like month-to-month plans and promotions that include free installation. Here you will find a breakdown of plans, speeds and prices for different needs and budgets to make it a hassle free experience when you get connected.
Table of Contents
1. Understanding Fibre in South Africa: FNOs vs. ISPs
The fibre internet ecosystem in South Africa is a two tiered open-access model with Fibre Network Operators (FNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs), each with their own roles.
Fibre Network Operators (FNOs) are the foundation layer. These companies lay the fibre optic cables in the ground, manage the network and ensure its performance. They are the “wholesalers” of fibre connectivity. Some of the major FNOs in South Africa are Fibre Geeks, Vumatel, Openserve, Octotel, Frogfoot, MetroFibre Networx, Link Africa and Zoom Fibre.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) operate at the retail level. They lease bandwidth from FNOs and package it into internet plans for consumers. ISPs are your point of contact, they handle customer service, billing and technical support. When you sign up for fibre, your contract is with an ISP.
This open-access model is important because your choice of ISP is determined by which FNO has coverage at your physical address. A single FNO network can host multiple ISPs which creates competition in pricing and service and gives you more options.
2. Popular & Top-Rated Fibre Providers
The popularity of a fibre provider is a mix of market presence, customer satisfaction, and network performance. While major national players are widely available, agile local providers are gaining prominence for their customer-centric service.
Leading Fibre Network Operators (FNOs)
- Vumatel: Consistently recognized as a top FNO for its network quality and extensive reach, Vumatel is South Africa’s largest FNO, covering over 2 million households. Its robust infrastructure benefits any ISP operating on its network.
- Fibre Geeks: A specialist FNO serving the Western Cape region, Fibre Geeks focuses on gated communities and estates, providing open-access networks with comprehensive value-added services including TV-over-fibre, CCTV networks, access control systems, and intercom solutions.
- Openserve: As another of the nation’s largest fibre providers, Openserve has a vast network and offers a diverse range of products, including flexible prepaid options.
- Octotel, Frogfoot, and MetroFibre: These FNOs are major players with significant coverage in metropolitan areas and beyond, known for high-speed infrastructure and strong partnerships with a wide range of ISPs.
Top-Rated Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
The following ISPs are highly regarded in the market for their service, support, and value. While some data is focused on the competitive Cape Town market, these providers have a major national footprint.
| ISP Name | Overall Satisfaction/Rating | Noteworthy Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| RSAWEB | Best-rated ISP on Google (18,000+ reviews); #1 Netflix Speed Index. | Highly affordable (ranked #1 on speed-per-Mbps by MyBroadband), excellent customer ratings, strong performance for streaming. |
| Mweb | #1 Fibre ISP in SA by connections; Thrice awarded Best Customer Service ISP (Ask Africa Orange Index). | Long track record (since 1997), extensive network usage, strong customer support. |
| Afrihost | 80% Satisfaction score; overwhelmingly positive customer reviews. | Excellent and speedy customer service, professional support, flexible month-to-month contracts. |
| Cool Ideas | Strong reputation for quality; Highest Speed Score among many peers. | High-quality, uncapped fibre popular for its raw speed and low latency, making it ideal for gamers. |
| Webafrica | 76% Satisfaction score; overwhelmingly positive Trustpilot reviews. | Competitive pricing, easy-to-understand packages, quick connection times, and excellent aftercare. |
| Axxess | 78% Satisfaction score; well-regarded for value. | Competitive pricing, no-frills approach, free installation/connection/router on many packages. |
| Atomic | 98%+ customer review score (Google & Hellopeter). | Cape Town-based specialist ISP. Friendly & responsive support, gamer/techie-friendly, uncapped/unshaped, low latency. |
| Luna Fibre | Rated a top ISP in Cape Town for quality, affordability, and service. | Affordable packages (especially for students), free router, efficient installation, 24/7 support. |
3. Finding the Most Affordable Fibre Plans
True affordability goes beyond the monthly price. It’s a balance of speed, total cost (including setup), and bundled benefits. Entry-level plans (20-50Mbps) are often sufficient for most households.
Key Considerations for Affordability
- Monthly Price: The recurring fee for the service.
- Installation & Setup Fees: Many ISPs offer free installation and activation, saving you between R1,000 – R2,700. However, always check the terms.
- Router Provision: A “free-to-use” router is a common and valuable perk.
- Contract Terms: Month-to-month contracts are the standard, offering great flexibility.
- Cancellation Fees & Clawbacks: This is critical. To recover setup costs, many ISPs include a “clawback” clause, requiring you to pay back the “free” installation or router if you cancel within a certain period (e.g., 6-12 months). Always read the fine print.
