Vumatel Fibre
Enjoy reliable fibre connectivity with Vuma - South Africa's biggest open-access network, covering 2 million+ homes from Parkhurst to Khayelitsha.
Who is Vumatel?
South Africa's pioneering open-access fibre network
Vumatel is the country's leading fibre infrastructure provider and the company that effectively kicked off the residential FTTH revolution in South Africa. Founded in 2014 by Niel Schoeman and Johan Pretorius, the business launched its first pilot in Parkhurst, Johannesburg, and has since expanded across Gauteng, the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and beyond - passing more than 2 million homes.
As an open-access network operator, Vumatel does not sell internet directly to consumers. Instead, it builds and maintains the underlying fibre infrastructure and leases capacity to a wide ecosystem of retail ISPs. That separation drives competitive pricing, prevents wasteful infrastructure duplication, and means residents can choose - and switch - providers freely without ever touching the line in the ground.
Vuma vs Vumatel - what's the difference?
The two names refer to the same company. Vumatel is the legal corporate name, while Vuma is the consumer-facing brand used on packages, marketing and the three product tiers - Vuma Core, Vuma Reach and Vuma Key. For you as a customer, there's no practical difference: same network, same install, same support escalation path.
Since 2022, Vumatel has been backed by MAZIV, the infrastructure entity formed by merging Vumatel with Dark Fibre Africa (DFA) under Community Investment Ventures Holdings (CIVH), owned by Remgro. The combined network now spans more than 80 000 kilometres of fibre and is one of the largest fixed-line operators on the continent.
Of fibre laid across South Africa
Homes passed nationwide
Active connections and growing
ISPs riding the Vuma open-access network
Top symmetrical residential speed
Switch ISPs anytime, no penalties
Fibre to your home
Your future begins at home. Fibre gives you and your family the foundation to access unlimited benefits and opportunities. As we become more reliant on technology and the internet for our daily lives, while enjoying streaming platforms and online content from the comfort of our homes, fast and reliable fibre transforms how we live and work.
The 3 Types of Vuma Fibre
Vumatel doesn't believe in a one-size-fits-all network. Instead, three distinct product tiers are tailored to different communities - from premium symmetrical service in Sandton to affordable prepaid bundles in Khayelitsha.
Vuma Core
The premium suburban network
Vuma Core is the flagship product, deployed in established neighbourhoods like Parkhurst, Sandton, Constantia and Bryanston. Symmetrical-friendly speeds, free standard installation, and a deep ISP ecosystem make Core the gold standard for households that want robust, reliable performance for streaming, gaming and remote work.
- Symmetrical-friendly speeds up to 1 Gbps
- Free standard installation on most ISPs
- Deepest ISP choice - 30+ resellers per address
- Best-in-class uptime in serviced suburbs
Vuma Reach
Affordable prepaid fibre for everyone
Launched in 2019 in Mitchell's Plain, Vuma Reach was designed to bring high-speed fibre into communities that have historically been overlooked by big telcos - Soweto, Khayelitsha, Mitchell's Plain, Umlazi and beyond. Prepaid billing, low entry pricing from R249 a month and no contracts make Reach an essential step toward closing South Africa's digital divide.
- Prepaid model - top up like airtime
- Plans from R249/month with no long-term contracts
- Free Wi-Fi router with most installations
- Available in 100+ townships and lower-LSM suburbs
Vuma Key
Uncapped fibre at unbeatable prices
Vuma Key is the newest product in the line-up, focused squarely on value. It delivers honest uncapped, unshaped fibre at prices that compete with - and often beat - ADSL or LTE bundles. Ideal for budget-conscious households that don't need 1 Gbps but absolutely need reliable everyday internet for streaming, schoolwork and video calls.
- Uncapped, unshaped, no fair-use policy
- Aggressive pricing from major ISPs
- Same Vuma installation experience as Core
- Wide coverage across mid-LSM suburbs
Vuma Fibre Benefits
Eight tangible reasons households across South Africa are ripping out copper and LTE in favour of a Vuma fibre line.
You're always in touch
Connect with friends and family on demand - high-quality video calls, instant messaging and group catch-ups from the comfort of your couch.
Smart home capabilities
Stable, low-latency fibre is the backbone of every smart home. Lights, thermostats, locks and voice assistants all rely on a connection that simply doesn't drop.
Better home security
Cloud-recording cameras, alarm panels and 24/7 armed-response integrations need uncapped uploads. Vuma fibre delivers the bandwidth to keep eyes on your property at all times.
Boosts property value
Independent studies link FTTH installations to property value uplifts of up to 8%. A Vuma-enabled home is faster to sell and commands higher rentals.
Enhanced entertainment
Multiple 4K streams, console downloads in minutes and lag-free live sport. Vuma's symmetrical-friendly Core plans turn the lounge into a proper entertainment hub.
