Month to month
Fibre Deals
Get Flexible with monthly fibre deals.
Month-to-month fibre deals (also called flexible plans or rolling contracts) is where you pay for your fibre internet service on a monthly basis. A rolling monthly contract makes the purchasing of fibre a pleasure. If you don’t like buying things on a long-term contract, the good news is that most fibre providers will offer you fibre on a rolling monthly basis. We advise you to always check the terms and conditions before you buy.
What are the 6 best Month to Month Fibre Deals?
Most ISP’s in South Africa offer month-to-month fibre deals. The best flexible plans on at the moment are WebAfrica’s “R19 for the first month” deals of which the sub R700 month-to-month fibre deals include: (1) Octotel 35 ⬆20⬇ (2) Openserve 50 ⬆15⬇ (3) Vuma 50 ⬆50⬇ (4) Frogfoot 80 ⬆20⬇ (5) Metrofibre 50 ⬆50⬇ (6) Vodacom 20 ⬆10⬇. The king of the small six has to be Frogfoot with a whopping 80 Mpbs download speed.
Understanding Month-to-Month Fibre Internet Plans
What is Month-to-Month Fibre?
Month-to-month fibre (also referred to as a flexible or no-contract internet package) is where you pay for your service on a month-to-month basis. Unlike other places in the world, like the UK for instance, South Africa offers month-to-month fibre as a standard in most contracts. This means that you are not locked into a long-term contract, and you can cancel or change your plan at any time without penalty. These plans are becoming increasingly popular across South Africa, as they offer a level of flexibility and freedom that traditional long-term contracts do not.
One thing that’s important to know about month-to-month fibre contracts is that they come in different speeds, prices, and bundle options (e.g. phone, TV, and internet). The cost of the plans also varies, depending on the provider and the package. It’s important to research and compares different providers (ISPs), networks, and plans to find the one that best suits your needs.
Level of Support
Another important aspect to consider when understanding month-to-month fibre internet plans is the level of customer support provided by the provider. With traditional long-term contracts, you are typically locked in to an ISP for the duration of the contract. With a month-to-month plan, you have the freedom to switch providers at any time.
Note that some providers might require a credit check or a deposit for a month-to-month plan, while others may proceed without a credit check or deposit.
5 Benefits of Month to Month Fibre Plans
Fibre internet is a complete game-changer for high-speed internet access in South Africa. Fibre is improving constantly and becoming more accessible with lower prices and greater accessibility, with new undersea cables opening up opportunities (like the 2Africa subsea cable opening this year). With its lightning-fast speeds, fibre internet has changed the way we use the internet for work, how we enjoy entertainment, and games, and how we communicate.
However, not all fibre internet plans are the same. We’re quite lucky in South Africa to have a plentitude of month-to-month fibre internet plans, which offer a unique set of benefits that traditional long-term contracts do not. As the name suggests, month-to-month fibre deals allow you to pay for your internet service on a month-to-month basis, rather than committing to a long-term contract. This flexibility can be especially appealing for people who are looking for a temporary solution, or who prefer not to be locked into a long-term contract.
Below we’ve listed 5 benefits you stand to gain from purchasing month-to-month fibre deals.
1. Pay as You go Fibre Internet
Monthly fibre internet plans are great because they come at lower commitments than traditional long-term contracts. According to My Fibre Broadband, we’re experiencing prices that are cheaper than ever before, with package as low as R399 per month. These cheap month to month fibre deals are great for people who are on a budget or who are not sure how long they will need internet service, or those who just want to test it out.
Month-to-month fibre internet plans also have the same high-speed broadband as traditional long-term contracts. This means that you can enjoy the same lightning-fast speeds and reliable connection without the commitment. This can be especially beneficial for people who are looking for a temporary solution, or who prefer not to be locked into a long-term contract.
2. Month to Month Fibre is Flexible
Flexibility is one of the biggest benefits of month-to-month fibre internet plans. With a traditional long-term contract, you are locked into a set period of time, usually one or two years. This can be a problem if you end up needing to move or change your internet needs before the contract is up. With a month-to-month plan, you have the freedom to cancel or change your plan at any time (but do check the terms and conditions for month to fibre packages as they vary).
3. Month to Month Fibre for Speed
High-speed fibre broadband, with the flexibility to upgrade or downgrade contracts to higher or lower speeds if need be, is another benefit of month-to-month fibre internet plans. This is perfect for people who need a high-speed internet for work, streaming, gaming, or other activities that require a fast connection. With month-to-month plans, you can enjoy the same high-speed fibre internet without the commitment.
