Vumatel has established itself as one of South Africa’s leading fibre network operators (FNOs). However, you cannot buy a Vumatel connection directly from Vumatel itself. Instead, you need to sign up with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) such as Webafrica, Vodacom, Afrihost, or MetroFibre Go, who will use the Vumatel infrastructure to deliver your internet connection.
This guide provides an up-to-date overview of the best Vumatel fibre deals, current pricing, and what you can expect to pay for uncapped fibre in South Africa.
Vumatel Fibre Deals, Packages and Prices
Recent Price Adjustments
Before listing the deals, it is important to note that Vumatel implemented wholesale price adjustments recently. Consequently, most ISPs have passed on these increases or adjusted their package structures. Here is how the price changes affected Afrihost customers as a benchmark:
| Line Speed | Old Price | New Price |
|---|---|---|
| 30/30 Mbps | R489 | R517 (+5.7%) |
| 50/25 Mbps | R687 | R727 (+5.8%) |
| 100/50 Mbps | R867 | R897 (+3.5%) |
| 200/200 Mbps | R1,137 | R1,167 (+2.6%) |
| 500/200 Mbps | R1,277 | R1,297 (+1.6%) |
| 1000/250 Mbps | R1,497 | R1,497 (No change) |
Note on Price Differences: The table above represents Afrihost’s pricing. In the comparison tables below, you will see different rates from other ISPs like Webafrica and MetroFibre. Always check the ISP’s specific terms and conditions, as promotional pricing (e.g., discounts for the first few months) may apply.
Best Vumatel Fibre Deals and Prices
1. Webafrica
Webafrica offers Vumatel fibre packages with free setup and a free router. They are known for competitive pricing across almost all speed tiers.
| Package Name | Speed (Down/Up) | Monthly Price (Standard) | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vuma Reach | 20/10 Mbps | R419 | Month‑to‑Month |
| Value | 30/30 Mbps | R519 | Month‑to‑Month |
| Essential | 50/25 Mbps | R719 | Month‑to‑Month |
| Plus | 100/50 Mbps | R909 | Month‑to‑Month |
| Pro | 200/200 Mbps | R1,109 | Month‑to‑Month |
2. Vodacom
Vodacom provides Uncapped Vumatel fibre packages directly. If you are already a Vodacom client, bundling your fibre with your mobile plan can sometimes lead to discounts, though availability is strictly dependent on Vumatel coverage in your area.
3. Afrihost
Afrihost keeps its pricing competitive and is transparent about Vumatel increases. Check their website for the latest “Double Speed” promotions, where they upgrade you to a higher tier at no extra cost.
4. MetroFibre Go
MetroFibre Go frequently runs promotions specifically for new Vumatel customers. They currently offer a 50/25 Mbps line for a competitive promotional rate if you sign up during the promotional period.
Finding the Right Speed
Choosing the right speed depends on your household size and internet usage. Here is a quick guide to help you choose.
– 20 – 30 Mbps: Suitable for 1-2 people. Light browsing, emails, and streaming in 720p/1080p.
– 50 – 100 Mbps: Ideal for 2-4 people. Simultaneous HD/4K streaming, video calls (Zoom/Teams), and online gaming.
– 200 – 500 Mbps: For heavy users or large families. Large file downloads, 4K streaming on multiple devices, and smart home devices.
– 1000 Mbps (1Gbps): For tech enthusiasts and shared housing. Extreme speed needs and zero buffering.
Important Things to Remember
– Promotional Pricing: Many prices shown are promotional for the initial period. The price reverts to the standard rate after the promotional period ends.
– ISP vs. FNO: Vumatel installs the fibre line to your house (the “last mile”). Your ISP (Webafrica, Afrihost, etc.) provides the data and manages your account.
– Coverage: Before you start shopping, you must check if Vumatel fibre is available at your specific address. ISPs like Webafrica and Atomic have online coverage maps to check this.
– Installation Costs: Most of the deals listed include free standard installation and a free router. However, if your address requires a “long drop” or complex civil engineering, the ISP may charge an additional fee.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I buy fibre directly from Vumatel?
No. Vumatel is a fibre network operator (FNO). They install and maintain the fibre infrastructure, but you must purchase your data package from an Internet Service Provider (ISP) like Webafrica, Afrihost, Vodacom, or MetroFibre Go.
Is Vumatel fibre available in my area?
Vumatel coverage is growing, but it is not available everywhere. You can check coverage on any ISP’s website using their address checker tool. Most ISPs (Webafrica, Afrihost, etc.) have a coverage map on their homepage.
What is the difference between Vumatel, Webafrica, and Afrihost?
Vumatel owns the physical fibre cables in the ground. Webafrica, Afrihost, and Vodacom are ISPs that rent access to those cables and sell you the data package. You pay your ISP monthly, and they pay Vumatel.
Are there any hidden costs like installation fees?
Most ISPs offer free standard installation and a free router as part of their promotional deals. However, if your property requires non-standard work (e.g., a very long cable run or digging through concrete), the ISP may charge an additional once-off fee. Always confirm this before signing up.
What is a Fair Usage Policy (FUP)?
A Fair Usage Policy is a set of rules that ISPs use to manage network traffic. Even “uncapped” plans often have an FUP. If you use extremely high amounts of data (e.g., terabytes per month), your speed may be throttled during peak hours. Check the ISP’s FUP before committing.
Can I switch ISPs if I already have Vumatel fibre installed?
Yes. One of the advantages of Vumatel’s open-access network is that you can switch ISPs without changing your fibre line. The new ISP will handle the transfer, often with no downtime.
What speed do I need for streaming Netflix and gaming?
For Netflix in 4K, you need at least 25 Mbps. For online gaming, download speed matters less than latency (ping). A 50/25 Mbps or 100/50 Mbps plan is usually sufficient for a household streaming and gaming simultaneously.
Do fibre prices include VAT?
Yes, all prices listed in this guide and on ISP websites are generally inclusive of 15% VAT. However, always check the final checkout page to be sure.
Related:
Conclusion
Vumatel fibre prices saw slight increases recently due to wholesale adjustments. However, competition among ISPs remains high. For the best value, Webafrica generally offers the most competitive month-to-month entry prices, while Afrihost and MetroFibre Go run solid promotions on mid-tier lines like 50Mbps.
Always double-check the “fair usage policy” (FUP) for truly uncapped accounts and confirm your address’s coverage before signing a contract.