5G vs. Fibre: The Future of High-Speed Internet in South Africa

High-speed internet is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. In South Africa, with 45.34 million active Internet users (74.7% of the population) as of January 2024, the demand for fast and reliable connectivity is growing fast. Two top contenders, 5G and fibre internet, are leading the charge but which one will win out? Or will they coexist to serve different needs?

This isn’t just about speed; it’s about reliability, security, affordability and long-term sustainability. Let’s get into the facts and future of these two technologies.

What is 5G?

5G is the fifth generation of mobile network technology, designed to deliver super fast wireless speeds with lower latency and more capacity. It enables:

• Fast mobile internet: Faster streaming, downloads and browsing on mobile devices.
• Smart city applications and IoT (Internet of Things): Connecting millions of devices seamlessly.
• Better remote work and cloud computing experiences: A game changer for businesses and professionals.

Trends in South Africa

• MTN and Vodacom have rolled out 5G networks in major cities.
• Vodacom’s 5G network saw a 48% speed increase in 2024, with average download speeds of 293.88 Mbps. (Source)
• 5G rollout is happening fast but still concentrated in urban areas with limited rural expansion due to cost of infrastructure.

What is Fibre Internet?

Fibre internet uses glass or plastic cables to transmit data at near light speed. Unlike wireless networks, fibre offers:

• Consistent high-speed connectivity: No congestion or weather interference.
• Lower latency: Perfect for gaming, video conferencing and online trading.
• Greater reliability: Less affected by external factors than mobile networks.

Growth in South Africa

• Fibre subscriptions are growing at over 30% annually, fast growth. (Source)
• Fibre is still concentrated in wealthy urban areas but efforts are underway to extend to townships and under-served regions.

Speed & Performance

Which is Faster?

• 5G: SA’s mobile networks average 69.80 Mbps in download speeds, surpassing the fixed broadband average of 57.63 Mbps. (Source)
• Fibre: Mobile networks are leading, but fibre speeds have doubled in three years and are now at 31.34 Mbps. (Source)
• Fibre with gigabit speeds (1,000 Mbps) is available, but at a premium price.

Reliability & Consistency

• 5G: Performance varies with network congestion, environmental interference and tower proximity.
• Fibre: Stable with no signal loss or congestion.

Coverage & Availability

• 5G: By end 2023 30% of South Africans will have 5G, mostly in urban areas. (Source)
• Fibre: Broadband penetration is only 10% of households, but expanding beyond affluent areas.
• Infrastructure challenges for both technologies still present, with cost and rollout logistics delaying broader access.

Cost & Accessibility

• 5G: Fixed 5G plans start at R449 per month, a option for those without fibre.
• Fibre: A 20 Mbps line costs as little as R371 per month. Order your fibre here.
• Hidden Costs: Fibre has installation fees, 5G may have expensive routers and data caps.

Use Cases & Suitability

Feature	5G	Fibre
Best For	Mobile users, smart cities, IoT, flexible workplaces	Home users, businesses, gamers, streamers
Latency	Lower than 4G but can be affected by interference	Extremely low and stable
Reliability	Varies based on coverage and congestion	High, with no signal loss due to congestion
Security	More vulnerable to cyberattacks	More secure, as physical cables are harder to hack

Security & Privacy

• 5G Networks: Wireless networks are more vulnerable to cyber attacks like eavesdropping and data interception.
• Fibre Networks: More secure, wired connections are harder to hack remotely.
• Future proofing security: Both 5G and fibre providers are working on encryption to protect user data.

Future Developments & Trends

• 5G Growth: By 2030, 5G will contribute $11 billion to the Sub-Saharan economy, with a 17% adoption rate.
• Fibre Investments: Infrastructure expansion will improve broadband penetration and affordability.
• Hybrid Internet Solutions: Some companies are already offering 5G + Fibre packages to give users the best of both worlds.

Conclusion

The 5G vs fibre debate isn’t about one replacing the other—it’s about how they work together.

• 5G will continue to get better, for on-the-go users, businesses and smart cities.
• Fibre is the backbone of high speed, stable internet for home and business applications that need reliable high bandwidth.

Ultimately it’s up to you. If mobility and flexibility are your priority, 5G is the way to go. If you need speed, security and consistency, fibre is unbeatable.

FAQs

1. Is 5G faster than fibre internet?
   • Sometimes yes, but fibre is more consistent.
2. Will 5G replace fibre broadband?
   • No, both will evolve and complement each other.
3. Which one is better for gaming: 5G or fibre?
   • Fibre is preferred for lower latency and stability.
4. What are the limitations of 5G and fibre?
   • 5G: Coverage and congestion. Fibre: Installation and cost.
5. How do I choose between 5G and fibre for my home or business?
   • If speed and stability are key, go for fibre. If flexibility is important, 5G is a good option.