South Africa’s Internet Journey: From Dial-Up to Fibre

The internet has completely changed the way South Africans live, work and connect. What started as one connection in 1991 has turned into a high-speed super highway that connects millions across the country. From slow dial-up modems to lightning fast fibre optics, South Africa’s internet journey is nothing short of amazing.

This article takes you on a journey through time—exploring the milestones that shaped South Africa’s internet landscape, the game changing innovations that brought us to where we are today and the technologies that will redefine connectivity as we know it. Buckle up because the evolution of the internet in South Africa is a story of challenges, breakthroughs and incredible progress.

The 1990s: The Beginning

1991: South Africa’s First Internet Connection

On November 12, 1991 South Africa’s first ever internet connection was established at Rhodes University. This historic connection linked Grahamstown to the United States and paved the way for the country to join the global digital network. (Source)

1993: First ISP

The Internetworking Company of Southern Africa (TICSA) became the first commercial Internet Service Provider (ISP) in the country. Businesses could now access the internet for the first time, the beginning of digital transformation. (Source)

1996: Dial-Up Arrives

By the mid 1990s dial-up internet was available to the public. Slow by today’s standards but the first online communication for many South Africans. The sound of dial-up modems became a familiar noise in many homes.

1997: First E-Commerce Transactions

As more people went online early forms of e-commerce started emerging in South Africa. Businesses started testing online payment systems but adoption was slow due to limited internet penetration and security concerns.

1999: Businesses Go Digital

As companies started to recognize the power of the internet more businesses started to go online, email communication and website development became part of their operations. The first South African companies started to invest in e-commerce platforms, the birth of digital retail.2002: Telkom launched its first commercial ADSL broadband service with speeds of up to 512 kbps. A game changer, no more tying up phone lines to browse the internet.

The 2000s: The Broadband Boom

2002: The Arrival of ADSL

In 2002, Telkom launched its first commercial ADSL broadband service, offering speeds of up to 512 kbps. This was a game-changer, allowing users to browse the internet without tying up phone lines. (Source)

2004: Online Banking Arrives

South African banks started rolling out robust online banking platforms, customers could now check balances, transfer funds and pay bills online. The beginning of digital financial services in South Africa.

2006: Internet User Base Grows

With broadband getting more affordable the number of South Africans online surpassed 2 million, a growing digital culture. Social media platforms started to gain traction, connecting South Africans in new ways.

2008: Mobile Internet

Affordable smart phones and data packages meant more people could get online. Internet penetration increased in urban and rural areas.

2009: SEACOM Submarine Cable

SEACOM submarine cable faster and cheaper internet for businesses and households. (Source)

2010s: Fibre and Mobile Broadband

2010: EASSy Cable

EASSy cable launched, more international bandwidth for South Africa and more digital infrastructure. (Source)

2012: WACS Cable

WACS cable increased bandwidth between South Africa and Europe, faster internet across the country. (Source)

2014: Fibre to the Home (FTTH) Launched

Vumatel and other network providers started rolling out Fibre to the Home (FTTH), high speed fibre to residential areas. This killed ADSL and set the stage for modern internet.

2016: Over 50% of South Africans Online

By 2016 54% of South Africans were online. (Source)

2018: Streaming Services

Better broadband, Netflix and Showmax took off in South Africa. Big shift in media consumption.

2019: Fibre Overtakes ADSL

Fibre was the preferred fixed line broadband, business and households made the switch from ADSL.

2020s: High Speed and the Future

2021: Fibre Subscribers Surpass 1 Million

For the first time fibre subscribers in South Africa surpassed 1 million. (Source)

2023: Government Rural Connectivity

SA government launched initiatives to get rural areas online, to bridge the digital divide and improve economic opportunities for the underserved.

2024: 74.7% of the Population Online

Fibre and mobile broadbands had South Africa at 74.7% online. Millions of South Africans got online. (Source)

2025: Undersea Connectivity

Meta’s Project Waterworth, a 50,000 km subsea cable system, will connect South Africa to the world, faster and more reliable for years to come.

Conclusion

South Africa’s internet evolution has been nothing short of extraordinary. From a single connection at Rhodes University in 1991 to today’s fibre-powered high-speed connectivity, the country has embraced digital transformation at an impressive pace.

As fibre networks expand, 5G technology advances, and AI-driven internet services emerge, South Africa is well on its way to a fully connected future. To ensure you stay ahead, consider upgrading to FibreGeeks’ high-speed, reliable fibre solutions today!