For many of us, home has become the centre of our worlds – the walls we live in are our offices, our entertainment hubs and even our kids’ schools.
Covid-19 has changed almost everything about the way we live our lives and connectivity is more vital than ever. Without it we can’t do our jobs, stream TV shows or keep up with our kids’ classwork.
But let’s face it, things can get confusing when it comes to all the options out there. FTTH, LTE, ADSL, 4G, 5G – the techie abbreviations are enough to make your head spin. And what do they all mean, anyway?
So here, in plain English, is a breakdown of all things internet-connectivity related.
ADSL
This stands for “asymmetrical digital subscriber line” and it’s a permanent link to the internet that transmits data via your telephone landline.
Since its rollout in 2002, it has replaced dial-up in most households. The disadvantage is that it limits you to one place because you’re dependent on your landline and at an average speed of 4mbps, it’s rather slow.
Telkom recently announced that over the next five years it will be decommissioning its ADSL service which will mean customers will have to migrate to newer technologies such as fibre and LTE.
What you need A fixed phone line and an ADSL modem.
Who it’s best for People who don’t have access to a fibre network.
4G
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der 14 May 2020-Ausgabe von Drum English.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der 14 May 2020-Ausgabe von Drum English.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Homegrown Heroes
Drum speaks to two volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trial and the professor heading the team in Africa
The Big Clean Up
Whenever a Covid-19 case is confirmed at a shop, they call in the deep-cleaners. We find out exactly how they disinfect stores and supermarkets
I'm Back & Better!
Babes Wodumo shares what she’s been up to in lockdown – and there’s some new music on the horizon
Not An Easy Ride
Taxi commuters and industry players tell DRUM what’s driving them to defy lockdown rules
Mam' Mary Bows Out
Iconic actress Mary Twala is fondly remembered by friends and family for her humour and talent
‘They Lived For Each Other'
This Cape Town teen’s parents died from Covid-19 on the same day. Now she’s alone and battling the virus too
Stranger Than Fiction
For actor Mangaliso Ngema and his daughter Khosi Ngema, her role in Blood & Water was like watching their family’s real-life story unfold
I Was Raped By A Pastor
His accusations against a well-known man of the cloth turned an Eastern Cape man’s life into turmoil but now more victims have spoken out
My Fight With Life And Death
More Covid-19 patients, too few beds and staff, constant sanitising and personal fears – a Western Cape doctor shares her experience
I AM ENOUGH
Ten years after being set alight, Thembi Maphanga is living life to the fullest