Key Takeaways:
Prepaid fibre packages (like Telkom’s) are perfect for short-term internet needs.
Wireless fibre packages from MTN or Zoom is ideal where trenching is limited.
Symmetrical speeds matter if you upload large files or video call often.
Installation costs are nearly always free now — but confirm per provider.
Afrihost and RSAWeb offer premium speed tiers at highly competitive prices.
Choosing a fibre deal isn’t just about speed — it’s also about the right type of speed for your lifestyle.
Whether you’re working from home, binge-streaming, gaming online, or running a small business, the difference between symmetrical and asymmetrical fibre packages can have a major impact on your experience.
⚙️ Understanding Fibre Speed Tiers
Fibre packages are typically defined by their download and upload speeds, listed as:
⬇️ Download speed: How fast you can receive data (streaming, browsing, downloading files).
⬆️ Upload speed: How fast you can send data (sending emails, uploading to cloud, video calls).
📡 Symmetrical vs Asymmetrical Fibre
| Type | Download | Upload | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Symmetrical | Same | Same | Video calls, cloud backups, streaming, uploads |
| Asymmetrical | High | Lower | General browsing, Netflix, music streaming |
Most affordable premium fibre packages:
1. Telkom Prepaid Compact Fibre
Price: R199 once-off (14 days)
Speed: 20 Mbps
Features:
No contract
Uncapped data
Wi-Fi enabled ONT included
Best for: Students, renters, or short-term tenants who need flexible internet access.
Why: Telkom’s prepaid model with no strings attached — perfect for short bursts of high-speed use.
2. Webafrica 20/20 Mbps Uncapped Fibre
Price: R299/month
Speed: 20 Mbps symmetrical
Features:
Free installation
Free-to-use router (fully insured)
Month-to-month billing
Best for: Solo users or couples who browse, stream music or videos in SD.
Why: Webafrica’s affordable entry-level plan with solid support and symmetrical speeds.
3. Openserve (via Vox Telecom)
Price: R315/month
Speed: 20 Mbps download
Features:
Uncapped with no FUP
Free installation and router
Runs on Openserve’s wide-reaching network
Best for: Households looking for reliable, basic internet.
Why: Vox’s affordable, uncapped internet from a reputable backbone provider.
4. Zoom Fibre 15 Mbps
Price: R345/month
Speed: 15 Mbps
Features:
Uncapped
Free setup and installation
Quick turnaround on activation
Best for: Users in underserved areas looking for fast install and decent speeds.
Why: Zoom Fibre has wide suburban reach, even in previously under-connected zones.
5. MTN Supersonic AirFibre 50 Mbps
Price: R449/month
Speed: 50 Mbps
Features:
Wireless fibre (not reliant on underground infrastructure)
Quick install, often same week
No landline needed
Best for: Areas without fibre trenching — like plots, townships, or farms.
Why: MTN bypasses physical fibre limitations with stable wireless performance.
6. RSAWeb Demux 500/500 Mbps
Price: R845/month
Speed: 500 Mbps symmetrical
Features:
Uncapped and unshaped
Fast install on supported networks (like Vumatel)
High throughput for serious usage
Best for: Work-from-home professionals or creators needing high upload and download.
Why: RSAWeb’s blazing fast symmetrical speed for a price that undercuts typical 1 Gbps plans.
7. Axxess Fibre 100 Mbps
Price: R539/month
Speed: 500 Mbps symmetrical
Features:
Uncapped and unshaped
Free installation and router
Flexible contract terms
- Best for: Small to medium-sized businesses, large households, or anyone who needs both high download and upload speeds.
- Why: Axxess is well-regarded for its competitive pricing and service reliability, making it a great option for users who need both speed and stability.
8. Afrihost (via Cybersmart) 1 Gbps
Price: R799/month
Speed: 1 Gbps symmetrical
Features:
True 1 Gbps on selected networks
Free installation and router
Uncapped, unshaped
Best for: Tech-heavy homes, gamers, and home offices dealing in large file transfers.
Why: Afrihost offers insane value for top-tier speed — but only where coverage is available.
Most affordable premium fibre packages:
| Provider | Price | Speed | Features | Best For | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telkom Prepaid Compact Fibre | R199 once-off (14 days) | 20 Mbps | No contract, uncapped data, Wi-Fi enabled ONT | Students, renters, or short-term tenants | Telkom’s prepaid model with no strings attached, perfect for short bursts of high-speed use. |
| Webafrica 20/20 Mbps Uncapped Fibre | R299/month | 20 Mbps symmetrical | Free installation, free-to-use router (fully insured), month-to-month billing | Solo users or couples who browse, stream music or videos in SD | Webafrica’s affordable entry-level plan with solid support and symmetrical speeds. |
| Openserve (via Vox Telecom) | R315/month | 20 Mbps download | Uncapped with no FUP, free installation and router, runs on Openserve’s network | Households looking for reliable, basic internet | Vox’s affordable, uncapped internet from a reputable backbone provider. |
| Zoom Fibre 15 Mbps | R345/month | 15 Mbps | Uncapped, free setup and installation, quick turnaround on activation | Users in underserved areas needing fast installation | Zoom Fibre has wide suburban reach, but concerns about long-term reliability persist. |
| Axxess Fibre 100 Mbps | R539/month | 100 Mbps symmetrical | Uncapped, free installation and router, flexible contract terms | Small to medium-sized businesses, large households | Axxess is praised for its competitive pricing and reliable service. |
High-Performance fibre packages:
| Provider | Price | Speed | Features | Best For | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTN Supersonic AirFibre 50 Mbps | R449/month | 50 Mbps | Wireless fibre, quick install, no landline needed | Areas without fibre trenching — plots, townships, farms | MTN bypasses physical fibre limitations with stable wireless performance. |
| RSAWeb Demux 500/500 Mbps | R845/month | 500 Mbps symmetrical | Uncapped and unshaped, fast install on supported networks | Work-from-home professionals or creators needing high upload and download | RSAWeb offers blazing fast symmetrical speeds for a price that undercuts typical 1 Gbps plans. |
| Afrihost (via Cybersmart) 1 Gbps | R799/month | 1 Gbps symmetrical | True 1 Gbps on selected networks, free installation and router, uncapped | Tech-heavy homes, gamers, and home offices dealing in large file transfers | High-performance speeds with a reputable network backbone at an attractive price. |
When selecting a fibre provider, consider factors such as coverage in your area, reliability, customer support, and the specific speed requirements based on your usage patterns.
Utilising comparison tools like WhichVoIP.co.za can assist in evaluating different packages to find the best fit for your needs.
