• MetroFibre Networx has announced a significant overhaul of its FTTH packages.
• This includes doubling some line speeds at no extra cost, as well as reducing the pricing for some offerings.
• These changes come about as MetroFibre looks to offer its customers greater value for money given the rising cost of living in SA.

MetroFibre Networx has announced a major overhaul of its Fibre-To-The-Home (FTTH) packages, some of which began earlier this year. The internet service provider (ISP) says the wide-ranging changes are aimed at offering its customers greater value for money, as the cost of living and access to services in South Africa has steadily been rising.

Connectivity in particular is becoming more expensive, with the likes of MTN and Telkom recently announcing increases on the back of loadshedding-related expenses and a global economic downturn.

“Existing MetroFibre direct FTTH 50 Mbps and 100 Mbps customers will enjoy a massive ‘5x Up’ on their current speeds at no extra charge, in addition to a significant price cut for customers on its 1Gig package.  MetroFibre will roll out these line speeds and upgrades to existing loyal customers first, with further major announcements for new customers coming towards the end of March 2023.  On its open access network, ISP and Reseller customers will also be receiving upgrades and price reductions on a number of packages,” the company highlighted in a press release sent to Hypertext.

“MetroFibre will also build out on its existing time-based, pay-as-you-go MetroConnect 20Mbps product offering for emerging markets, rolling out nationally in underserved areas where fibre has traditionally been out of reach and consumers have been reliant on costly mobile data,” it added.

As for the changes both in place, and on the way, MetroFibre listed the following:

“For existing MetroFibre Direct Customers

• 20Mbps customers – no change to this affordable and effective entry level solution.
• 50Mbps customers will be upgraded to 250 Mbps at no extra charge (effective 1 March).
• 100Mbps customers will be upgraded to 500 Mbps at no extra charge (effective 1 March).
• 200 Mbps customers were upgraded to 1G with a new router at no extra charge from 1 Feb 2023. 
• 500 Mbps customers were upgraded to 1G with a new router at no extra charge, and the monthly subscription fee reduced to R1240, a saving of R410 – effective from 1 Feb 2023. 
• 1G/250Mbps customers were upgraded to 1G/500Mbps with a new router at no extra charge, and the monthly subscription fee reduced to R1240, a saving of R710 per month – this was effective 1 Feb 2023.  

For ISP Customers

• All Existing 200Mbps ISP customers were upgraded to 400Mbps at the current price, effective 1 Feb 2023. The 200Mbps product has been discontinued as of 1 Feb.
• ISPs have the option to upgrade their 50Mbps and 100 Mbps customers to 400Mbps at their current subscription price, which is valid until 31 May.
• 1Gbps pricing will decrease dramatically, with effect 1 March. 

For Reseller Customers

• • Pricing on the 1 Gbps and 500Mbps packages will be reduced, with effect 1 March.
• • 50Mbps, 100Mbps and 200Mbps customers will enjoy a 500Mbps burst package at their current subscription price for two months for them to experience real fibre speed, until 30 April 2023. From 1 May, we will have a compelling offer for these customers still to be announced.”

“MetroFibre’s upgrade to faster line speeds will provide significant benefit for customers, especially those who were on the standard 50Mbps and 100Mbps speeds. This overhaul brings real fibre speeds to customers at a cost and quality that is unrivalled in the market,” concluded Jan-Jan Bezuidenhout, CEO of MetroFibre Networx.