South Africa 17 Mar. 2022

A Guide to Getting Internet Deals For Fiber & DSL, TV & Internet Bundles

Do you want fast glass fiber internet for your home or find a low-cost DSL package? Are you looking for an internet bundle that includes your phone, tv and internet? You can compare the internet packages online to find the most suitable options that include all wanted requirements!

Check out our guide for the best internet packages. Get yourself an internet plan that suits your needs!

South Africa has come a long way when it comes to internet access. Getting the internet in the country used to be a thing of luxury. Today, if you do not have one, you are considered an alien.

South Africa has come from a 2G network country to 4G/LTE network, Fibre Optic, and one of the first countries in Africa to launch the 5G network. It shows that South Africa has made giant strides when it comes to internet technologies in Africa.

TYPES OF INTERNET PROVIDERS

There are different types of internet providers in South Africa. It ranges from Fibre networks, mobile network providers, ADSL providers etc. However, we will focus on the major providers that are easily accessible.

MAJOR MOBILE LTE/4G DATA PROVIDERS:

MTN DATA PLANS

MTN has the best coverage in South Africa. To enjoy MTN data, all you need is to dial 136 to access the internet option that suits your needs, and purchase data by recharging your sim with the appropriate airtime.

To purchase MTN data online, you can pay with your debit card or credit card. Also, you can buy data by using the MTN App.

The monthly data plan comes in prepaid packages or contract-based packages. Below are MTN 30 days/monthly data deals just for you.

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You can dial *136# or use the MTN Mobile App to access MTN promos and other plans like the daily, weekly, social, or hourly plan. VODACOM DATA PLANS. Vodacom has one of the best and fastest internet speeds in South Africa. Their plans and packages vary depending on your budget.

VODACOM PREPAID PLANS.

500MB + 500MB free for R 79 50MB for R12 150MB for R29 Just4You 250MB for R39 325MB For R55 500MB For R69 (12% off) 3GB for R229 5GB for R349 10GB for R469 20GB for R699

VODACOM 12 MONTHS DATA CONTRACT 500MB - R56 1GB for R86 2GB for R151 3GB for R191 5GB for R252 10GB for R383 20GB for R554 30GB for R655

VODACOM 24 MONTHS DATA CONTRACT 500MB for R46 1GB for R76 2GB for R110 3GB for R171 5GB for R221 10GB for R332 20GB for R504 30GB for R605

To access Vodacom prepaid data plans, promos, weekly, or night plan dial *135# CELL C DATA PLAN Cell C offers some of the best internet deals in South Africa. It ranges from prepaid to contract-based internet plans. Below are prepaid and contract packages offered on the Cell C Network. PREPAID 30 DAYS

40MB Anytime data for R10 80MB Anytime data for R15 3000MB Anytime data for R29 500MB Anytime data for R35 650MB Anytime data for R49 1600MB Anytime data for R80

2GB Anytime + 1GB Nite data for R95 3GB Anytime + 3GB Nite data for R149 4GB Anytime + 4GB Nite data for R199 6GB Anytime + 5GB Nite data for R249 12GB Anytime + 7GB Nite data for R299 7GB Anytime + 10GB Nite data for R399

PREPAID 90 DAYS 10GB Anytime + 15GB Nite data for R499 20GB Anytime for R799 30GB Anytime for R899 40GB Anytime for R1199 100GB Anytime for R2999

PREPAID 180 DAYS 50GB Anytime + 50GB Nite data for R500 100GB Anytime + 100GB Nite data for R999 200GB Anytime + 200GB Nite data for R1699

PREPAID 365 DAYS 10GB Anytime for R599 20GB Anytime for R799 30GB Anytime for R899 50GB Anytime for R1099 100GB Anytime for R1599 200GB Anytime for R1999 24-MONTH CONTRACT PLANS.

500MB Anytime + 500MB Nite data for R49 1GB Anytime + 1GB Nite data for R79 2GB Anytime + 2GB Nite data for R105 3GB Anytime + 3GB Nite data for R179 5GB Anytime + 5GB Nite data for R99 10GB Anytime + 10GB Nite data for R149 20GB Anytime + 20GB Nite data for R539 30GB Anytime + 30GB Nite data for R645 50GB Anytime + 50GB Nite data for R959 100GB Anytime + 100GB Nite data for R1699 200GB Anytime + 200GB Nite data for R2099 For other Cell C promo plans, weekly plans, night plans, and freebie, dial *147# or use the Cell C Mobile App.

