• Are you unsure of what you need or where to get started? Start here.

  Learn more about our Fibre, Fixed Wireless and Cellular connectivity options. Looking to discuss your options with an expert? Call us on 021 488 2800 or tell us about your internet needs and we’ll take it from there.

• What do you mean by a “primary connection“? What kind of connections are suitable as a primary connection?

  Think of a “primary connection” as the main road that connects your home or business to the vast internet world! It is the main line that provides internet access, allowing you to browse the web, stream movies, connect your devices and work online. It’s essential for your day-to-day online activities, ensuring you have reliable and consistent access to the internet.

• Does Vanilla offer connectivity in my area?

  If you're located within Vanilla's sweet spot - a 5km radius from the heart of Cape Town - you can access Vanilla's high speed Gigabit Fibre without restrictions. Choose pure Vanilla or monthly packages through our preferred partner operators. Unsure of coverage in your area? Just check with us!

• Why is a backup internet connection important? What is a good failsafe?

  We recommend at least one alternative connection to maintain network connectivity for mission-critical functions. Vanilla's fixed wireless or cellular connections offer the fastest speeds when fibre is unavailable. We use top-quality hardware to automate the switch.

  Chat to us about the best failsafe options to keep your business running when your primary connection is interrupted.
• What is SD-WAN?

  A software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) is a virtual architecture that allows enterprises to leverage any combination of broadband and cellular internet services to ensure an uninterrupted high-quality internet experience. Learn more.

• What's the difference between Fibre and WiFi?

  Fibre refers to the high-speed internet connection that comes to your home or business through fibre optic cables. These cables transmit data using light, offering incredibly fast and reliable internet.

  WiFi, on the other hand, is the technology that allows you to connect your devices to the internet wirelessly within your home or office. While fibre provides the internet connection to your location, WiFi distributes that connection wirelessly to your devices.

  In simple terms, fibre is the super-fast road that brings the internet to your building, and WiFi is the wireless network that lets you use that internet on your phones, laptops, and other devices.

• Tell me about Vanilla’s business bundle.

  Vanilla’s Business Bundle is designed for business customers who have multiple internet connections with us - home, holiday house, grandma’s place or varsity digs. This deal offers business-level service at all locations, allowing you to save on combined uncapped bandwidth costs. Unlike mass-market providers, our ultra-low contention ratio guarantees consistent bandwidth, even during peak times. With zero interruptions, you're guaranteed to stay in the flow. Enjoy Vanilla's world-class connectivity and personalised service at a competitive price.

• What is internet connectivity and how does it work?

  Internet connectivity is the ability to connect to the internet, allowing you to access websites, send emails, stream videos, and more. It works by transmitting data over various types of networks including cable, fibre optic, fixed wireless, cellular and even satellite or DSL. Each has different speeds and reliability. DSL is no longer supported.

• What types of internet connections are available?

  There are several types - cable, fibre optic, fixed wireless, cellular and even satellite - each with different speeds and reliability. Compare pros and cons of each on this handy table.

• How do I choose the right internet plan for my needs?

  Consider what you use the internet for. If you stream videos or play online games, you'll need a faster connection. For basic browsing and emails, a slower speed might be fine.

• What is the difference between broadband and fibre optic internet?

  Broadband is a high-speed internet connection that can be delivered via DSL, cable, or satellite. Fibre optic internet uses thin glass fibres to transmit data at much higher speeds.

• What equipment do I need for a reliable internet connection?

  You'll need a modem and a router. The modem connects to your ISP, and the router distributes the internet to your devices. Take a look at Vanilla recommended IT hardware.

• How can I secure my internet connection?

  Use a strong, unique password for your WiFi, enable network encryption, and regularly update your router's firmware.

• What is gigabit internet and how can it benefit me?

  Gigabit internet offers speeds of 1,000 Mbps or higher, allowing for fast downloads, smooth streaming, and the ability to handle multiple devices simultaneously. Check out Vanilla’s very own gigabit fibre.

• How does internet bandwidth affect my online activities?

  Higher bandwidth means more data can be transmitted at once, resulting in faster loading times, smoother video streaming, and better performance during online gaming.

• Can I get a backup internet connection for uninterrupted service?

  Yes, you can get a secondary connection, such as a mobile hotspot or an additional ISP, to ensure continuous internet access during outages.

• How do I set up a WiFi network at home or in the office?

  Connect your modem to the router, configure your router settings through its web interface, set up a WiFi name (SSID) and password, and connect your devices to the network.

• What are the benefits of having a dedicated internet connection?

  A dedicated connection means your internet speed and performance are not affected by other users, providing consistent and reliable service.

• How can I monitor and manage my internet usage?

  Use your router's web interface or a third-party app to track usage, set limits, and manage connected devices. View and monitor your Vanilla network usage from my.vanilla.co.za.

• What should I look for in an internet service provider (ISP)?

  When shopping around for an ISP or FNO, you want to make sure that you’re comparing apples with apples - that you’re comparing “like” features and costs. Pricing may vary from provider to provider and depending on your area. Keep an eye out for hidden fees and extras like installation, data overages, equipment rental, or cancelling your service.

  Consider factors like speed, reliability and price. Make sure you have enough bandwidth to support all your favourite internet activities, but don’t pay for bandwidth you don’t need. Vanilla's personalised customer service and world class connectivity make us the obvious choice. Give us a try.

• What’s the best hardware for connecting?

  Order Vanilla recommended hardware and equipment that we use everyday in our custom installs. From routers, switches, power supplies and more.

• How does connectivity for Vanilla multi-tenant and landlord buildings work?

  A 2013 Constitutional Court Judgment ensures that no building can deny access to a licensed ISP or Fibre Network Operator (FNO). This means that even if a preferred provider is in place, competitors have the right to offer infrastructure in multi-tenant buildings. At Vanilla, we respect this right and don’t seek exclusivity on our sites.

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