Seamless remote work
High upload speeds, rock-solid video calls and instant cloud sync. Vuma is the difference between working from home and just being at home with a laptop open.
Cost-effective VoIP
Crystal-clear voice and video over the fibre line. Many ISPs throw in 30 minutes of free monthly calls or sub-30c per minute landline rates.
Competitive gaming
Sub-20ms latency on most ISPs, low jitter and aggressive peering with the major game routes. Vuma is consistently ranked among the best networks for online gamers.
Vuma enables schools
At Vuma, we believe in creating digital literacy. One where every South African child can connect to online educational platforms, access information, and aspire to create the lives they imagine with unlimited internet access.
That's why Vumatel has helped connect over 750 schools across the country with free 1 Gbps fibre - giving young minds new opportunities to dream of and strive for a brighter future.
Top Vuma Packages
Snapshot of the most popular Vuma Core and Vuma Reach plans available through partner ISPs. Prices are guideline retail per month - actual figures vary slightly by ISP and current promo (often R19 for the first 30 days).
Vuma Reach 25/10
Best for: Singles, students, light browsing
- Uncapped & unshaped
- Month-to-month, no contract
- Free Wi-Fi router
- Prepaid options available
Vuma Core 50/25
Best for: Couples, work-from-home households
- Free installation worth R2 699
- Free phone calls 30 min/month
- Fully insured router included
- Once-off delivery fee R249
Vuma Core 50/50
Best for: Remote workers & creators
- Symmetrical upload - great for video calls
- Free installation worth R2 699
- Insured free-to-use router
- 14-day install or R999 credit
Vuma Core 100/100
Best for: Families with multiple devices
- Symmetrical 100 Mbps
- 4K streaming on 4+ devices
- Free router & free installation
- Most popular Vuma plan
Vuma Core 200/200
Best for: Power users, smart-homes
- Full symmetrical 200 Mbps
- Cloud backups in minutes
- Free phone calls 30 min/month
- Best value mid-tier
Vuma Core 500/200
Best for: Heavy streamers, content creators
- Top-tier consumer download
- Studio-grade upload pipeline
- Free installation worth R2 699
- Insured router included
Vuma Core 1000/250
Best for: Pros, prosumers & prosumer households
- Maximum residential speed
- Future-proof for 5+ years
- Free phone calls 30 min/month
- Free Wi-Fi 6 capable router
Vuma Fibre at a glance
Looking for live Vuma deals?
We track every Vuma Core and Vuma Reach package from South Africa's top ISPs. Compare prices, speeds and promos in one place.
- TrustPilot 4.4★ (14k+)
- 14-day install guarantee
- Month-to-month
What is Open Access?
Infrastructure separated from service
Open access in Vumatel's world means the physical fibre infrastructure is kept separate from the internet, voice and TV services delivered over it. Vumatel owns and maintains the cable; dozens of independent ISPs sell you the actual internet experience layered on top.
Competition wins, you win
Because no single ISP can monopolise the line, providers must compete head-to-head on price, support quality and bundled extras. The result is faster innovation, sharper pricing, and the freedom to walk away from any ISP that disappoints - without losing your fibre line.
More choice
Open access lets you pick from 30+ ISPs at the same address. ISPs compete on price, support and value-adds, so you always get a sharper deal than on a closed network.
More control
Switch ISPs whenever you want - no penalties, no engineer visits, no new router. Your line, your terms, your provider of the month.
Lower cost
Multiple ISPs sharing one infrastructure means lower wholesale costs and lower retail prices. Vuma routinely undercuts ADSL and LTE on comparable speeds.
No need to re-dig
The cable is laid once. No competing operator has to rip up your road again, which keeps streets neat and prices low.
Vuma Fibre History
From a single Parkhurst pilot to one of the largest fixed-line operators on the continent in less than a decade. Here's how Vumatel got here.
- 2014
Vumatel launches in Parkhurst
Niel Schoeman and Johan Pretorius switch on Vumatel's first FTTH network in Parkhurst, Johannesburg in October 2014. The pilot proves that residents will fund their own fibre roll-out - and triggers South Africa's FTTH gold rush.
- 2016
Acquires Fibrehoods
Vumatel buys out Fibrehoods, a Gauteng-focused fibre operator that began deploying in March 2015. The deal accelerates the suburban roll-out and consolidates Vumatel's lead in the Joburg market.
- 2017
Buys Link Africa fibre assets
Vumatel takes over Link Africa's fibre infrastructure, significantly expanding network capacity and footprint in major metros. The combined network now reaches deep into Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban.
- 2019
Vuma Reach launches in Mitchell's Plain
Vumatel debuts its prepaid Reach product in Mitchell's Plain, Cape Town. The model is later rolled out to Soweto, Khayelitsha and Umlazi, putting affordable fibre within reach of millions of new South Africans.
