How To Start Wi-Fi Business In South Africa

How To Start Wi-Fi Business In South Africa

What is Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi is the wireless technology used to connect computers, tablets, smartphones and other devices to the internet. Wi-Fi is the radio signal sent from a wireless router to a nearby device, which translates the signal into data you can see and use.

Overview of Wi-Fi/Data Service in South Africa

The Internet in South Africa, one of the most technologically resourced countries on the African continent, is expanding. The Internet country code top-level domain (ccTLD) .

South Africa is one of the most expensive countries when it comes to mobile data. We are paying a lot more compared to other countries for simply accessing the internet. This means there will be a demand for anyone who can offer more affordable prices while offering a good service.

The good thing about WIFI is that most people will always choose the cheaper/more affordable option as long as coverage and signal is good. This makes this market a bit easier to penetrate, when you have funding.

How To Start Wi-Fi Business In South Africa

In order to start building your communications infrastructure and selling bandwidth you will need to obtain the relevant licences as defined and required by ICASA. Both the Individual ECNS and ECS licences are issued for an initial term of 20 years.

Quick Summary

  1. Plan your business and network.
  2. Research laws and apply for an ISP license.
  3. Start evaluating for hardware/software vendors.
  4. Get your ISP license approval from DoT.
  5. Purchase hardware, software and bulk bandwidth.
  6. Set up network infrastructure.
  7. Start marketing with brochures, banners and free WiFi advertising.
  8. Build customers; give them quality service and support

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does it cost to start a WiFi business?

“You’ll need to have access to (or be able to raise within a month of acceptance) at least $25,000 to cover your initial infrastructure hardware, business setup, and startup expenses.” And Necto said that prospective customers who agree to purchase its services can potentially make a solid entry into the ISP business.

Why is internet expensive in South Africa?

According to The State of ICT in South Africa report, most South Africans cannot afford to go online due to data costs, lack of internet-enabled devices and digital literacy, all of which are associated with poverty, are the main barriers to getting online.

Does Telkom sell routers?

Telkom LTE Prepaid BUNDLE 20GB +20GB SIM and D-LINK AC1200 DB Route

Do you need internet for WiFi?

You cannot get WiFi without an internet connection. ‘Internet’ is what you (or the establishment providing free WiFi) subscribe to from an ISP (Internet Service Provider)

Is internet cheap in South Africa?

South Africa ranks closest to the US, which has an average broadband price of $59. The cost of fixed internet access in South Africa is cheaper than the global average of $78.14 or R1,174

How much is Telkom uncapped WiFi per month?

Some of the monthly offers you can get from Telkom for unlimited home WiFi data include the following: DSL unlimited home Lite (uncapped) 5Mbps at R199 (thereafter R329) DSL unlimited home (uncapped) 5Mbps at R399 (thereafter R499) DSL unlimited home Lite (uncapped) 10Mbps at R299 (thereafter R599)

How much does wifi cost per month South Africa?

Its 2022 prices for uncapped WIFI are: 5Mbps – R297 per month. 10Mbps – R397 per month. 20Mbps – R597 per month.

Which WiFi network is best in South Africa?

Best mobile network in South Africa

MTN reigned supreme in 2020 with a Network Quality Score of 9.86, followed by Vodacom on 6.17, Telkom on 4.87, Cell C on 4.35, and Rain on 4.35

Is fibre better than WIFI?

For fiber optic cable vs wireless, the network connection is no exception. Wired connection will provide more reliability and have less potential for interference. While wireless connection will offer greater flexibility and the ability to easily addition of devices to your network.

How much is 100GB Telkom?

Telkom LTE Wifi Data 100GB for R399.

Can you have WiFi without Internet?

If you have an Android device, you can enable tethering by heading to Settings > Network and Internet > Hotspot and Tethering > Wi-Fi Hotspot, then slide the toggle next to Wi-Fi Hotspot into the On position. iOS users need to go to Settings > Personal Hotspot and slide the toggle

Is WIFI good in South Africa?

In terms of speed, a report by Akamai, The State of the Internet for 2010, showed that South Africa was one of 86 countries which had an average connection speed below 1 Mbit/s, which is below the global average broadband threshold of 2 Mbit/s.

How does wifi work in South Africa?

Here’s how wireless internet works:

Your wireless ISP connects to a fibre internet signal. The internet signal then comes to you and is captured by your wireless dish. “The catch, however, is that ‘line of sight’ is needed between the ISP’s tower and the residence,” De Goede explains.

Does South Africa have the most expensive data?

South Africa’s data costs an average of $2.67 (R38. 93) for 1GB of data from a sample of 60 plans measured on February, 25. The study found the cheapest data cost $0.12, while the most expensive was $34.95

How do I apply for a Telkom wireless router?

Call 10213, visit the Telkom shop or go online to www.telkom.co.za to order your fibre bundle. Once the order is processed, a service representative will contact you for an appointment to do the installation.

How much is Telkom unlimited data?

Unlimited All-Hours is R849 and is also valid for 31 days from the day of activation. As the name implies, it doesn’t have any time restrictions and is available 24 hours per day. Both packages are governed by Telkom’s fair use policy.

Is 5G better than fibre?

Whereas 5G can have downlink speed up to the scale of 20 Gbps and 10 Gbps uplink, practical speed measured on Fiber cables is 100 Gbps. One major drawback with using 5G technology is that each cell/station can have expanse up to a few 100 meters while Fiber provisioned signal can reach up to 70 Km