Fibre Optics Johannesburg

Article published on 27 April 2018

2018 Fibre Optics Johannesburg

A beginner’s guide to fibre optics

Fibre optic internet has made its way quickly across South Africa (specifically Johannesburg and Cape Town) over the last year after first appearing in 2009 – although not quickly enough for some! It is a very exciting time for South African internet users, who have had to put up with slow and expensive internet for so long. To help you prepare for getting Fibre To The Home (FTTH) in your own home, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about fibre optics.

How long does it take to install fibre?

The turnaround times for installation will vary depending on which fibre supplier is doing the installation. This can take anywhere from 7 days to 12 weeks. Although 2-3 weeks is the average.

How much does fibre cost?

There are many different services providers, and each has their own costing. However, on average, you can expect fibre to cost the following:

• Up to 20mbps: R700 – R900pm
• Up to 50mbs: R900 – R1000pm
• Up to 100mbps: R1000 – R1300pm

Certain service providers offer speeds from 4mbps if you are looking for a more affordable option. Some service providers will offer free installation, otherwise you can expect to pay between R1700 and R2400 for installation. You will also need to be prepared to pay a connection fee. This can range anywhere from R570 to R1000, though many providers actually waive the connection fee if you sign up with them. Additionally, many providers will give you a free router when you sign up.

Can my business get fibre?

Businesses (depending on their size), will require a more complex set up than the standard FTTH connection. Rather than using service providers who offer FTTH, contact a company that specialises in the design and supply of a fibre network for businesses, such as TransAfrican

Do I need a landline number from Telkom?

No – there is no need to have a Telkom line. This makes it much simpler as you don’t need to manage both a Telkom account as well as an Internet Service Provider account.

Do I need a new router?

If you already have a router for your ADSL, you will unfortunately not be able to use it for fibre internet. Most service providers will offer you a free router when you sign up, and if you stay for a certain length of time.

I have ADSL. How is fibre different?

Fibre is much more reliable and blisteringly fast. A ‘fast’ ADSL line is generally around 4mbps. A fast FTTH line can be up to 1000mbps! No more buffering, no more throttling, no more poor connections.

Can I cancel my account? What about upgrading and downgrading?

If you find you need more data each month, it is very simple to upgrade. Almost all the fibre internet service providers make it easy to upgrade, downgrade, or even cancel your account. This way you are only paying for what you need.

What do I need to do to get fibre installed in my home?

Your first step is to check if there is coverage where you live. Fibre is still in the process of being rolled out, so not all towns and cities have access yet. Fibre must have been installed outside your boundary wall for you to have access to it. Once you confirm this, then you can contact your chosen service provider and they will do the rest.

How does fibre get installed?

Once you have selected your internet provider and chosen your package, your internet service provider will then place the order with the fibre supplier. The fibre supplier is the company who will take the fibre from your sidewalk to your home. The fibre supplier who installs your fibre will depend on the area you live. Different fibre suppliers service different areas. The turnaround times for installation will vary depending on which fibre supplier is doing the installation. This can take anywhere from 7 days to 12 weeks.

The fibre supplier technician will also bring your router (or it will be couriered to you). Once the fibre is installed in your home and you have the router set up, you are all ready to go.

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?

If you are interested in fibre optics further than just installing it in your home, there are a number of training providers in Johannesburg that you can get training from. There are a variety of courses on offer 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.