- 2022
MAZIV is formed
Vumatel is rolled into MAZIV, a new infrastructure entity created by merging Vumatel with Dark Fibre Africa (DFA) under Community Investment Ventures Holdings (CIVH), owned by Remgro. The combined network spans 65 000+ km of fibre.
- 2023
Two million homes passed
Vumatel passes the two-million-homes-passed milestone, with 570 000+ homes actively connected. COO Dewald Booysen highlights the company's deliberate expansion into Soweto, Khayelitsha and Umlazi.
Top ISPs on Vumatel
Because Vumatel is open-access, more than 150 retail providers compete for your sign-up. Pricing on identical line speeds can differ by R150 or more between ISPs, and the support experience varies dramatically. Here are the most popular Vuma resellers in South Africa, with an honest note on what each is known for.
Webafrica
Editor's PickAggressive Vuma promo pricing and frequent free-month deals.
See Webafrica dealsAfrihost
Tiered Pure plans, well-known brand, polished app and support.
RSAWeb
Premium Cape Town favourite with capped and uncapped Vuma options.
Cool Ideas
Power-user darling, gaming-friendly routing and excellent peering.
Axxess
Veteran ISP with flexible month-to-month Vuma packages.
MWEB
Long-standing brand with bundled email and security extras.
Vox
Strong on business-grade Vuma fibre, voice and managed services.
Cybersmart
Symmetrical Faster Internet plans and no contracts.
Home-Connect
Promo-heavy Vuma Reach and Core specials throughout the year.
Mitsol
Boutique ISP known for attentive support and clean billing.
Supersonic
MTN-owned, expanding rapidly across Vuma coverage.
Vox Telecom
Bundles voice, fibre and cloud services for hybrid workers.
How Vumatel Fibre Works
Going from "interested" to "browsing at full speed" usually takes between 7 and 14 days on Vuma. Here is what actually happens behind the scenes.
- STEP 1
Network roll-out
Vumatel and its construction partners trench, mole and aerial-string fibre cable suburb by suburb. New areas are typically lit up in waves over a few months, with feeder cabinets installed along main routes to act as aggregation points for the surrounding homes.
- STEP 2
Coverage check & ISP choice
Enter your address into a coverage checker (Vumatel's own, or any partner ISP's) to confirm your line is ready for activation. With more than 150 ISPs riding the same physical infrastructure, the smart move is to compare two or three on price, support reputation and contract length before committing.
- STEP 3
Installation appointment
Once you order, your ISP places the request with Vumatel. A technician contacts you to schedule a 2–4 hour installation window - and Vuma promises 14 days or you get R999 credit back. They run a single fibre strand from the kerb or pole into your home and mount a small white CPE on an internal wall.
- STEP 4
Router & activation
Your ISP ships a fully-insured Wi-Fi router (free on most Vuma Core plans) pre-configured with your account. Plug it into the CPE with the supplied patch cable, switch it on, and within minutes you're live with uncapped, unshaped fibre at the speed you ordered.
Applications of High-Speed Fibre
Bandwidth means nothing without use cases. Here's how a Vuma fibre line actually changes your day-to-day at home and at work.
Enhanced entertainment
Multiple HD and 4K streams without buffering, lag-free competitive gaming, and stable live sport. Symmetrical Vuma Core plans turn the lounge into an entertainment hub that easily handles a household of streamers, gamers and casual browsers all at once.
Seamless remote working
Vuma's high upload speeds and rock-solid stability are the difference between professional video calls and embarrassing freezes. Cloud sync, large file transfers and SaaS tools all feel as fast as being in the office - sometimes faster.
Cost-effective VoIP
Voice over IP on a Vuma line means crystal-clear calls, zero dropouts and dramatically cheaper international rates than traditional landlines. Many ISPs include 30 minutes of free calls a month and sub-30c per minute thereafter.
Smart-home capabilities
Smart thermostats, voice assistants, doorbell cameras, robot vacuums and lighting systems all need an always-on, low-latency connection. Vuma's reliable uptime keeps the smart home humming even when you're not home to notice.
Improved CCTV & security
Cloud-recording cameras need fat upload pipes - exactly what Vuma Core's symmetrical speeds deliver. Real-time monitoring, HD recordings and 24/7 armed-response integrations all rely on a fibre line that never blinks.
Property value boost
Studies show fibre-equipped homes can command up to 8% more on resale and rent faster. Vumatel-installed properties consistently outperform fibre-less neighbours on the market.
Exciting new Self-Service App
Get ready to experience the future of online. The Vuma app is packed with features for both Vuma Core and Vuma Reach customers - run a coverage check, manage your account, top up and view payment history without ever picking up the phone.
Available on
Vumatel FAQ
Everything customers ask before signing up.
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