Additionally, month-to-month plans can also be a great option for students, travelling professionals, or other people who are in transition and may not need internet service for an extended period of time. With the ability to cancel or change your plan at any time, you can have internet service for as long as you need it without any long-term commitment.
4. Month to Month Fibre for Students and Short Term Users
Month-to-month fibre internet plans are a great option for users who need internet service for a short period of time. This includes students in living short-term housing, tourists visiting South Africa for a few months in a year, or individuals traveling for business projects on short term contract work. With a monthly plan, you have the flexibility to cancel or change your plan at any time, but do check the plan terms and conditions (we discuss some of the considerations before purchasing below).
It is important to note that some providers may charge an installation fee or equipment rental fee for a month-to-month plan. Also most ISPs who offer a free installation have a “clawback clause”, that usually states: “If you cancel within 12 months you are liable for the installation” so it’s best to check with your provider for specific fees and charges involved before taking up a month to month plan.
5 Considerations Before Purchasing Month to Month Fibre
Fibre internet is a complete game-changer for high-speed internet access in South Africa. It’s improving constantly and becoming more accessible with lower prices and greater accessibly, with new undersea cables opening up opportunities (like the 2Africa subsea cable opening this year). With its lightning-fast speeds, fibre internet has changed the way we use the internet for work, how we enjoy entertainment, and how we communicate.
However, not all fibre internet plans are the same. We’re quite lucky in South Africa to have a plentitude of month-to-month fibre internet plans, which offer a unique set of benefits that traditional long-term contracts do not. As the name suggests, month-to-month fibre plans allow you to pay for your internet service on a month-to-month basis, rather than committing to a long-term contract. This flexibility can be especially appealing for people who are looking for a temporary solution, or who prefer not to be locked into a long-term contract.
Below we’ve listed 5 benefits you stand to gain from purchasing month to month fibre deals.
1. Clawback Clauses on Fibre Deals
A “clawback clause” is when a company offers something for free, but with certain conditions attached. Internet service providers (ISPs) offering free installations, and special deals (like the R19 for the 1st-month fibre deals) use a clawback clause that typically states that if you cancel your service within a certain period of time, usually 12 months, you will be charged for the cost of the installation. This is usually done to ensure that the ISP company is not losing money by offering free installations and special deals to customers who are not committed to staying with their service long-term.
So it’s really important to be aware of these types of clauses when signing up for internet service and to fully understand the terms and conditions before making a commitment. It is also important to read the fine print on the contract or offer to understand the consequences of cancelling the service. Some providers may offer a different type of contract with no clawback clause, and that may be more suitable for your needs.
2. Fibre Availability
It’s important to note that the availability of fibre internet service is dependent on the infrastructure in your area. Not all areas in South Africa have access to fibre internet yet, and availability can vary even within the same city, province or street where you live. If you’re interested in getting fibre internet service, it’s important to check if it is available in your area. This can be done by visiting the website of a fibre ISP or searching for “fibre internet availability”.
In South Africa, many fibre companies are working to expand their coverage areas, but it is a slow process so hang tight. Not all places currently have access to fibre internet. If fibre internet is not available in your area, you may still be able to get a different type of internet service, such as ADSL or LTE. These types of services are not as fast or reliable as fibre, but they can still provide an adequate internet connection. It’s best to check with your provider for availability and options in your area.
3. How Much Speed Do You Actually Need?
It’s true that many internet service providers offer high-speed internet plans with speeds of 100 Mbps or higher, but for most households, these speeds may not be necessary. Streaming services such as Netflix and YouTube have stated that for HD streaming, a minimum speed of 5 Mbps is sufficient.
Furthermore, even if your household consists of multiple users who are streaming, gaming and using the internet at the same time, a 20 Mbps connection should be plenty. And even for a small household with less internet usage, a 10 Mbps connection can be a good starting point. Bear in mind that as technology catches up with us you will need faster connections – for example streaming in 4K and 8K movies – but for now, you should be fine.
It’s also important to note that if you’re experiencing buffering while streaming, it’s not always the fault of your internet service provider. Streaming from dodgy websites, can put a strain on the streaming party’s infrastructure, causing buffering issues.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that if you start with a lower-speed plan and find it is not sufficient, it is easy to upgrade your plan to a higher speed later on, but starting with a high-speed plan and downgrading might not be as flexible.
4. Goodbye to the Old Phone Line!
With ADSL, having a Telkom line was a requirement because the internet travelled on the same copper cable as your phone line. This meant that customers had to pay for a Telkom line rental in addition to their internet service. With fibre that’s not the case because the line is completely separate. Fibre connects via optical cables that carry data via light; that’s completely separate from the Telkom copper wire network that connects via electrical pulses in the copper cable. This can result in significant cost savings for customers, as line rental can be quite expensive.
