What Is An Internet Connection?
An internet connection is the means by which your devices can connect to the internet, and in turn other devices on the internet (especially social media sites such as Facebook, messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Twitter) can connect with you. There are several different types of internet connections, each with their own set of pros and cons.
What Is The Purpose Of Your Internet Connection?
The purpose is to connect your devices/services with the internet, and in turn, allow the internet to connect with you (and vice versa). Specific applications (such as web browsers for searching on Google) are commonly used via an internet connection. Popular messaging applications also have features that require an internet connection, such as sending a message to a friend overseas.
Some devices may not be able to operate (or at least function properly) without an internet connection e.g. game consoles that can download game demos or update their online status, or smart televisions that allow users to browse through video-on-demand options while watching their current show.
What Is Wifi?
WiFi is short for Wireless Fidelity, and is a technology that allows devices to connect to the internet wirelessly. Very few modern mobile phones have no WiFi feature. WiFi also exists in public areas such as shopping malls or cafes, where customers/members can pay a fee to access the internet.
Many WiFi connections today are secured with passwords, and some are vulnerable to hacking attempts.
What Is Fibre Internet?
Fibre internet is a type of high-speed internet connection that utilises fibre optic cables – thin strands of glass or highly transparent plastic, capable of transmitting data as light signals. In this case, the data transmitted via the fibre optic cables are ones and zeros – which are the language of computers.
Fibre internet connections are faster than most other internet connections, and can typically achieve speeds of up to 100mbps (100 million bits per second).
There are many providers you can choose from if you want fibre internet in South Africa. They include FibreX, Vumatel, Telkom and Openserve.
What Does ADSL Stand For And What Is It?
ADSL stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line , and is a type of technology that transmits data as electrical signals over the telephone line via one’s home or business telephone socket/plug.
ADSL, however, is neither the fastest nor most reliable internet connection type in South Africa – both of which are held by fibre internet. ADSL is slower than its counterparts due to the limitations imposed on it when transmitted over telephone wiring (which is much thinner than that of copper wires).
Since ADSL is an analog signal, it can be affected by electronic interference (such as your microwave oven or TV) resulting in dropped connections. Because of the lower quality infrastructure required for its installation, ADSL internet is substantially cheaper than fibre and LTE.
As mentioned previously, there are many providers one can choose from if they want ADSL internet in South Africa. They include Vodacom, Cell C and Telkom.
What Is LTE?
LTE is short for Long-Term Evolution , and is a newer type of technology that transmits data as light signals over high-speed radio waves (beyond the frequencies used by FM radio).
LTE internet is considered to be faster than most other internet connections, and is typically the fastest type of mobile connectivity. It is capable of achieving speeds of up to 100mbps (similar to that of fibre). LTE also supports fast-flux technology which allows it to track users’ locations with great precision, even indoors .
LTE can be accessed through one’s cellphone (which must be equipped with the correct hardware) by signing up for cellular data packages purchased from one’s network service provider. This can be expensive , but it is nevertheless much faster than other types of internet connections offered in South Africa.
Cellular data plans are available from all major network service providers, including MTN, Cell C, Vodacom and Telkom.
Which Internet Connection Should I Choose?
The choice between fibre, ADSL or LTE depends on your needs as a user. If you are just looking for an internet connection to use for social media or Skype, then ADSL is fine . However, if you are starting up a business that will require fast, reliable internet access on a constant basis, then fibre is the best choice.
No matter which connection you opt for, remember  that all of them are faster than home broadband .
Which is Better ADSL or LTE?
If you are not too worried about the speed of your internet connection, but its price is more important, then it’s likely that an ADSL connection will be cheaper than an LTE one.
However, if you are looking for the fastest possible internet with unlimited usage, then LTE would be better for you.
At the end of the day, all three (ADSL, fibre and LTE) are faster than home broadband , and offer various benefits to users. If you would like to learn more about any of them, or want help deciding which one will be best for you, then please contact us today!
Comparing  ADSL Broadband VS Fibre Optic Broadband Connection Speeds
ADSL broadband is slowly being phased out in South Africa by faster fibre optic technology, which is why comparing the two can be confusing. While ADSL uses your standard telephone line to access the internet, fibre speeds are much faster and can even reach up to 100Mb through a special cable that’s directly connected to your home or office.
ADSL uses the same lines as these calls, making it slower. Copper wire is also thinner than fibre optic cable.
If you’re trying to decide which service provider to go with, compare your internet needs with the speed offered by each. If you’re just surfing the net or checking your email, ADSL will suit you fine, but if you’ll be watching TV shows online or Skyping with family members abroad, fibre speeds are the way to go.
Fibre Or LTE Which Is Best?
Businesses are now switching from ADSL to fibre because of the speed, security and reliability it offers. LTE is another option for businesses who need fast internet, but want to keep costs down.
Choosing between LTE or fibre will depend on how much you’re willing to spend. If money is no obstacle, then go with fibre since it’s more secure and reliable.
However, if you’re on a budget, then LTE is the better choice since it offers similar speeds but at a cheaper price point. Please contact us for more information about fibre or LTE options available in your area.
How Much Does Internet Cost South Africa?
Internet costs can vary from one provider to another. Many ADSL, LTE and fibre options offer usage-based deals as well as unlimited deals.
There are many factors that determine how much you’ll pay for your internet service. If you have a contract with a particular service provider then you won’t have to worry about paying anything extra, but if you’re on a pay-as-you-go plan, then your costs will depend on how much data you use each month.
With fibre optic internet, the type of package (unlimited or not), as well as its speed all play a role in determining how much it will cost you.
Check out the different internet packages available from each service provider to learn about their speeds and costs before making a commitment.
What Internet Should I Use For My Business?
Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, having fast and reliable internet that everybody can access is important.
Unlimited ADSL is easier to set up, but won’t offer the speed necessary for more complex tasks such as video conferencing.
Fibre , on the other hand, has speeds of up to 1000Mb, and is great for remote working since you can access all the files on your server from any location.
If you already have an ADSL connection but need more speed, fibre optic will be a more secure option since connections are not shared.
If you would like to switch to a faster internet or get a new line installed in your office, contact your local Internet provider today.
Still Unsure?
If you are still confused about which internet connection to choose, contact an ISP in South Africa, who will advise you on the best option for your needs. Choose the best internet plan for your home or business to ensure that you always have fast, reliable access.
If you have any further questions about this article, please don’t hesitate to leave us a message.
Xploited Media are a web design and development agency in Cape Town, and whilst we may not offer Internet services our aim is to help guide you on the best solution for your business. Get in touch with us today.
