South Africa communications consist of easy access to fast internet, mobile packages and fixed line telephone networks. Expats won’t have problems in connecting to these.
Internet
Internet services are available in the country and the broadband has good standards, although the fixed line speed is generally slow.
Telkom is the main service provider in the country and it is a largely state owned enterprise which owns the infrastructure to deliver the data. Other service providers are Neotel and Vodacom who offer different services and introduce lower prices than Telkom. Prices for bandwidth packages vary depending on if the data is capper or uncapped.
Due to the local call costs not being free, customers will be charged for dial up connections as well as ISP fees. Broadband is available but only in the urban centres with a high charge. Those who need additional bandwidth can purchase it for an extra cost and can make use of online VOIP services such as Skype.
Before connecting to the internet, you will be required to have installed a residential line and pay a monthly rental fee.
If you choose not to get internet at home, you can access the internet services at internet cafes.
Mobile Telephones
Expats moving to South Africa may opt to change their phones if their home country one does not work. Different mobile phone providers are in the country such as: Vodacom, Cell C, MTN, Telkom mobile and Virgin mobile. There are many packages that you can choose from i.e. pay as you go if you will only be in the country for a short period of time, multitude contracts and 3G services.
The larger cities have the 3G coverage along with highways and smaller towns. Expats can purchase mobile phones at stores and cellular phone shops with costs varying.
To register with a mobile phone provide, you must provide the following
- Cell phone number and the SIM card which needs to be registered
- Proof of ID
- Forename and surname
- Proof of address
Landline
Telkom provides the country’s land line services and it is extensive covering all the major areas with charges costing the highest in the world. When calling long distances it is advised to have a prepaid phone line which has monthly rent charges due to long distance calls being expensive. There are however a variety of calling plans available.
When setting up a landline, you will need to register by contacting customer services or by visiting the retail stores. You must show proof of residence, proof of ID and will need to provide a fee; you should note that it can take up to one month for someone from the company to install it.