Additionally, with fibre internet packages you make telephone calls over the internet, eliminating the need for a separate telephone line. This can also result in additional cost savings.
5. Fibre Installation Takes a While
Depending on the provider and your location, the installation wait time can vary from a few days to several weeks. This is because fibre installation is typically done by independent contractors who work on a schedule and availability may vary.
The installation process itself can involve several steps, including running the fibre cable from the street to your home, installing an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) at your property, and configuring the ONT and router. This can take some time and may require multiple visits from the installer.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that even when the installation process is completed, there may be a delay in getting the service active, which can add a few more days to the process. Speak to your ISPs to get the estimated time for the installation. It might also be mentioned in the description of the plan.
How to Switch to a Month-to-Month Fibre Internet Plan
Making the switch to a month-to-month fibre internet plan can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can easily switch to a new plan and enjoy the benefits of month-to-month fibre internet.
The first step in switching to a month-to-month fibre internet plan is to research different providers and compare their plans. Make sure to look at the prices, speeds, and bundle options available, as well as the provider’s reputation for customer service and technical support. Once you have found a plan that meets your needs, you can proceed to the next step.
The next step is to contact the new provider and sign up for the plan. Make sure to have all of your personal information ready, including your name, address, and contact information. The provider will also likely ask for your current internet provider information and the date you want to switch.
After you have signed up for the new plan, you will need to cancel your current plan with your current provider. Make sure to do this at least a few days before your new plan is set to start, to avoid any interruption in service. You can cancel your current plan by contacting your current provider and telling them that you want to cancel your service.
Once you have canceled your current plan, you will need to set up the new service with your new provider. This typically involves scheduling an installation appointment and making sure that all necessary equipment is set up and working properly.
Finally, it is important to keep track of any charges or fees associated with canceling your current plan and setting up the new plan. Make sure to read the fine print and ask your provider any questions you may have about the process.
It’s also important to note that some providers might require a credit check or a deposit for a month-to-month plan. This can be a disadvantage for people with a poor credit history. However, some providers offer month-to-month plans without a credit check or deposit.
Things to Know in Choosing
Month-to-month Fibre
Here’s a few things you want to consider in choosing the right package
Can I cancel a purchased fibre package?
Yes, you can. On month-to-month rolling fibre packages, all you need to do is provide one calendar month’s notice to cancel your package. Bear in mind that you may need to return the router if it’s on a pay-to-use (loan) basis. There are also other T&Cs that apply. Afrihost’s Pure Fibre package, for example, states that “Should you cancel your Pure Fibre less than 6 months from installation, or your account falls into arrears, you will be charged a cancellation fee of R999.” but the same cancellation fee doesn’t apply to their Vuma Reach package.
For WebAfrica all their data packages are month-to-month. This only requires one calendar month’s notice to cancel their service. But you have to return their ‘free to use router’ once you cancel in its original condition and the same packaging that it came in (read their full router return T&C’s here). Additionally, if you cancel your service within the first 12 months of activation their policy is to “clawback any installation and/or connection fees which were subsidised by Webafrica when you signed up.”
None of these terms and conditions is unusual, and all providers have them, but it’s important to note that cancelling a fibre contract does come with certain conditions. It’s worth carefully reading the conditions before you sign up.
Will I get stuck in a contract?
No, you won’t. Provided you chose an ISP that allows month-on-month billing you won’t be tied into a long-term contract. For instance, WebAfrica’s fibre packages are billed month-to-month so you all you need to do is provide one calender month’s notice.
Can I upgrade or downgrade my fibre package?
You absolutely can. Most IPS won’t tie you into long-term contracts. Web Africa for instance allows you to upgrade your fibre package which becomes effective in 3 days from the time of placing your upgrade request. Downgrades are effective from the 1st of each month provided that you downgrade before the 20th, otherwise they’re effective from the following month.
Choosing a Month-to-Month Fibre Plan
Casual use
10 Mbps Download
3-4 Connected Devices
4K Streaming NA
5GB HD Movie Download - 1 hr 8 min
Media Streaming
20 Mbps Download
4-5 Conntect Devices
4K Streaming (1 Device)
5 GB HD Movie Download - 36 minutes
Multi-Device
40 Mbps Download
5-10 Devices
4K Streaming (2 Devices)
5 GB HD Movie Download - 18 minutes
Best for Businesses
100 Mbps Download
10+ Connected Devices
4K Streaming X5 Devices
5 GB HD Movie Download - 7 minutes
Month-to-Month Fibre Deals Available Now
Chose a rolling fibre package that works for you.