Most fibre installs are painless and free. The whole journey usually takes between 3 and 14 working days, depending on whether your home has been connected before.
1. You order
You pick a package and ISP. The ISP places a connection request with the network operator (Vumatel, Openserve, etc.). If your unit was previously connected, this step can be near-instant.
2. Network feasibility
The operator confirms your home can be served and schedules a technician. For a brand-new connection they’ll plan the cable route from the street to your wall.
3. The install
A technician runs the fibre cable to your home and mounts two small boxes inside: the CPE/ONT (where the fibre terminates) and your router (which broadcasts WiFi). They’ll test the line and confirm a signal.
Be ready: decide where you want the boxes before the tech arrives — ideally central in your home and near a plug. A bad location is the #1 cause of weak WiFi later.
4. Activation
Once the line is live, your ISP activates the service — often within a few hours, sometimes instantly via an app. You’ll get a username and password to log the router in.
Setup tips
- Put a UPS on the router and ONT so you stay online during load-shedding.
- Use 5GHz WiFi for nearby fast devices; keep 2.4GHz for range and smart-home gear.
- Run an Ethernet cable to your TV or PC where you can — it’s faster and steadier than WiFi.
- Test your speed on a wired device to confirm you’re getting the line you pay for.
What it costs
Installation is usually free on a 12-month contract, and many ISPs run promos with free routers or free pro-rata months. Watch for month-to-month plans, which sometimes carry a once-off setup fee in exchange for no lock-in.