This is Why Everyone has Broadband Internet Except You

Wed, 24/02/2021 - 19:35

It feels like everyone has broadband except you because everyone talks about watching streaming TV like Netflix and Showmax while you’re stuck paying a grand a month to watch satellite TV. Even then, there are very few movies you actually like. In fact, more often than not you end up paying extra to watch a Box Office movie. As long as it isn’t school holidays and there’s a glut of My Little Pony, Barbie, and Power Ranger movies for the little ones and bugger all for you. It’s not like you can pop into the local cinema either. Streaming and Covid killed that little star.

It’s nice to know that you’re not alone. Millions of South Africans are just like you. But it doesn’t help you a whole heap either when loads of people stream whatever they like over their Wi-Fi and you’re paying cellphone companies wads of cash every month and watching your megabytes like a hawk.

However, there is an option that can help. They’re called WISPs. WISP is an acronym for wireless internet service provider. They’re companies that provide wireless internet, including wireless broadband so you can stream, bank, study, work from home and tons more.

This isn’t the wireless internet like the old days. That service was patchy and the signal was like a 1970s transistor radio – all crackle and hiss without much sound. Nor is it the type that requires you to have a masters degree in nerd to set it up and keep it running. Nor does it require you to promise your first born’s soul in return for five minutes of quality bandwidth.

Fixed wireless Internet from a WISP will often use a dish or antenna mounted on the roof. It connects to the WISP’s nearest backhaul site. The WISP will send a technician to install the dish or antenna. Once that’s done, it’s as easy as connecting to Wi-Fi to use your Internet connection.

The service is better than your typical cellular data service. You can choose the speed that matches your pocket. Services are typically uncapped and unthrottled like similar LTE-based (cellular-based) services restricted to 10Mbps. HD streaming is allowed, and you can use a VPN if you choose. Fair use policies don’t restrict high usage like some similar cellular-based services; rather they focus on preventing abuse.

So, if you think you can’t get reliable Internet, don’t despair. Find the WISPs in your area, compare their services and find the one that’s right for you. In fact, why not use our Find a WISP tool? That way, they’ll contact you. Find a WISP here