Afrihost has been a household name in South Africa’s ISP market for over two decades, catering to both business and home users. With a reputation built on affordability and flexibility, they’ve managed to secure multiple ISP of the Year awards. But does the service live up to the hype, or are there hidden challenges that might catch you off guard? In this review, we’ll dive into Afrihost’s key offerings, highlight what stands out, and explore potential concerns to help you make an informed decision.
Afrihost at a Glance
Afrihost is the brainchild of best friends Gian Visser, Brendan Armstrong and Peter Meintjes, who had a dream of building a company free of corporate shackles, that would delight their clients with excellent service and amazing products.With more than 24 years of experience, and having won the ISP of the Year award multiple times, Afrihost prides itself on being a market leader. Their ability to cater to both business and residential customers with a wide range of services, including internet, VoIP, and hosting, has helped them maintain a broad customer base.
However, experience alone doesn’t always guarantee the best service. While Afrihost offers a variety of packages and competitive pricing, their reliability has been called into question by many users. It’s important to weigh these concerns carefully against the attractive price points.
Afrihost Packages Overview
What Stands Out
Afrihost shines in its affordability and flexibility, particularly with the month-to-month packages and no long-term contracts. The pricing across their Fibre, LTE, and VoIP offerings makes them accessible for many users, particularly those seeking to avoid upfront commitments. Their simple plug-and-play setup for LTE and SIM-based services is a plus for anyone who prefers quick and easy installation without the need for technicians or complicated setup processes.
That said, affordability doesn’t always guarantee reliability. Afrihost’s service may be inexpensive, but if you’re in a business environment, cost-efficiency won’t mean much if your connection drops during critical moments. It’s worth considering whether a more expensive, yet consistently reliable, provider might be a better long-term investment.
Potential Issues
While Afrihost’s pricing is highly attractive, it’s important to note that many customers have expressed concerns over service reliability, particularly with their Fibre and LTE offerings. For businesses relying on constant uptime, frequent service disruptions could potentially outweigh the benefits of lower costs.
Another recurring issue is the support response time. Numerous reviews highlight delayed responses during service outages, and with support only available during working hours, this could be particularly frustrating if problems occur after hours or on weekends.
There’s also the contrast between Afrihost’s glowing Google reviews (featured on their website) and the more critical feedback found on Hello Peter, where complaints about service outages, slow support, and inconsistent internet speeds are more prominent. For potential buyers, it’s crucial to dig deeper into these reviews to ensure you’re getting an accurate picture of Afrihost’s performance.
Service and Support
Afrihost provides multiple support channels, including their ClientZone Portal, WhatsApp, and a call centre open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. While these options seem to offer accessible support, the reality may not always be as smooth. Feedback from users suggests that response times can be slow, particularly when dealing with technical issues during service outages.
If you need immediate assistance during urgent business hours, Afrihost’s limited support availability could be a dealbreaker. Businesses that rely on 24/7 uptime may find these limitations frustrating, especially if you’re in a time-sensitive situation.
How Easy is it to Buy?
Purchasing from Afrihost is fairly straightforward. Start by using their Coverage Tool to check service availability in your area. For their LTE packages, select the plan that suits your needs, sign up online, and then RICA your SIM either via the Afrihost App or online. Equipment is delivered within 7 to 10 working days, and with plug-and-play setup, you can be online fairly quickly.
However, for fibre options, the process is a bit more complicated. While the initial signup is simple, the installation requires coordination with the relevant network provider, which can lead to delays. Additionally, if you decide to cancel your service within the first six months, a R999 cancellation fee applies. Before signing up, make sure to carefully read through their terms and conditions to avoid any surprises, especially around installation timelines and service cancellations.
Final Thoughts
While Afrihost’s pricing and month-to-month flexibility are attractive, is saving a bit of money worth the trade-offs? If your business relies heavily on internet uptime, you may find yourself frustrated with the service outages and support delays often reported. It’s also worth asking whether Afrihost’s support infrastructure can keep up with larger or more demanding customers. In a competitive market where even small disruptions can have a significant impact, it may be worth exploring alternatives that offer more reliable performance at a slightly higher cost.
But here’s the real question: Is Afrihost more suitable for home users than businesses? Based on the reliability concerns and mixed reviews, it might be worth considering if the service truly aligns with your business needs.
Afrihost Alternatives
If you’re still weighing your options, consider these alternatives:
Switch Telecom: Offers cost-effective VoIP solutions with robust customer service.
Euphoria Telecom: Known for comprehensive call centre solutions and wireless connectivity.
Kinetix Connect: Another potential option for enhanced communication infrastructure.
Choosing a telecom provider is a big decision. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider using our service. We’ve connected over 50,000 users through our service since 2009 and we’re perfectly positioned to help you too.
Visit our Get Quote page to reach out so we can connect you with the perfect provider.