TELKOM DATA PLANS

Telkom Mobile offers the most affordable data plan in South Africa. They have different types of data bundles to suit your needs. Also, they offer the cheapest night package and special packages never seen in South Africa. If you want affordable and special packages, then Telkom Mobile is your best choice, provided you have Telkom coverage in your area. Telkom LTE Smart Broadband wireless 31 days Plan (Prepaid). Even if you do not have a router, this plan can also be used on your Mobile phones and Tablets.

5GB daytime data + 5GB night-time data for R99. 10GB daytime data + 10GB night-time data for R149. 20GB daytime data + 20GB night-time data for R249. 40GB daytime data + 40GB night-time data for R359. 60GB daytime data + 60GB night-time data for R459. 80GB daytime data + 80GB night-time data for R559. 120GB daytime data + 120GB night-time data for R759. 220GB daytime data + 220GB night-time data for R1059.

Telkom All Net 31 days Data Plan (prepaid).

The advantage of this plan is that it roams and uses partner networks data services when you are out of Telkom coverage area. 35MB daytime data + 35MB night-time data for R7. 75MB daytime data + 75MB night-time data for R14. 150MB daytime data + 150MB night-time data for R29. 300MB daytime data + 300MB night-time data for R49. 500MB daytime data + 500MB night-time data for R69. 1GB daytime data + 1GB night-time data for R99. 2GB daytime data + 2GB night-time data for R139. 3GB daytime data + 3GB night-time data for R199. 5GB daytime data + 5GB night-time data for R299. 10GB daytime data + 10GB night-time data for R469. 20GB for R699 (Valid for 6 months). 50GB for R1499 (Valid for 6 months). 100GB for R2499 (Valid for 12 months). Telkom Night Surfer Bundle monthly prepaid plan 100GB for R149 (Data starts at 12:00AM – 7:00AM Daily)

Telkom 24-month contract Data packages.

5GB daytime data + 5GB night-time data for R59. 10GB daytime data + 10GB night-time data for R99. 40GB daytime data + 40GB night-time data for R199. 60GB daytime data + 60GB night-time data for R299. 70GB daytime data + 70GB night-time data for R399. 90GB daytime data + 90GB night-time data for R499. 120GB daytime data + 120GB night-time data for R699. 220GB daytime data + 220GB night-time data for R999.

Telkom has a special promo package called Monice. This package is unique to every Subscriber. You get a special package based on how you use the internet. To enjoy The Monice package, dial *123# to see your customized package promo from Telkom. Also, to subscribe to other packages like the Free Me package, weekly, daily, hourly, or other promos, dial *180#.

RAIN DATA PLANS (Prepaid)

Rain offers one of the most affordable uncapped data plans in South Africa. Its Network is Data only Network, which means you cannot make voice calls on Rain Network. Rain offers include (30 days): Unlimited 4G phone only data for R299. 19 hours unlimited off-peak for any device R250 (No internet from 6 pm to 11 pm) Unlimited 4G for any device R479.

5G NETWORK IN SOUTH AFRICA.

Back in the 1980s, there was only 1G network, which was the best at the time. The world moved from 2G network, 3G, 4G, and today, 5G is the deal. The tremendous technological advancement we are experiencing today requires a faster and more reliable internet. Therefore, 5G network is highly needed for today’s technology. When it comes to the 5G network, South Africa has also joined the party. To enjoy 5G network, you need a 5G supported device or router. Below are 5G mobile network providers in South Africa.

MTN 5G NETWORK

MTN offers 5G Home Wi-fi and 5G mobile. The 5G Home Wi-fi has an average speed of 100Mpbs and a maximum speed of 500Mpbs, while the 5G mobile have an average speed of 50Mpbs, and peak speed of 500Mpbs.

For now, the 5G is only available on a contract-based plan. R749 PM x 24-month Contract | 5G 150GB data plan |75GB Anytime + 75GB Night Express. Night express plan starts from 12AM-5AM daily | Comes with a Sh@reLink 5G router.

