Fibre Optics Johannesburg

Article published on 27 April 2018

2017 Fibre Optics Johannesburg

A beginner’s guide to fibre optics

Fibre optics is fast becoming a hot topic for South Africans, as fibre to the home (FTTH) begins rolling out across Johannesburg and (to a lesser extent) Cape Town. But what is fibre optics? And how does it work? Here you will learn the answers to those questions – and more.

What is ‘fibre optics’?

Fibre optics is a technology that uses either glass or plastic threads (known as fibres) to transmit data. Each thread transmits messages that are coded into light waves. Fibre optic technology was originally developed for the medical profession in the 1950s. It was used in endoscopes, to allow doctors to see inside the human body without requiring any cuts. By the 1960’s engineers had figured out how to use the technology for telephone calls.

A bundle of these threads – containing anywhere from two threads up to a few hundred – make up a fibre optic cable. Each thread is so fine – it is less than 1/10th the thickness of human hair – but can handle approximately 25 000 calls.

Fibre optic internet – is it better than ADSL?

Using fibre optic internet means that speeds are much faster (in fact, the speeds of fibre are the fastest available currently), and the speed can be maintained over a further distance than ADSL. This is because the glass or plastic used for the fibres isn’t prone to electromagnet interference as with copper cables. This makes it a much better option compared to ADSL.

ADSL has to transmit the data from your nearest telephone exchange to your office or home. The further away you are from the exchange, and the more internet traffic there is, the slower the speed. It is like peak hour traffic – the more users online (i.e. on the roads), the slower the speed of the internet. Fibre, on the other hand, transmits the data at the speed of light and can handle very high volumes without the download speeds being affected. Data can travel through fibre for up to 50km before any degradation occurs. While ADSL can get up to speeds of 40Mbps, fibre can get speeds of 200Mbps!

An additional benefit is that because there are no copper cables used, there is no threat of theft. The fibre is not worth anything once pulled out of the ground. The fibre is also weather proof. This means more continuity than ADSL.

What is the price of fibre optic broadband?

Firstly, it is important to clarify that your service provider for the fibre will be different to the service provider for the actual data. Internet service providers will partner with the fibre providers to provide the fibre internet service.

Fibre internet is offered as uncapped. Because of the high speed and lack of degradation, there is no need to cap the amount of data used. Where the difference comes in, however, is the actual speed of the connection.

Fibre comes in speeds of 4Mbps, 10Mbps, 20Mbps, 50Mbps, and 100Mbps. Each provider has a slightly different price, but they tend to fall in the following ranges:

20Mbps: R730 – R1000 per month

50Mbps: R900 – R1600 per month

100Mbps: R1500 – R2900 per month

Can I get fibre for my home in Johannesburg?

Are you ready for seamless Skype chats with family overseas, binge-watching Netflix, and weekends full of gaming?

As fibre is still a very new technology in South Africa, it is only available in certain parts of Johannesburg and Cape Town. Internet service providers offering fibre will often have a coverage map on their website, where you can check if your area has fibre (or if it will have soon).

How does fibre optic internet get installed?

It starts with the fibre ‘backbone’. This is set up in different ways according to the fibre service provider. Telkom digs trenches and lays the cables underground next to the pavement. This is quite intensive work, and small areas are done at a time.

Fibrehoods – one the country’s newest entrants in the market – uses an aerial fibre network. The cables are connected to poles set up every two houses along the road, and the cables are connected to the home through the roof. Link Africa utilises the sewerage system, which they view as quicker and less disruptive.

Once the backbone is set up in your area, the technicians will take the connection into your home. This installation can take anywhere from 4 to 16 hours. The fibre will be taken from the backbone into your home and connected to a device in a room you choose.

If you are looking for a fibre installation for your business – for example your office or plant – you will need a set up that is more complex than a simple FTTH connection. There are companies, such as TransAfrican Fibre Services, that specialise in the design and supply of a fibre network for businesses.

When choosing a service provider, make sure you know exactly what you are getting. Some service providers only go as far as installing the fibre, without showing you how to actually set up and connect to the internet. Look for providers that are members of the Fibre Optic Association, such as Fibre Utility Networks. The Fibre Optic Association is an international professional society for the fibre industry.

Can I get fibre optic training in Johannesburg?

Yes, there are a number of training providers in Johannesburg. These providers offer a variety of courses from a basic introductory course to more technical ones. You can choose from Certified Optical Fibre Installer (COFI) for South Africa, FTTx for Installers and Technicians, or if you want to work and study at the same time, there is the Two-year Fibre Optic Apprentice Course.

As fibre rolls out throughout South Africa, the need for trained, accredited installers and technicians will become greater. Look for a reputable training provider that offers accredited courses, such as TransAfrican Fibre Services.