Examples of Affordable Entry-Level Plans
The market is rich with competitive deals. Below are examples of affordable plans to illustrate what’s available. Prices are subject to change and depend on the FNO in your area.
| ISP | FNO | Speed (Mbps) | Approx. Price (R/month) | Key Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mweb | Web Connect | 20/20 | R299 | Free Setup & Router |
| RSAWEB | Vuma Reach | 10/10 (Prepaid) | R305 | No Contract, No Cancellation Fee |
| Webafrica | Web Connect | 20/10 | R349 | Free Setup & Router (often has intro discounts) |
| LunaFibre | Openserve | 10/10 | R371 | Free Setup, Student-Friendly Plans, 24/7 Support |
4. Local Providers vs. Major Players: A Deeper Dive
Local vs national provider: a trade-off between personal service and reach.
Local ISPs (e.g. Atomic, Lunafibre)
- Personal Service: Smaller ISPs are more agile, friendlier and more responsive than the call centres of big companies.
- Niche Focus: Many cater to specific needs. For example, some are gamer focused and optimise their networks for low latency which is critical for online gaming.
- Competitive Pricing: They can offer very competitive deals on specific FNO networks, especially for target markets like students.
National ISPs (e.g. Mweb, RSAWEB, Afrihost)
- Wider Reach: They have partnerships with almost all major FNOs so their services are available in most areas.
- Established Infrastructure: Big, long standing players have robust networks and big support teams.
- Aggressive Promotions: They have the scale to offer big introductory discounts and bundled freebies.
Ultimately the best experience comes from a good pairing. A top tier FNO like Vumatel provides a great foundation but the ISP you choose to run on that network will define your day to day experience through their customer service, network management and support.
5. How to Choose and Sign Up for Fibre
Signing up for fibre is a straightforward process if you follow these steps:
| Step | Action Required | Details & Tips | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Check Availability | Use coverage checker tools | • Enter your physical address on ISP websites<br>• Check multiple ISP sites to confirm options<br>• Use comparison websites for broader view | 5-10 minutes |
| 2. Evaluate Your Needs | Assess speed & contract requirements | Speed Guidelines:<br>• 10-30Mbps: Basic browsing, single HD stream<br>• 40-60Mbps: Family use, multiple devices, gaming<br>• 100Mbps+: Power users, content creators, serious gaming<br><br>Upload Speed: Look for symmetrical speeds (e.g., 50/50Mbps) if you:<br>• Video conference frequently<br>• Upload large files<br>• Game online competitively<br><br>Contract: Always prioritize month-to-month for flexibility | 15-30 minutes |
| 3. Compare & Order | Select ISP and package | • Compare packages from available providers<br>• Sign up on ISP website<br>• Provide personal details (ID, contact info)<br>• Set up debit order for monthly payments | 15-20 minutes |
| 4. Schedule Installation | Coordinate with technician | • ISP coordinates with FNO for installation<br>• You must be home to grant access<br>• Decide on equipment placement<br>• Technician installs fibre line + ONT/CPE box<br>• Connects to your Wi-Fi router | 1-3 weeks wait<br>2-4 hours installation |
Key Installation Requirements:
- Be Present: Someone 18+ must be home during installation
- Clear Access: Ensure pathways to installation points are clear
- Power Access: ONT/CPE box needs to be near a power outlet
- Router Placement: Discuss optimal Wi-Fi router positioning with technician
Before You Sign Up Checklist:
✅ Confirmed fibre availability at your address
✅ Identified your speed requirements
✅ Compared packages from multiple ISPs
✅ Read contract terms (especially clawback clauses)
✅ Confirmed installation is free or budgeted for costs
✅ Checked if landlord approval needed (for renters)
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is included in a fibre deal?
A standard fibre deal in South Africa is an uncapped, high-speed internet connection on a month-to-month contract. Most promotions also include free installation and a free Wi-Fi router.
2. How do I check if I can get fibre at my address?
Enter your physical address on an ISP’s website or a fibre comparison website. Their coverage tool will show you which Fibre Network Operators (e.g., Vumatel, Openserve) are live at your location.
3. Can I use my own router?
Yes, in most cases, as long as your router is modern and has a WAN port. But ISPs often provide a pre-configured, free-to-use router that is guaranteed to work with their service, which is the easiest option for most users.
4. What are the benefits of fibre?
Fibre offers much faster and more reliable internet speeds, lower latency (less lag) and higher bandwidth than older technologies like ADSL or LTE. Perfect for 4K streaming, online gaming and video calls when working from home.
5. What if I cancel my contract early?
With month-to-month contracts you can usually cancel with one calendar month’s notice. But if your deal included free installation or a free router, the ISP will likely enforce a “clawback” fee, where you’ll need to pay for those items if you cancel within a certain period (usually 6-12 months).
