The Connectivity Conundrum

Don’t know your 4G from your LTE or fibre? We untangle the tech lingo for all things network-related

- Jane Vorster

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