Communication (telephone, internet, mobile, tv) in South Africa
Internet
Broadband is getting faster in South Africa but is dominated by Telkom (known locally as Hellkom!). The speed is about half what you'd expect in London, for instance, and it not as reliable, and it costs more at around R300/ month (please check). There are also some other newer and smaller providers - they normally go through Telkom but at least you can usually speak to someone vaguely helpful at the other end of the line. A good option for new arrivals is to get mobile internet from Vodacom or another mobile provider. This is slower still but is still fine provided you are in a central area (check before buying). The advantage is that its very quick and hassle-free to set up, and you can take it with you, if you dont plan to be at your current address long-term. The cost is similar at about R300/month and you are tied in for two years.
Telephone
Landline is again via Telkom - long distance calls are not cheap but you can always use Skype if you have broadband! Quite easy to set up as far as I remember, provided there is an exisiting line.
Mobile Telephone
The big mobile providers in South Africa are Vodacom (part of Vodafone), MTN, and Cell-C. There is also Virgin Mobile, a virtual network service provider that operates in partnership with Cell C. You can get pay-as-you-go if you are only planning to be in South Africa short-term. There is 3G coverage in big cities. Cost is reasonable and everyone from domestic staff upwards will have a mobile phone.
Television
SABC is the state broadcaster and is not great. MNet is a paid provider and has the odd good program, but most people subscribe to DSTV the satelite channel which has dozens of channels including of course about 10 sports channels. Other channels include BBC News, CNN, CBeebies and Discovery. Costs about R350/month.
Broadband is getting faster in South Africa but is dominated by Telkom (known locally as Hellkom!). The speed is about half what you'd expect in London, for instance, and it not as reliable, and it costs more at around R300/ month (please check). There are also some other newer and smaller providers - they normally go through Telkom but at least you can usually speak to someone vaguely helpful at the other end of the line. A good option for new arrivals is to get mobile internet from Vodacom or another mobile provider. This is slower still but is still fine provided you are in a central area (check before buying). The advantage is that its very quick and hassle-free to set up, and you can take it with you, if you dont plan to be at your current address long-term. The cost is similar at about R300/month and you are tied in for two years.
Telephone
Landline is again via Telkom - long distance calls are not cheap but you can always use Skype if you have broadband! Quite easy to set up as far as I remember, provided there is an exisiting line.
Mobile Telephone
The big mobile providers in South Africa are Vodacom (part of Vodafone), MTN, and Cell-C. There is also Virgin Mobile, a virtual network service provider that operates in partnership with Cell C. You can get pay-as-you-go if you are only planning to be in South Africa short-term. There is 3G coverage in big cities. Cost is reasonable and everyone from domestic staff upwards will have a mobile phone.
Television
SABC is the state broadcaster and is not great. MNet is a paid provider and has the odd good program, but most people subscribe to DSTV the satelite channel which has dozens of channels including of course about 10 sports channels. Other channels include BBC News, CNN, CBeebies and Discovery. Costs about R350/month.
