With the work-from-home trend still being popular in South Africa and more people staying connected through social media, finding an affordable internet service provider (ISP) is a top priority for many consumers.

In South Africa, there are many big names available in the current market, but which provider offers consumers value for money?

Here is a comparison of the different internet providers in the country.

MTN

Uncapped

Line speed: 35 Mbps

Cost: From R545 month-to-month

Vodacom

Unlimited

Line speed: 25 Mbps

Cost: From R449 per month

Telkom

Uncapped

Line speed: 40Mbps - 100Mbps

Cost: From R499 per month

Rain

Unlimited 5G WiFi + FREE calls and data for 2 phones

Line speed: 30 Mbps

Cost: From R625 month-to-month

MWeb

Vuma (Uncapped)

Line speed: 25Mbps - 25Mbps

Cost: R449 per month

Afrihost

Vumatel (Uncapped)

Line speed: 25Mbps - 25Mbps

Cost: R489pm per month

How to choose the best ISP in South Africa

Choosing among the various ISP options can be tough and overwhelming.

According to an article by online review platform HelloPeter, these are the factors that you should consider when comparing the various ISPs in South Africa:

Line speeds

Consumers seek an internet connection that is fast enough to support various activities, including streaming their favourite Netflix shows, downloading documents, sending and receiving emails, and browsing the web. Higher line speeds enable users to manage multiple tasks more efficiently.

Costs

You can purchase a modem separately, or it will be included in the contract. Always ask for a complete breakdown of the costs to see if any hidden expenses may apply.

Terms and Conditions

Always read the fine print. If you find yourself feeling unsure about anything or if the contract is written in a way you do not understand, seek clarity.

Extra features

Ensure that the extras offered by ISPs increase the value of the package instead of choosing a provider just because of a 'free' addition. Think carefully about what the core package offers.

Reliable service

How reliable is the service? Are there any complaints relating to the ability of the ISP to offer consistent uptime? How does the ISP deal with downtime?

Ask around to find out what people say, as many companies will tell potential customers that they are the most reliable, even if they’re not.

Customer support

Don’t forget about customer support. How quickly or easily can your issues be resolved? What sort of support system does the ISP offer? Even the most affordable costs do not make up for poor service.

Do your research

With the large number of options available, it can be impossible to cut through the sales jargon and ISP marketing talk.

That is where online review platforms such as Hellopeter come in by allowing to research what your fellow consumers are saying about the providers you are considering.

You can look through the reviews that other consumers have written about the ISPs and then make a decision for yourself.

IOL Business