R1,249 PM x 24-month Contract Unlimited data plan Included is a Sh@reLink 5G router.
R999 PM x 36-month Contract Unlimited data plan You get a Sh@reLink 5G router.

Note: The Unlimited data plan has a Fair Use Policy Applies. It throttles at 1Mbps when you have used 200GB daytime, and 200GB Night express plan.

RAIN 5G NETWORK

Rain 5G network comes with ultra-fast internet speed, and guess what, no contract is required.

5G Premium plan: This plan offers Ultra-fast internet speed, unlimited data plan with no contract for R999pm. Included is a 5G outdoor router for your home. 5G Standard plan: This plan offers fast speed of up to 30mbs, unlimited data plan with no contract for R699pm. It comes with a 5G home router. VODACOM 5G NETWORK.

Vodacom 5G package comes with a free Huawei H112 5G CPE PRO Router. Vodacom offers 300GB 5G data for R1299pm over 34-month contract. Also, Vodacom’s 200GB 5G data goes for R1199pm over 34-months contract. The 100GB 5G plan goes for R899pm for 34 months contract.

MAJOR FIBRE PROVIDERS BASED ON DISTANCE COVERED

  1. Telkom (Openserve)- 165,900km
  2. Vodacom- 33,000km*
  3. Liquid Telecom SA- 23,600km
  4. MTN- 23,000km
  5. Vumatel- 18,000km
  6. Broadband Infraco- 14,863km
  7. DFA- 14,000km
  8. Seacom/FibreCo- 4,000km*
  9. MetroFibre Networx- 2,700km

Although, there are smaller Fibre providers springing forth in smaller cities and towns, however, these are the major players in the industry. To know the Fibre providers in your location, simply enter your address here and it will display available providers in your location.

REQUIREMENTS TO GET INTERNET FOR YOUR HOME

Fibre To The Home (FTTH):

The first step is to check for the best and available Fibre internet providers in your area.

Proceed to choose your Fibre Internet provider, then choose a package/plan that suits your needs.

Call or email the Internet service provider you have chosen. They will require your South African ID, three-month bank statement, home address and other information depending on the provider.

You need to complete all registration and make payments. Once you make the payment, your provider will contact you to schedule a Fibre connection and Router installation in your home.

Your service provider will also provide you with a router. The router will serve as a wi-fi device to connect your phones, smart televisions, tablets, computers, etc.

A password will be required for you to access your home Fibre internet. The password makes it impossible or at least very difficult for anyone to access your router. You can ask your provider for your password or check the label on your router. Without the password, nobody can gain access to your Fibre internet. Once the Fibre cable and router installation is complete, you can start enjoying super-fast internet.

Portable Home Wi-Fi:

The portable home Wi-fi does not require advanced set up like the Fibre broadband.

Select your LTE/4G/5G internet provider.

Pick a plan that suits your need from the list available. It could be 10GBpm, 20GBpm. 40GBpm – 400GBpm or unlimited data plan.

Call the internet service provider or go online to register with your South African ID or international passport for foreigners. If you want a monthly contract plan, you will need to submit other documents. A three-month bank statement, South African ID, home address, and make the necessary payments. After payment, you will receive a portable Wi-fi or router depending on your choice and the number of devices you want to connect to your home Wi-fi.

The Mini Wi-fi is a recharge device that can fit into your pocket. However, the router is a box-like device that cannot fit into your pocket. Also, the router is not rechargeable, and must be connected to a power cable.

Get your portable wi-fi or router password and connect your devices to the internet. The passwords are usually attached to your Mini Wi-fi and router.

REQUIREMENTS TO GET AN INTERNET SUBSCRIPTION IN SOUTH AFRICA

Internet subscription in South Africa is divided into two different categories, prepaid and contract-based internet subscription.

The prepaid plan does not require much. All you need is: - Registered Sim card. - Airtime for prepaid users. - Home Network Coverage Area.

Once these requirements are met, you can then subscribe to any data plan of your choice, anytime, any day. However, you must ensure you use your available data before the expiration date.

For Contract based subscription, the following documents will be required. - A registered Sim cards. - Three-month statement of account. - South African Identity Card.

