Afrihost has become the default recommendation for many South Africans buying fibre. A repeat winner of MyBroadband’s ISP of the Year, it’s built on a reputation for service and a famously clean self-service panel.
The story behind Afrihost
Founded in 2000, Afrihost started in web hosting and grew into one of the country’s largest consumer ISPs as fibre took off. Its “Pretty Awesome” brand and obsessive focus on support helped it climb to the top of independent customer-satisfaction surveys, where it has repeatedly been named ISP of the Year.
How Afrihost works
Afrihost is an ISP (internet service provider), so it doesn’t own the fibre in the ground. Instead it sells internet over open-access networks like Vumatel, Openserve and Frogfoot, while the network operator maintains the physical line. You pay Afrihost each month for the package; the speed itself is the same as any other ISP on that line. Because it’s open-access, you can switch ISP later without a new installation. Our coverage check shows which networks reach your home, then the Afrihost packages available on each.
Networks & coverage
Afrihost sells across most of South Africa’s open-access networks, including Vumatel, Openserve, Frogfoot, Octotel and MetroFibre, so whichever fibre reaches your home, there’s usually an Afrihost package on it. It also offers mobile data and fixed-LTE. Check your address to see Afrihost’s options on the networks live at your home.
What Afrihost is known for
Three things stand out: a genuinely good ClientZone control panel for managing your account, month-to-month, pause-anytime flexibility, and consistently high support ratings. It’s rarely the very cheapest, but it’s often judged the best all-round value once service is factored in. See how it stacks up in our best fibre ISPs guide.
Common questions
Can I switch to Afrihost without a new install?
Yes. Because the line is open-access, moving to or from Afrihost usually keeps the same fibre and box on your wall, and only the provider billing you changes, often with little or no downtime.
Is Afrihost more expensive than other ISPs?
On the same line every ISP delivers the same speed, so compare the real monthly price. Afrihost is competitively priced and often wins on support rather than being the rock-bottom option.