Fiber-optic internet is a type of internet connectivity that uses thin strands of glass or plastic to transmit data as pulses of light, allowing for high-speed data transmission over long distances.

Here’s how fiber works in South Africa:

1. Fiber Infrastructure: Telecommunication companies and internet service providers (ISPs) lay fiber-optic cables across various regions of South Africa. These cables form the backbone of the fiber network.
2. Last-Mile Connectivity: Once the fiber backbone is in place, ISPs extend the connection to individual homes and businesses, known as the “last-mile” connectivity. This involves laying fiber-optic cables in neighborhoods and connecting them to street cabinets or distribution points.
3. Fiber Packages: ISPs offer a range of fiber internet packages with different speeds and data caps to customers. Users can choose the package that suits their needs.
4. High-Speed Internet: Fiber-optic internet provides high-speed internet access with much faster download and upload speeds compared to traditional DSL or cable connections.
5. Reliability and Stability: Fiber connections are generally more reliable and stable than other types of connections, as fiber cables are less susceptible to environmental factors like interference and weather conditions.
6. Business Connectivity: Fiber-optic connections are also popular for businesses, as they provide the necessary bandwidth for data-intensive operations and support reliable communication between different locations.
7. Growing Coverage: Over the years, fiber coverage has been expanding in South Africa, with more areas being connected to fiber-optic networks. However, the coverage may still be limited in some rural or remote regions.