Compare Provider Lead Times
Below you will find comprehensive average lead times for installation and activation of fibre lines. These timeframes are for areas that are already live and ready for installation.
| Fibre Provider | Average Lead Time | Minimum Time | Maximum Time | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Openserve | 1 Week | Same Day | 28 Days | Fast |
| Vumatel | 1 Week | 1 Day | 30 Days | Fast |
| MetroFibre | 1 Week | Same Day | 25 Days | Fast |
| Frogfoot | 1 Week | 2 Days | 35 Days | Fast |
| Octotel | 2 Weeks | 8 Days | 42 Days | Fast |
| Link Africa | 1 Week | 3 Days | 21 Days | Fast |
| Vodacom Fibre | 1 Week | Same Day | 45 Days | Fast |
| Clear Access | 3 Weeks | 4 Days | 60 Days | Medium |
| Lightstruck | 2 Weeks | 7 Days | 35 Days | Fast |
| Rise Fibre | 1 Week | Same Day | 28 Days | Fast |
| MFN (Mitchell's Fibre) | 1 Week | 2 Days | 30 Days | Fast |
| DFA (Dark Fibre Africa) | 4 Weeks | 29 Days | 56 Days | Medium |
| Netstream | 2 Weeks | 2 Days | 35 Days | Fast |
| Evotel | 2 Weeks | 16 Days | 42 Days | Fast |
| Cool Ideas | 2 Weeks | 2 Days | 35 Days | Fast |
Important Notice
Installation lead times are a guide based on averages and will vary. Lead times are out of Mtronika's control and sometimes, in specific areas, are based on demand and infrastructure readiness. These timeframes apply only to areas where infrastructure rollout is complete.
The Fibre Installation Process
Understanding the complete journey from infrastructure rollout to enjoying high-speed fibre internet at your premises.
01
Infrastructure Rollout
Timeframe: 3-6 Months
Fibre infrastructure first needs to be rolled out to your area, estate, or complex by a last-mile fibre provider. This involves laying the main fibre cables through the neighbourhood.
What happens: Street cabinets installed, main fibre cables laid, network equipment configured for your area.
02
Line Installation
Timeframe: 1-4 Weeks (varies by provider)
The next step is to have a fibre line brought directly into your home. A technician will run the fibre cable from the street cabinet to your premises and install the connection point.
What happens: Fibre cable run to your home, internal wiring if needed, ONT (modem) installation.
03
Line Activation
Timeframe: 1-5 Days
Once the fibre line has been installed at your premises, it needs to be activated on the network. The technician reports completed installations and the provider activates your connection.
What happens: Network configuration, line testing, signal verification, connection goes live.
04
Enjoy! surfing
Timeframe: 24 Hours
Once the last-mile fibre provider confirms you're connected, Mtronika provisions your internet data package and you receive your first welcome email. You never pay for services you haven't received yet.
What happens: Account setup, data provisioning, welcome email sent, full-speed internet activated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about fibre installation timeframes and what to expect.
Installation times vary based on several factors including area demand, technical complexity of your installation, weather conditions, availability of technicians, and the specific provider's current workload. Some areas may require additional infrastructure work or permits.
If your area is in pre-order (infrastructure rollout phase), the timeframes above will only apply once your area goes live. You can sign up during pre-order, but installation scheduling will only begin when infrastructure is complete in your area.
Installation timelines are managed by the fibre provider and depend on their technician availability and scheduling. While you can't directly speed up the process, ensuring someone is available for the appointment and having clear access to your property can help avoid delays.
Installations in complexes or estates may take longer as they often require body corporate approval, additional permissions, or coordination with property management. Some estates have preferred providers which can affect timing and options.
Mtronika will keep you updated throughout the process. You'll receive confirmation when your order is placed, updates when the fibre provider schedules your installation, and notification when your line is ready for activation. The technician will also contact you to arrange a suitable installation time.