Selecting the right internet provider means weighing coverage, product variety, pricing, and support. HeroTel has quietly expanded into one of the country’s most ambitious ISPs, offering a blend of fibre, fixed wireless, and VoIP services tailored for homes and businesses. But does HeroTel deliver on speed, service, and stability?
In this review, we explore HeroTel’s national footprint, service capabilities, customer experiences, and whether its hybrid infrastructure model is the future of connectivity.
Company Overview: Mission, Vision & Values
Founded through the consolidation of over 40 wireless ISPs, HeroTel has grown into one of South Africa’s largest independent broadband providers. The company’s unique hybrid infrastructure strategy—offering both fixed fibre and high-speed wireless—enables them to reach both dense urban centers and underserved rural areas.
HeroTel operates through a mix of national and regional service partners, allowing for flexible deployment and localised support.
Brand Promise
HeroTel aims to “connect every town and village in South Africa,” offering fast, affordable, and contract-free internet solutions. Its mission is grounded in accessibility, with the goal of providing seamless connectivity to both metropolitan and outlying communities.
Core Offerings
🛜 Fibre
HeroTel offers symmetrical speeds and fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) packages via its national network and through open-access fibre partnerships. Key features include:
| Package | Speed | Price (Approx.) | Contract | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Fibre | 25 Mbps | ~R499/month | No contract | Ideal for light streaming and browsing |
| Family Fibre | 50–100 Mbps | ~R699–R899/month | No contract | Suitable for multiple users and HD streaming |
| Power User | 200+ Mbps | ~R1099+/month | No contract | Best for gamers, streamers, and remote workers |
📡 Wireless Internet
HeroTel’s wireless offering uses high-site towers to deliver fixed wireless broadband to areas lacking fibre coverage. This makes it a strategic solution for rural or peri-urban regions.
| Package | Speed (Up To) | Monthly Price | Fair Usage Policy | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Wireless | 5–10 Mbps | ~R399 | Yes | No contract |
| Home Wireless | 10–20 Mbps | ~R499–R699 | Yes | No contract |
| Business Wireless | 20–50 Mbps | Custom pricing | Yes | Tailored SLA |
📞 VoIP Solutions
HeroTel’s VoIP services are designed to support both home and business users looking for a flexible, feature-rich alternative to traditional phone lines. While pricing is not publicly listed, HeroTel emphasizes customisable packages and regional availability.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Call Quality | HD Voice over IP; dependent on broadband quality |
| Number Porting | Supports porting existing geographic numbers |
| Mobile App Support | Use your landline number on a mobile device via softphone apps |
| Call Recording | Available as an optional add-on for business or compliance use |
| Voicemail-to-Email | Converts voicemail messages to email attachments |
| Device Compatibility | Supports VoIP desk phones, analog adapters (ATA), and mobile SIP apps |
| Custom PBX Options | Tailored solutions available for businesses needing call routing, IVR, etc. |
| Setup Requirements | Requires stable fibre or wireless internet connection from HeroTel |
| Support & Onboarding | Setup assistance and regional support teams available |
What Makes HeroTel Unique?
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Hybrid Infrastructure Model: Offers both fibre and wireless, depending on location.
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Decentralised Operations: Regional service providers under the HeroTel brand allow for local support and faster installations.
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No Contracts: Month-to-month billing adds flexibility for households and businesses.
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Rural First: Focus on bridging the digital divide in smaller towns.
Service and Support
HeroTel offers a localised support model via its network of regional partners. This often translates into faster on-site responses but can mean inconsistent support quality between regions.
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Customer Portal: Online self-service tools for billing and troubleshooting
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Phone & Email Support: Available through regional teams
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Installation: Fibre setups may take longer due to third-party dependency
Customer Experiences: Reviews and Testimonials
HeroTel’s hybrid model and regional structure bring both strengths and limitations to the customer experience. On review platforms like HelloPeter and Google Reviews, feedback is a mixed bag—largely dependent on the local HeroTel franchise servicing a particular area.
🔍 Common Positive Feedback
Great Value for Money: Many users find their fibre and wireless plans affordable compared to legacy ISPs.
Fast Wireless Installations: Especially in rural or semi-rural areas, their wireless is often praised for quick turnaround times.
Improved Coverage: Customers in previously underserviced areas note a meaningful improvement in connectivity since joining HeroTel.
VoIP Simplicity: For users adopting their VoIP, setup is generally reported as simple and functional for home and small business use.
⚠️ Common Complaints
Inconsistent Support Quality: Because HeroTel is a federation of regional ISPs, customer service quality varies widely by location.
Fibre Installation Delays: Customers in urban zones often report waiting several weeks for fibre setup, especially when they rely on third-party infrastructure.
Slow Response Times: In some regions, especially during outages or network issues, customers report delayed responses from support teams.
Wireless Downtime in Bad Weather: Wireless services, especially in hilly or obstructed environments, can be unstable during storms or high winds.
Key Takeaways
✅ Strengths:
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Flexible, no-contract broadband options
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National reach, including rural markets
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Simple VoIP for home and business
❌ Weaknesses:
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Fibre rollout still expanding
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Wireless can be weather-dependent
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Support varies by region
✅ Final Verdict: Is HeroTel Worth It?
If you’re looking for flexible internet options without the red tape of long-term contracts—and especially if you live outside major metros—HeroTel offers one of the most versatile connectivity solutions in South Africa. The blend of fibre, wireless, and VoIP gives it a competitive edge in diverse environments.
However, users in high-demand areas or those requiring enterprise-grade support should assess the maturity of regional teams before committing.
💡 Recommendation: Best suited for families, small businesses, and users in under-served regions seeking no-fuss internet with room to grow.
HeroTel Alternatives
If you’re still weighing your options, consider these alternatives:
- Centracom: 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.
