Internet service providers in South Africa verse the fibre network operators

Sometimes there are misconceptions about what an internet service provider in South Africa (like us) does versus what the fibre network operator (FNO) does.

Who is responsible for what when it comes to bringing a rocket-fuelled internet service experience to your home?

Let us explain, to put you in the picture.

Internet service providers in South Africa (ISP) and their role

Here’s what we, as internet service providers in South Africa do. You browse our internet service offerings online to purchase high quality internet.  We then deliver on that purchase in a way that creates a great internet service experience at a competitive price. With the internet service you purchased from us you are able to do Zoom calls, stream your favourite Netflix shows, send large-sized photos to friends and family and, more recently, watch some sport on Showmax. As the internet service provider in South Africa we provide the service of providing you with fibre internet and look after you by making sure you are having the best internet experience possible.

Fibre network operators (FNO) and what they do

An FNO, like Vumatel or OpenServe or Metrofibre, are not the manufacturers of the fibre cables that connect the world to the internet. They are the wholesaler. They make the internet available by laying fibre cables in the ground and they specialise in ICT infrastructure rather than working directly with customers. They then sell that internet on to internet service providers in South Africa.

Sometimes an FNO tries to approach customers like you directly. The trouble with this approach is that it can come at the cost of customer service and, if you don’t get what you paid for, well, there’s limited recourse. This is because they own the cable in your area and have limited your choice in terms of an internet service provider in South Africa.

When you have multiple internet service providers in South Africa competing with each other for your business it keeps service delivery and pricing on a level playing field. You have plenty of choice. Also, the ISP is not so focused on the infrastructure but more on a customized fibre internet service experience that suits your needs. In this way you benefit the most. One FNO can distribute through 20 ISPs that are all competing for your attention. Only the best internet service experience at the most competitive price will keep you loyal. That is why you should deal with an independent, internet service provider in South Africa.

What is meant by and independent internet service provider?

Glad you asked. What we mean by independent is that we are not owned by an FNO. We exist purely for you, the customer. ISPs are those who keep the balance and hold the FNO to account so that prices are kept as low as possible and service standards are maintained at the highest possible level.

So, our advice is – choose an independent ISP, and stick with them as long as they provide you the best service.

Quick sales pitch

A value here at RocketNet is that we fundamentally believe in providing our customers with a great fibre internet experience. Being an internet service provider in South Africa is our passion and not a means to an end. That is why we have never supplied shaped or capped internet and have also never practiced the much frowned upon, throttling of internet. If you are not having a great experience, then we are here to turn those poor experiences into great ones.