FAQs
about fibre.

Want to know more about
fibre availability and general things?

What is optical fibre?

Optical fibre is a hair-thin strand of glass, specifically designed to trap and transmit light pulses. The fibre uses light instead of electricity to carry a signal. It can carry an enormous amount of data over very long distances without buffering or a loss of signal, and it can provide those signals simultaneously for the upload and download of data, without losing speed. Copper networks can carry a fair amount of data, but only for a few hundred meters before the signal begins to fade and buffer.

What is the difference between copper and fibre?
Copper internet normally delivers a Digital Subscriber Line or an ADSL service over a standard telephone line that also provides the internet access. Copper is a former generation technology and is not nearly as reliable as fibre. Fibre internet consists of very thin glass strands, as opposed to copper wires, for faster data transfer. There is no comparison between copper and fibre as fibre is superior on all levels.
What is the Internet of Things?
Today only 10% of all communication takes place via network devices, like your phone connecting to your Bluetooth speaker. Therefore, 90% of all communication is still on a human to human or human to device level. It is said that in a few years’ time, up to 90% of all communication will occur between devices. Fibre, especially open access networks, gears you for this future.
What is a GB?
GB stands for Gigabyte and refers to an allocation of digital information or data. For example, a movie with fair resolution is around 1 GB in size.
What is the difference between an ISP and a Network Owner such as Lightstruck?
A network owner plans, installs, owns, and operates the physical fibre network in your area. They are solely responsible for the infrastructure. The ISP is in charge of selling the fibre to the public. Your ISP rents your fibre circuit as a utility from companies like Lightstruck and pays a portion of your package price over to the network owner.
How does connecting fibre to homes and businesses improve the user experience?
Connecting homes directly to fibre optic networks enables enormous improvements in the bandwidth that can be provided to communities, now and for many decades to come. Fibre is called the end-game technology. 5G and similar connections are still some distance from your property and from thereon everyone competes for the same internet access. Fibre is the only real digital utility that will enhance digital services at home and at work, including video, the Internet of Things, gaming, and smart homes.
What does FTTH stand for?
FTTH stands for Fibre to the Home. It refers to the completion of this next generation network right onto your property.
Will I still need a Telkom telephone line?
No, you can order internet and telephone services directly from any of the accredited ISP’s.
What does Mbps mean?
A bit is a common description of a unit of digital data or information. Mbps stands for megabits per second and this normally refers to the physical allocation of your data or “pipe” size. Imagine fibre being a 1m thick water pipe with infinite capacity. Mbps is like putting a tap on that enormous water pipe which will give you a steady flow of, for example, 20 litres per second.
What is the difference between capped and uncapped data?

With uncapped data you get unlimited data access at a steady speed. With capped data you are allocated a certain amount of data or GB’s (gigabytes) and when it is depleted you need to buy more to gain further access. The current trend in South Africa is uncapped packages, as it does not restrict users.

Can fibre break?

Fibre that is properly installed will seldom break and can last for 25 – 30 years. Fibre most often breaks due to human interferences such as theft, accidents, or negligence by other utility maintenance teams. If damaged, your fibre can, in most cases, be repaired on the same day.

I stay in a gated estate/multi dwelling unit. How do I get my body corporate/owner association involved?

Fibre availability is not restricted when living in a gated estate. The quickest way to get them involved is to register your interest with us. The more residents that show interest, the easier our discussion with the owners’ association will be. If you provide us with the details of the primary contact person, we can approach them to engage in our project discussions. If we can prove that there is a definite interest in the estate or complex, the decision-making process will be quick and easy, and the likelihood increases that we will be able to install fibre.

Support and technical stuff

Who do I contact when I want fibre?
It is the best to contact the ISP of your choice directly. You can also go to Products to browse through our virtual fibre shop to look for fibre products delivered to and available at your address.
Who do I call when I have a problem?
Always contact your ISP when you are experiencing a problem. They will call the network owner who has management layers in place to see when there is a fault in the network. If the network owner monitors their fibre, like we do at Lightstruck, they will be notified should a break in the connection occur.
How do I get my home connected?
We call connecting your home a Home Drop. There are 2 simple steps you need to follow after you have ordered your service from your ISP: (1) The scheduling and (2) the Home Drop itself. You will need to be home for the Home Drop so that our technicians can discuss the process with you and agree on the best location to fit the fibre equipment. The time required will differ for each property, but the installation usually takes approximately 2 hours. One of our technicians will need to be inside your property to fit the device. Remember, we certify all our contractors. Also, please note, we use pre-manufactured cables and can only install where our cable allows us, normally to one side of the property, and not necessarily to your perfect location.
Will you leave my garden and driveway in the same condition?
Our installers aim to cause minimal disruption to your property. However, in some cases access through a garden, lawn, or driveway may be required. We will discuss the options before starting any work. After we have completed the installation, we will restore the areas of your property where the work has been carried out to the condition it was in when we arrived. Please contact us if you are not satisfied.
Do I need to sign any forms to be connected?
In addition to the contract you sign with your ISP, you will need to sign our documentation to approve the work to be done on your property. A contract between you and a Lightstruck Home Drop contractor, known as the End User Terms, will need to be signed. It contains the obligations we have to each other in relation to your Lightstruck fibre service and the equipment located on your property. The terms need to be read carefully to ensure that it is understood. The End User Terms are the same for everyone who connects to Lightstruck fibre. If you refuse to sign the End User Terms we will not complete your installation.
To whom does the device belong?
The device will always belong to Lightstruck. This service is a digital utility and is linked to the property and not the resident at that time.

If you have any more questions, about fibre availability, fibre options, or anything else, you are welcome to contact us either via phone or email.