Once you meet the requirements, you must go to the internet providers office outlet to complete registration. However, some internet providers accept online registration. Once you have registered, you pick the monthly plan that suits your needs.

Your subscription fees will automatically be deducted from your bank account every month. Peradventure you deplete the total Megabytes or Gigabytes allocated to you monthly, you can do a top-up plan to continue to use the internet. Most of the internet providers in South Africa offer a rollover deal. It means that if you have some megabytes or Gigabytes left from your monthly data plan, you can roll it over to the next month. For example, if your monthly plan is 30GB, and you used 20GB throughout the month, the remaining 10GB is rolled over to the following month. That means you get 30GB + 10GB the next month. BEST INTERNET PROVIDERS BASED ON THE AREA/LOCATION IN SOUTH AFRICA. It depends on where you will be using the internet. We can be in the same street, city or town and still experience different internet speed and services. We recommend that you do a speed test of internet providers in your location. You can check for available Fibre coverage in your area by simply entering your address here, and it will show you the list of fibre providers available in your location.

FIBRE INTERNET PROVIDERS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Fibre Optic cables have been in existence for decades. The world is connected by Fibre Optic cables which stretch over 1.2 million kilometres, laying deep beneath our oceans.

Today, South Africa’s Fibre Optic network is now available more than ever. South Africa has hundreds of fibre network to choose from, but we will consider two Fibre Internet providers.

Supersonic Fibre

Supersonic Fibre offers a prepaid Fibre package of 20Mbps download speed starting at R395pm. What makes Supersonic Fibre attractive are the free pecks that come with the package.

No Contracts. Free Router and modem. Free installation and activation. Unlimited/Uncapped internet. Telkom Fibre Telkom offers one of the most reliable and affordable fibre networks in South Africa. Telkom offers two Fibre deals, Home unlimited Fibre package and Home Unlimited Premium Package. With the Telkom Fibre internet, new customers get to enjoy three (3) months free subscription.

The Home unlimited Fibre packages offer three plans with a threshold (speed reduces when you reach the limit).

  • 50Mbps speed plan cost R699pm.
  • 100Mbps speed goes for R899pm.
  • The 200Mbps plan cost R1169pm.
  • The Home Unlimited Premium Package also offer three plans without threshold.
  • 50Mbps speed plan cost R1199pm.
  • 100Mbps speed goes for R1399pm.
  • 200Mbps plan cost R1599pm.

This package comes with 1 free e-mail account (with 3GB of storage and 5 aliases), voice service and calling plan, free installation, and free Router.

TWO INTERNET PROVIDER THAT OFFER DSL/ADSL INTERNET DEALS

Mweb Uncapped ADSL:

Mweb offers one of the best ADSL internet deals in South Africa. They have a large coverage area, and prices are affordable for uncapped internet. Mweb ADSL provides conventional ADSL services and products. However, there will be no need to have a separate landline and another ADSL line because everything is under one set up.

Axxess Uncapped DSL:

Axxess offers uncapped DSL internet access with super-fast broadband speed up to 40Mpbs. Their package includes a flexible plan which means you do not need a monthly contract to enjoy their services.

CAN I GET INTERNET WITHOUT CONTRACT IN SOUTH AFRICA?

Yes, almost all the network providers offer a seamless prepaid plan whereby you only buy a daily, weekly, monthly, or six-month plan.

You do not require to commit to any contract to enjoy internet in South Africa. All you must do is get a prepaid sim card from any of the service providers of your choice. Load airtime and subscribe to any prepaid plan of your choice. The prepaid internet ranges from daily, weekly, monthly, or hourly plans. You can also subscribe to a night only data (12 AM – 5 AM, 6 AM, or 7 AM), depending on your internet services provider.

CONCLUSION

The network providers in South Africa have improved over the years. However, some network tends to stand out in some areas than the others. Rain offers the cheapest Unlimited 4G and 5G Mobile Network data in South Africa. Telkom has the largest Fibre Coverage in the country with 165,900km Axxess has one of the most affordable ADSL/DSL plans in South Africa. If you want affordable and special packages, then Telkom Mobile is your best choice, provided you have Telkom coverage in your area.